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Joy Rides

What makes a community a joyful place for all people to travel and live?

We recently attended the Association for Commuter Transportation forum, which was hosted right here in Charlotte this year! Experts from around the country gathered to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities to help all people get where they need to go safely and efficiently.  Here are 5 key takeaways from the forum: Land is a…

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Browse articles written by Sustain Charlotte staff, including our points of view on important issues impacting our community today.

Joy Rides
Articles*Development and Housing*News*Public Transit

What makes a community a joyful place for all people to travel and live?

We recently attended the Association for Commuter Transportation forum, which was hosted right here in…

giving campaign homepage slider
Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity

2024 Sustain Charlotte giving campaign

Donate today! Thank you for supporting our 2024 giving campaign! We’d love for you to…

2022 World Day of Remembrance
Articles*Biking and Walking*News

Honoring lives lost: A call to end traffic violence in Charlotte and beyond

Last Sunday Sustain Charlotte joined together with representatives from the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT),…

Impact 704 session 1
Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity

How to support a cooler, more resilient city

Last night, more than 70 people gathered for our first Impact 704 Academy session of…

buses
Articles*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Communities nationwide are investing big in transportation. Is Charlotte ready to keep pace? 

As transportation needs grow, cities and counties across the country are passing substantial funding measures…

Articles*Biking and Walking*News

Biketoberfest 2024 was a 10 out of 10!

On Sunday, October 27, we celebrated our 10th annual Biketoberfest, presented by City of Charlotte. That’s…

Articles*Biking and Walking*News

Biketoberfest 2024: What to know before you go.

Fall is in the air and you know what that means: It’s almost time to…

SEAP 2.0
Articles*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*News

City of Charlotte begins work on strategic energy action plan 2.0

In 2018 the City of Charlotte adopted the Strategic Energy Action Plan, an ambitious climate…

uptown cycle network
Articles*Biking and Walking*Homepage Slider

Celebrating 10 years of pedals and progress

On this 10th anniversary of Biketoberfest, we celebrate the ways Sustain Charlotte has made it…

widen 1-77
Articles*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*News*Public Transit

City Council to vote on $3.7 billion widening of I-77 S 

UPDATE: On Monday, October 14, Charlotte City Council members voted to direct their delegate to…

tree canopy action plan
Articles*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*News

Tree Canopy Action Plan 2.0

The City of Charlotte’s Planning Department’s staff has announced that they will be working on…

Andre MTC_091724
Articles*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

CATS announces week of free fare starting on October 6 and public engagement process for an updated transit plan

This week, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) held their September meeting. They discussed the pros…

Emma Gatrell Headshot
Articles*News

Meet the intern: Emma Gatrell

Hello! My name is Emma Gatrell. I am a Charlotte native who recently graduated from…

Day Without Driving 2024
Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Take the pledge: Day Without Driving

Sustain Charlotte,  Charlotte Regional Transportation Coalition (CRTC), Mecklenburg County Air Quality, Charlotte Office of Sustainability…

Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity

2024 Voter Guide: See where county commission candidates stand on climate

To help our followers better navigate the local election scene and understand where each candidate…

Articles*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Take action: Here’s your chance to make a difference in the Charlotte region’s transportation future!

Action Alert UPDATE: Another local hurdle has been cleared! On Tuesday night, the Mecklenburg County…

Generic train tracks
Articles*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Sustain Charlotte asks City Council to support purchase of Red Line tracks and sales tax legislation

This week, Sustain Charlotte sent a letter to Charlotte City Council members encouraging them to…

Charlotte transportation legislation
Articles*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Our take on the recent transportation tax proposal

After years of debate about the Red Line and a one-cent sales tax for transportation…

Eric Setzer1
Articles*News*Public Transit

The bug in the ear to help persevere: Eric Setzer, the bus and persistent motion

Key takeaways The bus is an integral part of life for people who cannot drive…

Justin Burke
Articles*News*Public Transit

The hum of compassion: Justin Burke, the bus, and people from all walks of life

By Andre Phillips, a Davidson College Sustainability Scholar and 2024 Sustain Charlotte summer intern  Key…

Vision Zero
Articles*Biking and Walking*Equity*News

How can the City make progress on Vision Zero? New audit offers concrete steps

On July 25, the City of Charlotte Internal Audit Department released a Vision Zero Audit….

