James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Jr.

Description:

Mitchell’s platform addresses housing, economic mobility and public safety through targeted programs. He proposes developing a rent assistance voucher system and using city-owned land to support affordable housing development, especially along transit corridors. In economic policy, he advocates for funding women-owned businesses, start-ups, and “Corridors of Opportunity” initiatives. In public safety, Mitchell promotes increased support for community-based violence prevention nonprofits, neighborhood-driven police station placement, and comprehensive police training in implicit bias and de-escalation tactics. He stepped down from the council in 2021 because he acquired an ownership interest in a city construction contractor, R.J. Leeper Construction, but he won election again in 2022, and that issue appears to be resolved. He supports the current transit referendum but also says that the plan must better service underserved communities.. Mitchell often refers to himself as Charlotte’s biggest cheerleader, and he tends to support recommendations from city staff and often votes with the council’s majority coalition.