The Center for Transportation Policy Studies at University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), in partnership with the Charlotte Chamber have released an updated study of the economic impact of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The study indicates that the airport contributes nearly $10 billion in total economic impact to the Carolinas and creates more than 100,000 jobs throughout the region, either directly or indirectly. These jobs were found to feed more than $5 billion into the region's economy through wages and salaries each year.

In 1997, UNCC and the Charlotte Chamber conducted an airport economic impact study, which indicated a total impact of $4 billion and approximately 72,000 jobs. Since this time the airport has grown significantly with an increase in domestic and international air service, as well as the physical expansion and construction of airport facilities. Executive summaries of both studies are available. The complete study will be on file at the Center for Transportation Policy Studies at UNCC.

The 2005-2007 Charlotte City Council members will take the Oath of Office during a special ceremony at 7 pm on Monday, December 5 in the Meeting Chamber of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center at 600 E. Fourth Street.

Mayor Pat McCrory will be sworn in for a record sixth term. After taking his oath, McCrory will administer the oath of office to returning council members, John Lassiter (At-Large), Pat Mumford (At-Large), Susan Burgess (At-Large), Patsy Kinsey (District1), James Mitchell Jr (District 2), Warren Turner (District 3), Nancy Carter (District 5) and Don Lochman (District 7) as well as new council members Anthony Foxx (At-Large), Michael Barnes (District 4) and Andy Dulin (District 6). The ceremony also will honor outgoing representatives, Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon (At-Large), Greg Phipps (District 4) and John Tabor (District 6).

The event will air live on The Government Channel, Cable-16.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Crime Stoppers and the N.C. Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators (NCIAAI) are partnering to solve the four arson fires that have plagued the address of 5400 Hovis Road. 

A reward up to $1,000 is available from the NCIAAI Chapter for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting the fires.

If you have information concerning these fires, contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

To pay tribute to Rosa Parks and the 50^th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will observe "National Transit Tribute to Rosa Parks Day" on Thursday, December 1.  A front seat on each CATS bus will be reserved with a ribbon in honor of Ms. Parks.

For more information on CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.

Looking for an opportunity to get involved in our community?  On January 9, 2006, Charlotte City Council will make nominations to the following committees: 

• Firemen's Relief Board of Trustees
• Historic District Commission (nominee must be a resident/owner in Wesley Heights)
• Mayor's International Cabinet (nominee must represent an ethnic organization)
• Privatization/Competition Advisory Committee
• Sister Cities Committee
• Transit Services Advisory (One nominee must be a neighborhood organizational leader) (The other nominee must be a suburban employer served by CATS)
• Zoning Board of Adjustment

Applications may be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk by calling 704-336-7493 or by clicking here. 

The deadline to submit an application is by 5 pm on Friday, December 30.

Are you taking to the skies this holiday season? If so, you could be one of many passengers using Charlotte Douglas International Airport through New Year's Day.

Travelers who plan to park at the airport should allow plenty of time so they are prepared for takeoff.  For parking information, including prices, click here.

To obtain specific information about the airport, call 704-359-4910 or click here.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) invites the community to attend public meetings for the proposed Northeast Corridor Light Rail Project:

Tuesday, December 6 at 6 pm
University Place Hilton Hotel
8629 JM Keynes Dr.
Fountain View Room (Lobby Level)
Stations: City Blvd. – I-485/N. Tryon

Wednesday, December 7 at 6 pm
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 Sugar Creek Rd.
Fellowship Hall
Stations: 9th St. – Tom Hunter

For more information, call 704-336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.

City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thursday, November 24.  CATS will return to its regular schedule on Friday, November 25.

Solid Waste Services will not collect on Thursday, November 24.  Thursday customers will receive service on Friday, November 25; Friday customers will receive service on Saturday, November 26.

Tune in to The Government Channel – Cable 16 for the latest government news and information.

City Source – Thursday, November 24 at 5:30 pm
This week, find out how Charlotte is preparing for winter weather.  Also, learn how to get street lights and sidewalks in your neighborhood.

To learn more about The Government Channel, visit http://govchannel.charmeck.org.