James Thomas

Infrastructure / Transportation Advocate for AI safety policies to ensure city technologies are transparent, ethical, and bias-free. Social Services Create tech literacy nights with student-led training for seniors and small business owners. Education Support shared-use agreements to allow school spaces to be used for community events and services. Legislation Hold contractors accountable. I will advocate for stronger city oversight of contractors working on infrastructure projects. This includes pushing for transparent timelines, regular performance reviews, and clear penalties for delays, cost overruns, or poor-quality work. Housing Expand home repair and maintenance grant programs to help residents stay safely housed. Social Services I will strengthen existing city programs like Operation Ceasefire and PROOVE by advocating for deeper youth involvement, trauma-informed practices, and mentorship integration. I will work to ensure these initiatives go beyond enforcement and become tools for healing and growth. Infrastructure / Transportation Track and report infrastructure progress publicly. I will push for a public-facing dashboard so residents can see real-time updates on sidewalk, street, lighting, and safety projects in District 1 who’s doing the work, how long it’s taking, and how funds are being spent. Legislation Champion public awareness efforts to promote attendance, reading initiatives, and academic enrichment. Social Services Create a Council Summer Jobs Program for teens 14–18 in collaboration with local businesses and schools ( Charlotte’s Mayor’s Youth Employment Program and similar initiatives provide job training and placements to hundreds of teens each year. Government Reform Create a Digital Navigator role or pilot program at a community center to help with tech skills and internet access. Housing Prioritize affordable housing projects that include on-site services such as job help, mental health support, and childcare. Education Co-locate tutoring, counseling, and job prep programs near or within District 1 schools. Education Host quarterly community roundtables with students, parents, and school officials in District. Social Services Increase visibility and support for community outreach workers. Social Services Collaborate with Parks& Rec to Expand recreation center hours and programming to include late-night and weekend youth events focused on keeping teens off the streets through structured activities, and mentor engagement. (Ex: Charlotte/ Greensboro late night basketball tournaments). Criminal Justice / Public Safety Build smarter, safer streets. I’ll continue to advocate for stoplights in high-risk areas, smart streetlights in dark zones, and calming traffic measures like speed humps—while making sure the work is done right the first time. Legislation Improve the contractor selection process. I’ll support reforms to how vendors are evaluated prioritizing local and minority-owned businesses with proven track records and a real investment in our community not just the lowest bidder. Government Reform Shed Light on Youth Council Program/ create Youth Advisory Roundtable to give youth leadership training and experience in civic engagement. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Ensure that all new developments in District 1 include sidewalks, lighting, transit access, and green space. Education Develop a Student Voice Dashboard to gather real-time feedback and guide investment in youth priorities. Infrastructure / Transportation Install public Wi-Fi hubs in parks, rec centers, and underserved housing areas in District. Infrastructure / Transportation Fix what’s broken, faster. I’ll work with city staff to streamline small-scale repairs like broken lights, sidewalk cracks, and drainage issues so they’re handled quickly without waiting for a major contract cycle. Legislation Promote a "Safe Tech, Safe City" awareness campaign to educate residents on AI risks and online safety. Housing Support conversion of vacant motels and lots into tiny homes and senior assisted living.