Community
Articles*Letter of Support*News

Sustain Charlotte supports Reconnecting Communities as a USDOT principle

This week, we signed a letter headed by America Walks urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund…

Melinda Morris
Articles*Public Transit

“A little bit mobile, but still confused”: Melinda Morris and the invisible riders

By Andre Phillips, a Davidson College Sustainability Scholar and 2024 Sustain Charlotte summer intern  Melinda…

Articles*Public Transit

To be flexible without freedom: How seniors bend their lives around the bus

By Andre Phillips, a Davidson College Sustainability Scholar and 2024 Sustain Charlotte summer intern. Key…

GHG Dashboard
Articles*Climate Change and the Environment*News

Charlotte’s electric bike program and solar installations among many Strategic Energy Action Plan wins

Have you heard of Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP)? Sustain Charlotte was part of…

Compact Why Now
Articles*Development and Housing*News*Unified Development Ordinance

Sustain Charlotte recommends Compact Development text amendment

UPDATE: On June 24, Charlotte City Council unanimously voted to approve the compact development text…

Third Ward greenway connector
Articles*Biking and Walking*News*Parks and Greenways*Unified Development Ordinance

Win for Uptown CycleLink and greenway connectivity

Last week, we asked you to take action to support a segment of the greenway…

Uptown CycleLink at Cedar Yards
Articles*Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*News

Action Alert: Critical greenway & Uptown CycleLink connection in peril

At a public hearing on May 20, Rezoning Petition 2024-031 was presented to Charlotte City…

Articles*News

Meet our summer 2024 interns!

We have welcomed our 2024 summer interns to the team and are thrilled to have…

Dangerous by Design chart
Articles*Biking and Walking*Equity*News*Strategic Mobility Plan

Dangerous by design: Unsafe streets lead to dramatic increase in pedestrian fatalities

The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area ranks 47th out of the 101 largest U.S. metro areas for…

060424BOCCbudget
Articles*Equity*News*Parks and Greenways

FY2026 and FY2025-29 CIP: Together, we made a difference!

On Tuesday, June 4, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the proposed…

Take Action! for CIP and bikes
Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*News*Strategic Mobility Plan

Action Alert: Charlotte City Council slashes critical funding for bike, pedestrian, and street safety

We need your voice before Monday! Last week, we were shocked to see a narrow…

TPandDMay24_i
Articles*Development and Housing*News*Public Transit*Unified Development Ordinance

New development tool passes easily through committee

This week, the Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee held their June meeting. They discussed a…

Gerry Kingsley
Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*News

Gerry’s story: 7 days of biking around the Queen City

A guest post by Gerry Kinglsey, NoDa resident and steering committee member for the Charlotte…

052324 BOCC budget hearing
Articles*News*Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte and supporters call on county for park and recreation funding

On Thursday, the Board of County Commissioners held its second annual budget public hearing (City…

Conservation development standards
Articles*Development and Housing*News*Unified Development Ordinance

City Council approves Conservation Development UDO amendment

Charlotte City Council met Monday evening for its monthly zoning meeting. We were particularly interested…

Keith Helfrich
Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*News

Keith’s story: Car-free in a young city 

Keith Helfrich decided early on in life that he would not get a driver’s license. …

Arbor Day Foundation, EPA
Articles*Climate Change and the Environment*News

Mecklenburg County is heating up. Could trees be the answer?

