MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County Commissioners voted to approve the county’s proposed $2.5 billion budget for 2026.

That translates to about $36 more per year for the average homeowner.

One of the few areas seeing increased funding is education. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will receive the full amount it requested , including a $28 million boost to support teacher salaries.

But outside of CMS, nearly every county department is facing reductions, and nonprofits are among the hardest hit.

The budget includes over $6 million in cuts to nonprofit funding, including a near-total elimination of community service grants. Those grants support a range of services — from housing support to health care and food access.

Organizations like Crisis Assistance Ministry, which helps res

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