New Chief Deputy Secretary of NCDOT is a Proud 49er
David Howard, the new chief deputy secretary for the North Carolina Department of Transportation is a proud alumnus of Niner Nation. Howard, who was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper, is no stranger to public service.
Prior to his election to the Charlotte City Council in 2009, Howard served on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission. As a council member, he focused his work on economic development and transportation. Most recently, he served as associate administrator of policy and governmental affairs for the Federal Highway Administration.
“This position as chief deputy secretary feels like a natural next step,” Howard said. “I will be able to use my local and national experience to help move a progressive and innovative transportation agenda that positions my home state to attract new industries and, more importantly, jobs.”
Howard’s duties include overseeing operations for the ferry, rail, aviation, public transportation and bike and pedestrian divisions. He also works closely with the DMV, freight lines, Global TransPark operations, civil rights and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In addition, he will enact the agenda created by Gov. Cooper and NCDOT Secretary James Trogdon to create jobs and invest in the state’s infrastructure.
Throughout his career, Howard has built strong working relationships with higher education and research and development-focused organizations. With shared services like Uber and Lyft, and interruptive transportation technology, such as driverless vehicles, platooning trucks and smart intersections, changing the way people move about their communities, he believes partnering with the UNC system makes sense.
“Such a strong partnership would only further the reputation of North Carolina as the state where the future of transportation and good business meet,” said Howard. He noted the newly awarded federal grant for a University Transportation Center and the research in the Transportation Cluster at EPIC (Energy Production and Infrastructure Center) distinguish UNC Charlotte as a leader in innovation and research.
While Howard has traveled many paths since earning his degree from UNC Charlotte, he still values his time as a Charlotte 49er. “What I remember the most is how much I changed during my time at UNC Charlotte,” Howard said. “My time on campus prepared me for the many opportunities I have been afforded. I will always treasure the solid foundation UNC Charlotte provided me.”
Budget Update
The budget process in the North Carolina General Assembly is beginning to move quickly. UNC Charlotte leaders continue to push the University’s budget priorities:
Enrollment Growth Funding
As UNC Charlotte remains the fastest-growing campus in the UNC system, enrollment funding tops the University's legislative priorities. UNC Charlotte has experienced a 33 percent enrollment increase during the last decade and expects to enroll more than 29,000 students for the 2017-18 academic year. Due to this dramatic increase, UNC Charlotte’s need to fund instruction and operations has never been greater. Of the total $46.6 million UNC system enrollment growth request, UNC Charlotte would receive $15 million.
Faculty Recruitment and Retention Fund Increase
Over the past 10 years, this fund has allowed the University to recruit and retain more than 75 outstanding faculty in a variety of fields.
Increase Salary Funds for University Employees
Increasing salaries for University employees, consistent with all state employees, is an important tool for retaining and recognizing excellent faculty and staff.
Increase Carryforward Authority
Increasing the carryforward amount from 2.5 to 5 percent will result in greater efficiency and savings, allowing the University to address critical campus repairs and renovations. These can include upgrading mechanical and electrical systems, addressing roofing issues, classroom and lab renovations, campus fire alarm upgrades and road improvements.
Increase Approval Authority
Increasing approval authority from $300,000 to $1 million allows the University to more efficiently tackle projects, including parking lot resurfacing, roof repairs and road widening.
How to help
Do you know an Appropriations Committee member? Contact Betty Doster at betty.doster@uncc.edu
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