Franco McGee for Monroe City Council

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 PATRIOTS’ DAY | 25 YEARS LATER 🇺🇸

September 11, 2001 — September 11, 2026

Today, the City of Monroe, Union County, our first responders, community partners, and citizens come together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001; a day that forever changed our nation and the world.

Twenty-five years later, we remember.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken far too soon.
We remember the families who said goodbye that morning never imagining it would be their last.
We remember the children who grew up without a parent, the spouses who lost their partners, and the families and loved ones who have carried an absence that time can never fully erase.

We remember New York City, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
We honor the firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency personnel, military members, and ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary courage running toward danger while helping others find their way to safety.

And we remember the countless first responders and survivors whose lives and health continued to be impacted long after that September morning.

For those of us who lived through 9/11, we remember where we were.
We remember the images.
We remember the uncertainty.
We remember the heartbreak.

America changed that day, and its impact remains with us a quarter-century later.

But amid unimaginable tragedy, we also witnessed something powerful:
PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE.
NEIGHBORS HELPING STRANGERS.

AMERICANS STANDING TOGETHER.

May that spirit continue to challenge us today.

Our greatest tribute to those we lost is not simply remembering how they died, but remembering the HUMANITY, COURAGE, COMPASSION, SACRIFICE, and UNITY that emerged in the hours and days that followed.

As a Councilmember for the City of Monroe, I join our community in extending my deepest sympathy and continued prayers to every family and loved one who carries the loss of September 11th and to the people of New York City and communities across our nation who still carry the memories of that day.

25 years later, we remember their names.
We honor their lives.
We salute those who answered the call.
And we will NEVER FORGET. 🇺🇸

Today, September 11, 2026 | Patriots’ Day
🕘 9:00 A.M.
📍 Historic Union County Courthouse

07/06/2026

05/15/2026

Honored to attend the Grand Opening of and have the opportunity to meet with CEO, Mr. Eric Legvold, while learning more about the incredible work, innovation, and vision driving this growing organization within the aviation industry.

One of the most impactful parts of our conversation centered around workforce development, youth exposure to aviation careers, and the importance of building intentional partnerships that connect people to opportunity.

Many people still do not realize that the City of Monroe is home to the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport and a growing aviation and aerospace industry ecosystem filled with tremendous opportunities.
The secret truly needs to be revealed about the plethora of aviation and aerospace career pathways, technical trades, entrepreneurship opportunities, and economic growth happening right here within our city.

I was especially encouraged by DavinciJets’ willingness to explore partnerships with South Piedmont Community College, Union County Public Schools, and our HBCUs to help create intentional pipelines into employment and career opportunities within aviation and aerospace industries.

As a Councilmember for the City of Monroe, I remain fully committed to building meaningful relationships with industries such as these to help strengthen our local economy while creating real and sustainable employment opportunities for the citizens of Monroe and Union County.

Economic development should not simply be about growth taking place around our residents; it should also be about creating pathways that allow our residents to participate in, benefit from, and lead within that growth.

The future of Monroe is bright, innovative, and full of possibility, and I am excited about continuing these conversations with industry leaders, educators, workforce partners, and community stakeholders as we work together to build a stronger and more inclusive future for all.

03/11/2026

Juneteenth Celebration Vendor Information:

Greetings, as we embark on another year of the Juneteenth Celebration in Monroe, NC, on June 13th, 2026, at Belk Tonawanda Park, 217 I B Shive Dr.
Below is a link to the various vendor registration forms.
Please click on the appropriate link to complete the registration form. (Either 1, 2, or 3)

***PLEASE NOTE:
YOU NEED TO BE REGISTERED ON OUR PLATFORM (Rec1) TO COMPLETE THE FORM***

Please follow the prompts:

1. Programs and Services Registration Form
https://secure.rec1.com/NC/city-of-monroe/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyMDk4Mzk=

2. Merchandise Registration Form
https://secure.rec1.com/NC/city-of-monroe/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyMDk4Mzg=

3. Food Truck Registration Form
https://secure.rec1.com/NC/city-of-monroe/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyMDk4MzU=

*Merchandise vending is $50.00, and a Food Truck of any kind is $100.