This week, the Environmental Stewardship Committee held their May meeting. There was only one item…

Electric train
Articles*Letter of Support*News

Sustain Charlotte supports grant to build electrified transit, rail, port, and micromobility projects

Sustain Charlotte signed on to support legislation that would authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation…

May 13 City budget hearing
Articles*Biking and Walking*News*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte and supporters voice call for bike infrastructure funding

Last night, City Council held its second annual budget public hearing. With 75 people signed…

Andy Patel
Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*News

Andy’s story: Making the most of a car theft

Andy Patel grew up in North Carolina, having attended high school in Gastonia and college…

Mixed and affordable housing
Articles*Development and Housing*News*Unified Development Ordinance

City Council committee eager to close development loopholes

This week, the Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee held their May meeting. They discussed CATS…

Ricky Bower
Articles*Biking and Walking*Equity*News*Parks and Greenways

Rikki’s story: When Onewheel is better than four

At Sustain Charlotte, we’re all about promoting sustainable transportation options. So, when we saw Rikki…

public transit
Articles*Equity*Letter of Support*News*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte asks NCDOT for stronger environmental justice goals

Sustain Charlotte recently signed on to a letter regarding North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT)…

2024 Sustain Charlotte Awards 1
Articles*News

2024 Sustain Charlotte Awards celebrates local leaders!

On Wednesday, April 24, Sustain Charlotte celebrated individuals and organizations doing remarkable and inspiring work…

Conservation Residential Development
Articles*Development and Housing*News*Unified Development Ordinance

Sustain Charlotte weighs in on UDO text amendments

On April 17, 2024, Sustain Charlotte Executive Director Shannon Binns submitted the following letter on…

Bus and rider at the CTC
Articles*Letter of Support*News*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte asks Congress to keep promise of infrastructure bill and fully fund transit

This week, we joined more than 100 transit and environmental groups in sending a letter…

Articles*Letter of Support*News*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte supports transit-enhancing funding and policies

In early April, Sustain Charlotte signed on to a thank you letter to the Federal…

April 9 BOCC meeting
Articles*News*Parks and Greenways

County finance staff recommend funding all but one Park & Recreation project

This week, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners held one of their budget workshops. While…

Matheson Ave
Articles*News*Press mentions

Charlotte leaders approve nearly $13 million to make popular NoDa road safer for cyclists and pedestrians

A popular photo spot in Charlotte’s NoDa community is making room for pedestrians and bikers….

Articles*Biking and Walking*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

New tool shows where the city intends to make mobility investments

This week, the Transportation, Planning and Development Committee held their April meeting. They discussed CATS…

UDO key changes for N1
Articles*News*Unified Development Ordinance

Are proposed changes moving the UDO backward?

As we learned in this month’s Transportation, Planning, and Development committee meeting, the city’s planning…

Attendees at the second Sustain Charlotte Social in March
Articles*Climate Change and the Environment*News*Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte Social: Parks and Recreation (March 28, 2024)

Sustain Charlotte welcomed over 75 residents to its second Sustain Charlotte Social of the year….

Red_Line_Design_Study_goals
Articles*News*Public Transit

CATS Budget Includes Better Bus Service

Better bus service is coming! This week CATS’ governing board met to discuss their capital…

March 19, 2024 BOCC Meeting
Articles*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

CATS’ customer service improves, operator vacancies are down

This week, the Board of County Commissioners held one of their bi-monthly meetings. There were…

March 24 Environmental Justice Committee meeting
Articles*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*News

Environmental Justice framework takes shape

This week, the Environmental Stewardship Committee held their March meeting. There was only one item…

Around the Crown 10k logo
Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*News

Sustain Charlotte + Around the Crown Team Up for a Sustainable Future!

