Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to resign in June

Photo of Mayor Vi Lyles (July 2025)

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced Thursday that she will resign from office effective June 30, bringing an end to a historic tenure that spanned five terms and helped shape one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.

Lyles, who became Charlotte’s first Black woman elected mayor in 2017, said the decision comes after years of public service and reflection on the city’s future leadership. During her time in office, she guided Charlotte through periods of rapid economic growth, public safety challenges, transportation debates, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement released from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Lyles thanked residents for their trust and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among city leaders, businesses, and neighborhoods.

"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," she said. "By leaving early, the voters will have more time to learn about their candidates. Our city is strong, our trajectory is positive, and now is the right moment for someone else to build on our progress from the past few years." 

City Council members are expected to discuss the process for appointing an interim mayor in the coming weeks ahead of the June 30 transition.