Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, 73, announced on Thursday that she will resign effective June 30. The surprise move comes less than six months after Lyles won re-election to lead North Carolina’s largest city.

In a statement, Lyles said serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of her life. She expressed pride in navigating challenges, strengthening the economy, investing in neighborhoods, and building a foundation for continued success during rapid growth. “Now, it is time for the next phase of my life, to spend more time with my grandchildren and for someone new to lead us forward,” Lyles added.

Lyles became Charlotte’s first African-American female mayor in 2017 after unseating incumbent Jennifer Roberts in a heated Democratic primary and defeating Republican Kenny Smith in the general election. Her career began long before her mayoral run, including roles as a budget analyst and later as budget director and assistant city manager. She was chosen as mayor pro tem from 2015 to 2017 after winning an at-large City Council seat in 2013.

Sources close to Lyles indicated that she had been missing regular City Council meetings and zoning hearings for months, with some reporting she had delegated ceremonial duties and faced concerns about the city’s upcoming sales tax referendum she ran in 2025. Additionally, reports indicate that Lyles had appeared confused during procedural discussions at times, requiring reminders to cast tiebreaking votes.

When asked by a reporter whether she intended to complete her term, Lyles declined to answer directly.