A Legacy of Advocacy: John Holmes III and the Vision for a Better Charlotte
John Holmes III didn’t just live in Charlotte—he fought for its future. A husband, father, veteran, and community advocate, Holmes dedicated his life to making the city safer and more equitable for all. On December 29, 2024, Charlotte lost a leader whose vision for better urban infrastructure and transit equity resonated across east Charlotte and beyond.
At 29, Holmes was a well-known advocate for pedestrian and cyclist safety, urban planning, and transit-oriented development. His passion for these causes was as personal as it was civic; Holmes was a regular cyclist who deeply understood the challenges faced by transit-dependent residents. His advocacy wasn’t just about policy—it was about people.
Fighting for Charlotte, Even at a Personal Cost
In early 2022, Holmes worked at Chick-fil-A while pursuing a master’s in public administration at UNC Charlotte. When the company sought approval for a drive-thru-only location in a transit-oriented zone, Holmes opposed it. His public dissent cost him his job and health insurance while his wife was seven months pregnant. Still, he stood by his principles, a decision emblematic of his commitment to the city.
“He never let adversity stop him,” said Jordan Lopez, an east Charlotte resident and North Carolina General Assembly member. “Every setback was a springboard for him to move forward.”
Later, Holmes co-founded Charlotte Urbanists, a group dedicated to creating a sustainable and equitable city. One of their first projects involved installing benches at underserved bus stops—a simple but profound act of service. The group raised thousands of dollars to build over 80 benches, highlighting the impact of grassroots action.
A Commitment to Community
Holmes held numerous volunteer and advisory roles, including with the CharlotteEAST transportation committee and the City of Charlotte Bicycle Advisory Committee. His work often went unpaid, driven purely by passion. Christine Edwards Pitkin, who later employed him at her firm Civility Localized, described him as authentic and eager. “He wasn’t just advocating; he was educating people about what change looks like,” she said.
Charlotte City Council Member Marjorie Molina called Holmes a “model advocate,” praising his firsthand understanding of the challenges facing transit-reliant residents. “He was committed to his cause in a way few people are,” she said. “John Holmes didn’t just talk about making Charlotte better—he did the work.”
A Selfless Vision for Change
Holmes’ wife, Nashaly Ruiz-Gonzalez, hopes his legacy inspires others. “John believed change starts with one person. For a lot of people, he was that one person,” she said. Whether through a shared laugh over energy drinks or the benches he helped install, Holmes left a lasting impact.
Holmes’ untimely passing leaves Charlotte with a void, but his work serves as a reminder that meaningful change starts at the community level.
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