Title VI Complaint Process - Charlotte, NC

Civil Rights and Equity North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. This guide explains how residents or visitors can file a Title VI complaint with the City of Charlotte, what to expect during intake and investigation, and the options for appeal or referral to federal agencies. It covers who may file, required information, typical timelines when published, and the City office responsible for investigations and compliance.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Charlotte enforces nondiscrimination commitments through its Civil Rights & Equity office and may investigate complaints alleging discrimination under Title VI. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties imposed directly by the City are not specified on the cited page.Visit the City Civil Rights page[1]

  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and graduated fines — not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, corrective-action plans, suspension or termination of benefits, and referral to federal agencies may occur depending on findings.
  • Enforcer and complaint intake: City of Charlotte Civil Rights & Equity Office receives complaints and conducts investigations; transportation-related Title VI complaints may be handled or coordinated with Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). See CATS Title VI information[2]
  • Appeals and federal referral: complainants may also file with relevant federal agencies (for example, U.S. DOT or DOJ) when City review is complete or when the complaint involves federally funded programs.
  • Time limits and deadlines for filing or appeals: not specified on the cited City pages; check the City Civil Rights page or the specific departmental Title VI plan for any published deadlines.
If the City finds probable cause, remedies may include corrective actions and referrals to federal funders.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes guidance and contact information for submitting Title VI complaints; the specific complaint form name or number is provided on the City Civil Rights page or the relevant department plan when available.See City guidance[1]

  • How to submit: most complaints are accepted in writing by mail, email, or in person as instructed by the Civil Rights office.
  • Fees: no fee is required to file a Title VI complaint (not specified as charged on the cited page).
  • Deadlines: check the City or departmental Title VI page for any published filing deadlines; if none are shown, the page is current as of February 2026.
Keep copies of all documents and submission receipts when you file a complaint.

How the Process Works

Typical steps include intake, jurisdictional review, investigation, determination, and issuance of finding and remedy when appropriate. For transit-related complaints, the transit operator’s Title VI plan explains coordination with federal transit authorities and local procedures.See CATS plan[2]

  • Intake and initial review to determine if Title VI jurisdiction applies.
  • Investigation period varies by case; check the City’s procedural guidance for published timelines or note that timelines are not specified on the main City page.
  • If unresolved, referral or filing with a federal agency is possible.
Transportation complaints often include an extra coordination step with transit agencies and federal funders.

FAQ

Who can file a Title VI complaint?
Any individual or their representative who believes they were discriminated against in a City program or service funded by federal dollars can file.
What information should I include in a complaint?
Provide your name and contact information, description of the alleged discriminatory act, date/time/location, names of witnesses, and any supporting documents.
How long will an investigation take?
The City’s published timelines vary by department; specific investigation durations are not specified on the main City Title VI page and may appear in departmental plans.

How-To

  1. Gather facts: collect names, dates, locations, witness contacts, and supporting documents.
  2. Contact the City Civil Rights & Equity Office to request the Title VI complaint form or instructions; submit the complaint in writing by the methods provided.
  3. Cooperate with intake and investigation: respond to requests for information and attend interviews if asked.
  4. Receive determination: the City issues findings and, if needed, a corrective action plan; if unresolved, consider filing with a federal agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Title VI applies to programs receiving federal funds in Charlotte.
  • File with the City Civil Rights & Equity Office; retain records of your submission.
  • If unresolved locally, you may refer the complaint to an appropriate federal agency.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Charlotte Civil Rights & Equity - Title VI information
  2. [2] Charlotte Area Transit System - Title VI information

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