Lace up your running shoes and get ready to run! Sustain Charlotte is thrilled to…

Letter of Support*Uncategorized

Sustain Charlotte signs on to request to oppose CRAs to prevent implementation of USDOT greenhouse gas performance measure rule

Last week, Sustain Charlotte signed a national letter calling for members of Congress to oppose…

Transportation Planning and Development Meeting March 7
Articles*News*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan*Unified Development Ordinance

Transportation, Planning & Development meeting recap: March 7, 2024

This week, the Transportation, Planning and Development Committee held their March meeting. They discussed CATS…

2/27/24 BOCC meeting
Articles*Parks and Greenways

Park and Recreation Commission presents budget priorities

More funding for land acquisition, maintenance, programming, safety, and a co-op extension program topped the…

February 26, 2024 Charlotte City Council meeting
Articles*Public Transit

City supports efforts to improve competitiveness, economy through transportation network investments

Every year, Charlotte City Council adopts an annual state and federal legislative agenda. These are…

Vision Zero
Articles*Biking and Walking*Equity*Strategic Mobility Plan

Sustain Charlotte calls on city council not to abandon Vision Zero

The below is a letter from Sustain Charlotte executive director Shannon Binns to Charlotte City…

Ray Addison and his son enjoy a day out in the city courtesy of CATS
Articles*Public Transit

Board member spotlight: Ray Addison reflects on his day out

“How many of you ride public transportation?” A Charlotte resident asked that question at the Sustain…

Articles*Equity*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan*Unified Development Ordinance

Transportation, Planning, & Development Committee: February 5, 2024

This past Monday, February 5, the Transportation, Planning, & Development (TPD) Committee met to discuss…

Articles*Biking and Walking*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Speaking up for parks and greenways

We believe that greenways, parks, and nature preserves are fundamental to a healthy, vibrant, equitable…

Articles*Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Sustain Charlotte Social: Social Equity and Smart Growth (January 31, 2024)

It was a full house at Town Brewing Co. on Wednesday as more than 100…

Articles*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Ten park and greenway advocates show up to support funding

On Wednesday, January 17, ten park and greenway advocates joined our Advocacy Manager Hope Wright…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

Transportation, Planning and Development: January 8, 2024

On Monday, January 8, the Charlotte City Council’s Transportation, Planning and Development Committee had their…

Articles*Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*News

Sustain Charlotte advocates for a county budget that includes funding for equity investments and greenways

Last night, Sustain Charlotte Director of Engagement and Impact Meg Fencil addressed the Mecklenburg County…

Biking and Walking

Charlotte’s mobility needs vastly outweigh available funding

This month’s Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee meeting on Monday, April 3rd was chock full…

Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity

Eight things we’ll fight for in 2024

This year, we will continue tirelessly advocating for solutions that reduce our impact on the climate, advance racial equity, connect…

Articles*Parks and Greenways

2023 Impact 704 Academy Session 2: a recap

More than 40 Charlotte-area residents gathered at Charlotte Art League in northeast Charlotte for the…

Development and Housing

2023 Impact 704 Academy Session 1: a recap

More than 60 Charlotte-area residents gathered at Charlotte Art League in northeast Charlotte for the…

Public Transit

Cats ridership is up, employees are happier

On Wednesday, November 15, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) met to receive updates from the transit work…

Biking and Walking*Equity

Fines for parking in bike lanes, streetcar tracks and sidewalks increased!

On Monday night, Charlotte City Council met for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. On the…

Public Transit

CATS ridership is up, employees are happier

On Wednesday, November 15, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) met to receive updates from the transit work…

Announcement: Candidate Responses are in
Climate Change and the Environment*News*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

2023 Candidate Questionnaire + Voter Guide

To help our followers better navigate the local election scene and understand where each candidate…

Climate Change and the Environment*News

Addressing the 2023 Draft Carbon Reduction Strategy

This week, we signed a letter to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The…

Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

Vote No On Defunding Clean Transportation Programs

  Last week, Sustain Charlotte signed a letter titled “Vote NO on Defunding Clean Transportation…

Biking and Walking*News

Take action: ask city council to increase fines for parking in bike lanes

On November 27, Charlotte City Council is expected to vote on revisions to Chapter 14 of…

Biking and Walking*News

Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest is back For 2023! Here’s how to make the most of it

Fall is here, and you know what that means – it’s almost time to roll…

Public Transit*Uncategorized

Transportation, Planning and Development Committee: September 5, 2023

  On Tuesday, September 5, the Transportation, Planning & Development Committee met to receive three…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Public Transit

CDOT proposes a “bundling” strategy for mobility projects

On Monday, August 28, Charlotte City Council met for a Business Meeting where they received…

Climate Change and the Environment

What does your household contribute to climate change?

