Charlotte: The Sustainability Capital We Deserve

Last week, a headline from The Charlotte Ledger proclaimed that Charlotte is the new car wash capital. But is this really the title we aspire to? Imagine instead reading: “Charlotte: The New Sustainability Capital.”

What if our city became known not for an abundance of car washes but for an abundance of walkable, people-friendly neighborhoods? A place where our streets were designed not just for cars, but for people—where safe, wide sidewalks lined with trees created shaded, pleasant pathways for walkers and cyclists. Where crosswalks at every intersection and mid-block crossing ensured that pedestrians could navigate safely and confidently. Where biking to work or the grocery store was not only possible but encouraged, thanks to protected bike lanes and traffic-calmed streets.

Picture a Charlotte where public transportation was efficient, accessible, and comfortable. Where every bus stop had seating and shade, and buses arrived on time, smoothly whisking riders off to work, school, a medical appointment, or a friend’s house. A city where transit was not a last resort, but a first choice.

Imagine a city where, no matter where you lived, a park, greenway, or nature preserve was within a ten-minute walk. A place where green spaces were abundant, offering room for children to play, families to gather, and individuals to find peace in nature.

What if in Charlotte, your zip code did not determine your income, life expectancy, or opportunities? A place where people of all backgrounds could afford to live near their work or their children’s schools, reducing time spent in traffic and increasing time spent with loved ones. A place where communities thrived because neighbors saw each other—walking to the store, waiting for the bus, or enjoying a local park.

Outside of the isolating bubble of a car, such in-person interactions are critical to building trust and strengthening social connections. A sustainable Charlotte would be a city where people know and support one another, where they feel safe and valued, and where the physical environment fosters a sense of belonging and well-being.

This vision is within our reach. By prioritizing investments in pedestrian, bike, and transit infrastructure, expanding parks and greenways, and ensuring equitable access to affordable housing, Charlotte can become a city that leads not in car washes, but in sustainability, connectivity, and quality of life.

The question is: Will we choose to be a city of car washes, or a city of people-centered progress? The future is ours to shape.