Kimberly Owens

The Election Hub Questionnaire

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

I’m Kimberly Owens and I’m running for Charlotte’s City Council in District 6. I’m 55 years old and have lived in South Charlotte for over 30 years. I got my Bachelor’s Degree from Northwestern University and graduated from UNC Law School with honors in 1994.

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters.

As someone who has been interested in politics and government since staying up to watch the Ford/Carter election results, I cannot sit by and let cynicism take over the public’s attitude toward their government at all levels – city, state, and especially federal. It is time for new representation in City Council District 6. The community deserves to be represented by someone who will bring professionalism to the dais, who will be a pragmatic voice for the community and the city, and who will work to tone down the rancor that has become too common in Charlotte government. While I haven’t held elected office before, I have decades of experience as an attorney and service to local non-profit agencies that can help shape discussions and decisions on the city’s biggest challenges, from transportation and land use planning to attainable housing and economic development.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?

If the transit sales tax referendum passes, I will work with the Council’s Transportation committee, staff, and stakeholders to come up with a set of metrics to gauge the success of the transportation plan’s goals of increasing vehicle mobility and improving quality of life in Charlotte. Are Charlotteans who do not own a car able to get around more easily with the newly-funded projects? Is NOAH (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing) actually springing up around the transit  corridors? Are residents able to be less car-dependent? Is bus service improving and running at the promised 15-minute intervals?

If the referendum doesn't pass, I will work with the Transportation committee, staff and stakeholders to assess how to meet those laudable goals along with the ever-present need for expansion of multi-modal transportation to bring Charlotte to the future, but without the money to do so.

What is your position on the proposed transit tax and why? Will you vote in favor of it or against it in November?

I plan to vote “yes” on the transportation tax referendum if placed on the ballot in November. To be sure, it is an imperfect package. The proportion of proposed spending on roads vs. rail and buses is not what Charlotte preferred and there are communities such as Matthews who feel their voices were not heard. However, the funds that would be raised through the sales tax increase are a necessary step forward to catch up with Charlotte’s transportation needs. I wish the funds came from a source other than a regressive tax, but with no state and federal funding on the horizon, the tax increase is, in my opinion, the only remaining option.

Along with the tax increase, the city’s 2040 Plan, Unified Development Ordinance, and Community Area Plans are all steps in a direction Charlotte must go if we are to continue to meet the challenges of our growth. These plans focus on areas where mobility is the most challenging. I am encouraged by the transportation options Charlotte has rolled out recently, such as micro-transit --smaller means of affordable and accessible transit provide residents with innovative options that meet users where they are.

I intend to serve on the Council’s Transportation, Planning and Development Committee and bring my experience as a real estate attorney to inform Council’s discussions on the city’s growth.

What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?

So far, I have been endorsed by:

Woodson Bradley, NC State Senate District 42

Julia Greenfield, NC State House District 100

Jennifer Roberts, Former Mayor of Charlotte

Christy Clark, Mayor of Huntersville

Laura Meier, Mecklenburg County Commissioner District 5

Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, Mecklenburg County Commissioner District 6

Melissa Easley, Board of Education District 1

Ken McCool, Matthews Commissioner

Nancy Carter, Former Charlotte City Councilwoman, currently an elected member of the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

Jennifer De La Jara, Former Mecklenburg At-Large Board of Education Member

Everytown for Gun Safety

Note: The following are NOT endorsements but are rather distinctions given to me by these organizations:

2025 Excellent Candidate by the LGBTQ+ Mecklenburg Democrats

2025 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction

Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know.

My work in the community goes far beyond what I have accomplished as a real estate attorney. In the more than 30 years I’ve lived in Charlotte, I’ve volunteered with numerous organizations and done pro bono work with my knowledge of law. I am currently the chair of two local organizations; RAIN and The Havens. I also am involved with Lillian’s List and Moms Demand Action. Previously, I worked pro bono to provide due process to students facing expulsion and long-term suspension through the Council for Children’s Rights. I believe that serving on Charlotte’ City Council is another place where I can stand up and work for Charlotteans and I hope that you will elect me as your District 6 Councilwoman.