Charlotte leaders to discuss affordable housing, among other issues at council retreat

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Councilmembers will be in Raleigh this week for their annual retreat.

In addition to the budget, Charlotte City Council is expected to discuss big issues like affordable housing and a lack of funding for the Cross Charlotte Trail.

Government reporter Joe Bruno will be with councilmembers in Raleigh, providing coverage on their key discussions, starting on Monday at 5 p.m.

But it’s what is on the agenda after the meetings that is raising eyebrows.

Charlotte City Council and staff are scheduled to eat at Mia Francesca and Sullivan’s Steakhouse for dinner. Council and staff raised eyebrows when they ate at the same two restaurants during the 2017 retreat, racking up $4,000 on the taxpayers’ tab.

Like 2017, this year’s Council will eat at Sullivan’s Steakhouse with the Mecklenburg Delegation. In 2017 only two lawmakers paid their own bills, Joel Ford and Dan Bishop.

In 2017, Councilman Tariq Bokhari wasn’t an elected official. But as one now, he says he will pay for his own meals.

[PAST COVERAGE: Charlotte City Council retreat costs taxpayers about $42,000]

“Everyone as long as it is within reason can do what they think is right,” Bokhari said. “I’ll be covering my own but to each their own on that front.”

Bokhari has asked the city manager for a checks and balances system in the future so the city can be respectful of taxpayer dollars.

“My personal opinion, does it need to be at an ultra fine dining establishment? Probably not,” Bokhari said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the city of Charlotte defended the decision to go back to Mia Francesca and Sullivan’s Steakhouse.

“Multiple factors go into choosing a dining location, including proximity to the meeting space, room in the restaurant for attendees, including any media and community members, as well as a demonstrated ability to host large events,” Jordan-Ashley Walker, spokesperson for the city of Charlotte said.

In 2017, the Charlotte City Council retreat cost taxpayers $42,000. In 2018, the retreat cost taxpayers $37,897.

This year’s retreat is being held at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills.

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