We accept registration online or in person.

In-person registration is cash, check, or money order only.

In-person registration:
is 500 W. Jefferson Street, Monroe, NC. 28111

Please complete your registration as soon as possible, as space is limited.

Please contact Randy Davis, Monroe Parks and Recreation General Manager at 704-290-1833/ 803-318-2368 or email at [email protected]

In City Hall you’ll see your local goverment in action. Stop by duriing our open house to tour the building, meet City employees and learn more about what your City is doing for you, and what you can do for your community.

03/03/2026

02/24/2026

South Carolina native and civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. will lie in state at the SC State House on Monday, March 2. The honor comes at the request of the Jackson family and numerous members of the state’s General Assembly. Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZT7UzC

02/22/2026

Just asked our Council to follow the lead of Governor Josh Stein; hopefully we are able to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson and his contributions to our country in the same way.

Good Afternoon, Council and Manager Watson:

At moments when our community is already reflecting on history, service, and shared values, we are presented with opportunities to lead in ways that are both meaningful and unifying.

I respectfully encourage the City of Monroe to take the lead in honoring the life and legacy of civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson. Specifically, I recommend that we create a City proclamation to be read at Tuesday’s Council meeting, formally observing February 17th in recognition of Reverend Jackson’s enduring contributions to civil rights, equity, and justice.

In addition, I encourage the lowering of City flags to half-staff in alignment with Governor Stein’s directive at the state level.
Together, these actions would represent a thoughtful and visible acknowledgment of Reverend Jackson’s impact while reinforcing Monroe’s commitment to values-driven leadership.

As we continue through a month that recognizes Black history and its lasting influence, this proclamation would serve as a moment of reflection and awareness, highlighting Reverend Jackson’s work and the progress it helped secure for our country.
It would also provide an opportunity for unity and shared recognition within our community.

By Monroe stepping forward in this manner, I am hopeful that other Union County municipalities will be encouraged to follow suit, allowing our region to collectively honor this legacy with intention and respect.

For reference, the article outlining the Governor’s directive is included below:
https://wcti12.com/news/local/governor-stein-orders-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-rev-jesse-jackson

Thank you for your consideration.
I am looking for a second for this request and I am happy to assist in drafting language for the proclamation if helpful.

Best,
Franco McGee for Monroe City Council

Gov. Josh Stein has ordered U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff from Feb. 19 through Feb. 28 to honor Rev. Jesse L. Jackson,

02/17/2026

Yes sir, I WILL!
RIP Rev. Jesse Jackson (1941-2026)

12/10/2025

In Monroe, we refuse to let anyone divide us!

Let this be clear: any attempt to pit Republicans and Democrats against one another on this Council is a direct attack on the values that have guided Monroe for generations.

Our Council has never operated through partisan lines — and we will not start now!

We know EXACTLY what the intended impact of HB3 was, and we will not allow that mission to take root here.

OUR RESIDENTS DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS;
OUR COUNCIL DIDN'T ’VOTE FOR THIS

And we will not allow partisanship to derail the COLLABORATIVE, FORWARD-FOCUSED LEADERSHIP that has helped Monroe thrive.

Monroe’s progress has always come from working together — not from political posturing.

We serve EVERY RESIDENT, EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD, EVERY VOICE … NOT a PARTY!

Anyone seeking to run on a PLATFORM of DIVISION or HARD PARTISAN LINES is choosing DISRUPTION over PROGRESS and PERSONAL AGENDA over COMMUNITY.

WE REJECT THAT ENTIRELY!

This Council remains STEADFAST in its commitment to UNITY, SERVICE, and TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP that lifts ALL PEOPLE — regardless of political affiliation.

Monroe deserves nothing less!

ALL COUNCIL, FOR ALL PEOPLE...Always.

Comment: "MONROE FOR ALL PEOPLE" if you approve this measage.

Franco McGee for Monroe City Council