What does your household contribute to climate change? The New York Times took a look at…

Public Transit

Transportation, Planning and Development Committee: August 7, 2023

The Charlotte Transportation, Planning & Development Committee held their latest meeting on Monday, August 8,…

Public Transit

Metropolitan Transit Commission: July updates and news

The Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) convened again this past Wednesday, July 26, to hear updates…

Biking and Walking

Charlotte earns 27 out of 100 in 2023 People for Bikes city rankings

The 2023 People for Bikes City Ratings have been released, revealing how major cities across the…

Development and Housing

New app connects you to public development information

Last week, the City of Charlotte’s Planning, Design & Development staff released an exciting new…

Public Transit

A deal to raise the debt limit: Sustain Charlotte advocates for public transit funding amid cuts

Last week, Sustain Charlotte joined dozens of sustainability and transit advocacy organizations from around the…

Equity

Sustain Charlotte receives AARP grant to make communities more livable

This week, AARP North Carolina announced seven organizations throughout the state that will receive 2023…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

Planning a more walkable future for Charlotte

More than 1,000 urban planners, engineers, architects, and advocates gathered in Charlotte last week for…

Public Transit

Metropolitan Transit Commission: The latest updates and action items

On Wednesday, May 24, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) met again to receive an update…

Development and Housing

Sustain Charlotte urges City Council to proceed with the approved UDO

Charlotte City Council met for its monthly zoning meeting on Monday night, hearing feedback from…

Articles*Parks and Greenways

Help restore critical funding to our parks + greenways

Requested funding for parks and greenways over the next 5 years has been cut dramatically….

Public Transit

Transportation, Planning and Development Committee: The latest

On Monday, May 1, the Transportation, Planning, and Development (TP&D) Committee held their monthly meeting….

Equity*Public Transit

City budget hearing: Fiscal Year 2024

Last Monday evening, our Director of Engagement and Impact, Meg Fencil, spoke at the City…

Public Transit

Our take on the latest Metropolitan Transit Commission meeting

On Wednesday, April 26, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) held an eventful meeting. The MTC,…

Articles*Equity*Parks and Greenways

County budget needs are vast. But let’s not minimize parks and greenways!

Thank you to the more than 100 people who responded to our action alert and advocated to…

Public Transit

Getting CATS back on track

This blog post covers the second half of the April 3 Charlotte City Council Transportation,…

Biking and Walking

Charlotte’s mobility needs vastly outweigh available funding

This month’s Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee meeting on Monday, April 3rd was chock full…

Development and Housing

It’s time to end parking minimums

Sustain Charlotte’s executive director Shannon Binns emailed Charlotte City Council members on April 6th, 2023…

Public Transit

Metropolitan Transit Commission: the latest

There has been a lot of news coming from CATS recently. We attended the recent…

Public Transit

Microtransit is coming to cats. What does that mean?

If you live in Huntersville, Corneliu​s, and Davidson, perhaps you’re familiar with North Meck Village…

Articles*Biking and Walking*Parks and Greenways

Growing Our Greenways: Sustain Charlotte and AARP Charlotte co-host an outing

Despite a postponement, rain, and chilly temps, our March 10 group walk on Irwin and…

Development and Housing*Equity

Community Area Planning is coming. Are you ready?

