Mayor Vi Lyles has called it quits, she says new fresh leadership needs to be in Charlotte
On May 7, 2026 Charlotte, NC Mayor Vi Lyles announced that she will resign from office effective June 30, 2026 which is before the end of her term. Mayor Lyles is the city of Charlotte’s first black female mayor. She will not seek re-election in the November 2027 election.
Mayor Lyles is the second longest serving mayor for Charlotte. She has served as Charlotte’s mayor since 2017. Follow Charlotte Alerts on Instagram.
Mayor Lyles says her reasoning to quit as Mayor stems on her focus on family and to allow new fresh leadership in the mayor’s office.
Mayor Lyles released this statement:
“Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life. I am proud of our record navigating various challenges, strengthening our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and building a foundation for Charlotte’s continued success during a time of rapid growth. 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.”
Mayor Lyles said she’s confident stepping down early because the city is in capable hands with a strong city manager and staff.
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.
Mayor Lyles was raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Queens University of Charlotte and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
