Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election in November 2027 and will resign early, effective June 30. 

Lyles is the Queen City's first Black female mayor. She has held the position for nearly a decade. 

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"Serving as Charlotte's mayor has been the honor of my life," Lyles said in a press release announcing her resignation. "I am proud of our record navigating various challenges, strengthening our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and building a foundation for Charlotte's continued success during a time of rapid growth." 

Lyles said she is stepping down to spend more time with her grandchildren and for new leadership. 

Lyles spend more than 30 years in Charlotte city government, serving in City Council and working as a budget analyst, budget director, and assistant city manager. 

"I am very proud of my record as mayor, but I also firmly believe that true leadership includes knowing when it is time to let the next generation of leaders take over," she said. "By leaving early, the voters will have more time to learn about their candidates. Our city is strong, our trajectory is positive, and now is the right moment for someone else to build on our progress from the past few years." 

Lyles said she will not make any immediate endorsement of a potential successor.