What is Community Area Planning? Community Area Planning (CAP) is the next step in helping Charlotte…

Articles*News*Parks and Greenways

Growing our Greenways for all

Dennis Markatos-Soriano, East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director, shares the organization’s vision. Photo: Lauren SawyersLast…

Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing

Guest post: How architectural design can reduce energy use

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Insight Architects, one of Sustain Charlotte’s supporting partners. …

Climate Change and the Environment

Visiting the NC mountains? Boone’s Lovill House Inn is a sustainable and history-filled getaway

Sweeping views. Crisp air. Miles of trails and streams. Who doesn’t love a trip to…

Climate Change and the Environment

City of trees: Planning for the protection and growth of Charlotte’s canopy

As Charlotte’s population grows, how should city leaders balance the needs for more compact development…

Biking and Walking*News

7 Questions with Dave Campbell, Charlotte’s new bike planner

Charlotte has a new bicycle planner in town. Dave Campbell started his new job with…

Equity*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte urges Silver Line and Charlotte Transportation Center redevelopment planning to prioritize equity

This week, the Metropolitan Transit Commission voted to move forward with redevelopment plans for the…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*News*Parks and Greenways

Mecklenburg County’s next Capital Improvement Plan is taking shape. Here’s what we know

Mecklenburg County staff and commissioners are already planning for the next budget year, which begins…

Biking and Walking

Charlotte could implement safer street design. Here’s how

Infrastructure design plays an essential role in keeping people safe on our streets, especially at…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Our 2023 sustainability resolutions

In 2023, what would it look like to collectively aspire to a better future for…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*News

Impact 704 Academy: why does land use in Charlotte matter?

On Thursday evening, several dozen community members gathered for Sustain Charlotte’s Impact 704 Academy’s third…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*News

Impact 704 Academy: Why does land use In Charlotte matter?

On Thursday evening, several dozen community members gathered for Sustain Charlotte’s Impact 704 Academy’s third…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

We joined with the SELC to ask North Carolina to invest in smarter transportation options

At the beginning of December, Sustain Charlotte joined eight local organizations in signing a letter organized…

Articles*Letter of Support*News

Here’s how you can give to Sustain Charlotte to help support our mission

During this season of giving, we invite you to consider the powerful gift of investing…

Articles*Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte spent 2022 advocating for Mecklenburg County greenways and parks

We believe that greenways, parks, and nature preserves are fundamental to a healthy, vibrant, equitable…

Biking and Walking

Charlotte participates in the world day of remembrance for road traffic victims

On Sunday, Nov. 20, the city of Charlotte placed 205 pairs of shoes in First…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan has momentum. Here’s the latest

At Monday night’s City Council strategy meeting, City Manager Marcus Jones and Ed McKinney with…

Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte’s Impact 704 Academy continues with a deep dive on transportation

More than 50 people gathered for Sustain Charlotte’s second Impact 704 Academy session Thursday night…

Biking and Walking

Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest 2022: A little rain, a lot of fun!

More than 600 people signed up for Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest this year — and we…

Equity*Public Transit

Big changes are in store for the Charlotte Transit Center. Here’s what to know

The Charlotte Transportation Center is getting a major makeover in the coming years. The uptown…

Biking and Walking

Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest is back for 2022! Here’s how to make the most of it

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Fall weather is in full swing. Everyone’s…

Climate Change and the Environment

How the Inflation Reduction Act can help us reach our sustainability goals

Editor’s note: This is a guest blog post from Sunlight Financial, a sustaining sponsor of…

Public Transit

The city of Charlotte outlines transportation and urban design priorities

Editor’s note: This is a guest blog post by the city of Charlotte, a sustaining…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Impact 704 Academy debuts with a primer on smart growth

Sustain Charlotte’s Impact 704 Academy, an educational series about sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban development in…

Public Transit

MTC moves to advance the Charlotte-Lake Norman Red Line

On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Transit Commission unanimously approved Charlotte Area Transit System’s request for $5…

Climate Change and the Environment*Equity

A conversation about Mecklenburg county’s environmental justice action plan

On Wednesday, Sept. 21, Sustain Charlotte and CleanAIRE NC held a presentation and discussion about…

Climate Change and the Environment

Here’s what we think about the Biden administration’s proposed GHG emissions-tracking rule

In July, the Biden administration introduced a proposal that would require states and municipalities to…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

NCSEA spotlight: Sustain Charlotte connects residents with a cleaner, more connected future

This blog features the impactful work that North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association member Sustain Charlotte…

Climate Change and the Environment

Sunlight Financial’s commitment to solar in North Carolina

This is a guest post by our Platinum Partner, Sunlight Financial. Solar jobs and solar-powered homes…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Unified Development Ordinance

Charlotte city council will vote on the UDO next week. Here’s what to know.

