By Kerry Lamson, Candidate for Town of Matthews Board of Commissioners
Matthews is no longer a quiet suburb on the edge of Charlotte — we are a growing, thriving town experiencing a significant population surge. That growth brings new energy, diversity, and opportunity. But it also places real strain on the foundation that supports our daily lives: roads, schools, housing, utilities, and essential services.
Right now, we’re seeing:
- Increased traffic and congestion on roads not designed for today’s volume
- Overcrowded schools trying to serve more families with limited resources
- Rising housing costs and limited availability, especially for seniors, first-time buyers, and essential workers
- Greater demand for services like parks, water, sanitation, emergency response, and transit — with budgets that haven’t kept up
Without smart, strategic investment in our infrastructure, we risk losing the very things that make Matthews special — our livability, sense of community, and quality of life.
That’s why voters approved $35 million in general obligation bonds — and that’s why responsible, transparent use of those funds is more important than ever.
We need leadership that can:
- Prioritize infrastructure updates based on data, equity, and community input
- Balance development with sustainability
- Plan for long-term needs, not just short-term fixes
Matthews is growing rapidly— and our infrastructure needs to catch up.
Roads are congested, schools are crowded, housing is harder to find, and essential services are stretched thin. Without smart investment and careful planning, we risk losing the quality of life that makes Matthews special.
This isn’t just about fixing potholes or adding sidewalks. It’s about building a Matthews that works for everyone — today and tomorrow. I’ll work to ensure every dollar spent helps us grow wisely — with better roads, more housing choices, stronger schools, and services that meet the needs of our whole community.
1. Impact on our Seniors
As Matthews grows, seniors shouldn’t be left behind.
Rising housing costs, lack of affordable transportation, and overloaded health and public safety systems are making it harder for longtime residents to age in place.
I’ll push for infrastructure improvements that support senior mobility, safety, and housing — from better sidewalks and transit to age-friendly development and emergency response services. Our town must remain livable for every generation.
2. Impact on Young Families
Matthews should be a place where families can thrive — not just get by.
But as our population grows, schools are overcrowded, child-friendly amenities are under pressure, and traffic congestion adds stress to everyday routines.
I’ll advocate for expanded school capacity, safe neighborhoods, better parks, and roads that work for working parents. Infrastructure shouldn’t hold families back — it should lift them up.
3. Impact for Small Business Owners
A strong local economy starts with smart infrastructure.
Businesses in Matthews depend on reliable roads, affordable utilities, accessible locations, and workers who can afford to live nearby. But right now, our growth is outpacing the systems that support it.
I’ll focus on infrastructure investments that help local businesses succeed — from traffic and transit to workforce housing and dependable services. When we support small business, we grow together.
4. Impact for Minority & Lower-Income Households
Growth should never mean displacement.
As Matthews expands, lower-income families and longtime minority residents are feeling the pressure — from rising rents and limited housing options to inadequate public transit and access to services.
I believe every Matthews resident deserves dignity, stability, and opportunity. That means investing in affordable housing, improving transit options, protecting tenants, and ensuring infrastructure supports all neighborhoods — not just new development.
A stronger Matthews is one where no one is left behind.
5. Impact for the Local Workforce (Essential Workers)
The people who serve Matthews should be able to live here, too.
Teachers, EMTs, firefighters, public safety workers, and retail and service employees are essential to our town — yet many can’t afford to live where they work.
I’ll advocate for workforce housing, improved transit, and public infrastructure that supports their daily needs. That includes safe streets, child care access, and housing near job centers.
Matthews should honor its essential workers — not price them out.
I want to hear your story. Reach out and let me know how Matthews’ growth is affecting you — and how I can help bring your voice to the table.