Honor of my life

Lyles, the city’s first Black female mayor, announced she’ll resign June 30, ending her tenure to focus on family and allow fresh leadership.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election and will resign from office effective June 30, ending a tenure that began when she was first elected in 2017.

Lyles, Charlotte’s first Black female mayor, said she is stepping down to spend more time with her grandchildren and to allow a new leader to take over.

“Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life,” Lyles said. “Now, it is time for the next phase of my life, to spend more time with my grandchildren and for someone new to lead us forward.”

Lyles has spent more than 30 years in Charlotte city government. Before serving as mayor, she served two terms on City Council, including as Mayor Pro Tem from 2015 to 2017. She also previously worked as a budget analyst, budget director and assistant city manager for the city.

During her time as mayor, Lyles cited economic growth and job creation, public safety improvements, housing initiatives and expanded public transit among her key achievements. Voters approved a sales tax last year to support transit infrastructure and service enhancements.

“I am very proud of my record as mayor, but I also firmly believe that true leadership includes knowing when it is time to let the next generation of leaders take over,” Lyles said. “By leaving early, the voters will have more time to learn about their candidates.”

Lyles said she has confidence in the city’s manager and staff and expressed no concern about the transition.

She added that she will not endorse a potential successor at this time.

(Short Context Note: Vi Lyles, the first Black female mayor of Charlotte, is resigning to focus on family and allow fresh leadership.) (Fact Check Note: Vi Lyles served as Charlotte’s mayor since 2017 and has a long history in city government prior to her mayoral role.)