A chat with Mayor Rob Harrington

Charlotte has a new mayor at a pivotal moment. The city is closing in on 1 million residents, wrestling with questions about growth, affordability and transportation, and navigating political divisions over how to shape its future.

Just days after taking the oath of office, Mayor Rob Harrington sat down with The Charlotte Ledger's Ashley Fahey to talk about how he plans to lead through those challenges — and what kind of city he hopes Charlotte will become.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Harrington discusses his first days in office, why he believes business and community interests shouldn't be viewed as opposing forces, and how Charlotte can continue to grow while creating opportunity for longtime residents. He also shares his views on building trust within City Council, the importance of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, investing in affordable housing through the city's Housing Trust Fund, and why partnerships among government, businesses and nonprofits have long been one of Charlotte's greatest strengths.

The interview wraps up with a lighter round of rapid-fire questions: Harrington reveals the Charlotte institutions he'd show a first-time visitor, the cities he admires, what he thinks leaders don't talk about enough and why he wants Charlotte to become a national model for how fast-growing cities can thrive without losing what makes them special.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Tony Mecia. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.