Charlotte City Council is set to vote on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance on Monday,…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Here’s what Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan means for the economy

This is the fourth and final part in a series highlighting how the Strategic Mobility…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan could make the city more equitable. Here’s how

This is part 3 in a series highlighting how the Strategic Mobility Plan could benefit…

Public Transit

Charlotte’s South End might have a new Blue Line Light Rail Station by 2026

A new LYNX Blue Line station may be coming to South End. We’ll walk you…

Public Transit

The Red Line from Charlotte to North Mecklenburg may be back on track. Here’s what to know

Plans to build a new commuter rail line connecting uptown Charlotte to northern Mecklenburg County…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte celebrates Charlotte City Council’s approval of the Strategic Mobility Plan

  Sustain Charlotte applauds Charlotte City Council for passing the Strategic Mobility Plan on Monday…

Climate Change and the Environment

How Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan could benefit air and water quality

This is Part 2 in a series highlighting how Charlotte’s new Strategic Mobility Plan could benefit the…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing

What Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan means for the environment

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering how the Strategic Mobility Plan could benefit…

Public Transit

Charlotte bus routes have been hit with delays. Here’s why and what’s happening to fix it

Bus service needs to be fast, frequent, reliable, and walkable to fully meet the mobility needs of…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Mecklenburg approved $50M to buy land for greenways and parks. What will that look like?

Mecklenburg County commissioners’ decision last month to earmark $50 million to buy land for greenways, parks, and…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte weighs in on UDO at public hearing

Last night, Charlotte City Council held a public hearing on the second draft of the Unified Development Ordinance,…

Development and Housing

Here’s what changed in the new draft of Charlotte’s Unified Development Ordinance

It has been a while since we wrote about the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO, not…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Matt Parker did the ‘Skip the Car Trip’ Challenge in Charlotte. Here’s what he learned.

In June, Mecklenburg County launched a weeklong incentive encouraging people in the Charlotte area to…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Public Transit

Here’s what we — and others — had to say about Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan

On Monday, Charlotte City Council held a public hearing for the newly released Strategic Mobility Plan….

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Mecklenburg County approves $50 million to help expand Charlotte-area greenways and parks

  Mecklenburg County commissioners on Wednesday approved a $2.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2023 that includes…

Equity*Public Transit

Here’s how Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan improves transit for rail and bus riders

Charlotte City Council is set to vote on the Strategic Mobility Plan on Mondy, June…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Parks and Greenways

What does Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan mean for cyclists? Here are 5 big takeaways

Charlotte City Council is set to vote on the Strategic Mobility Plan on June 27. We…

Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte thanks Mecklenburg County commissioners for prioritizing investment in an equitable and sustainable future

Yesterday, Sustain Charlotte Program Manager Elina Shepard attended the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners’ public…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

City proposes 2040 goal of 50% sustainable trips!

During City Council’s Transportation & Planning Committee meeting on May 9th, Charlotte DOT staff informed…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte voices support for city’s FY 2023 Budget

Good evening City Council, Mayor, and Staff, My name is Elina Shepard. I am the…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Public Transit

Candidates responses are in!

Heading to the polls soon? We’ve got you covered! Check our survey results to learn more about…

Climate Change and the Environment

2022 Recycling Excellence Award

Each year on Earth Day Sustain Charlotte hosts an awards ceremony to celebrate the work…

Climate Change and the Environment*Equity

Inspiring local leaders honored at 10th Annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards

Sustain Charlotte hosted an evening of celebration and inspiration at the 10th Annual Charlotte Sustainability…

Climate Change and the Environment

A clean and green cause that’s close to our hearts: Wastequip proud to sponsor Sustain Charlotte 2022

Sustain Charlotte is proud to announce that Charlotte-based company Wastequip, North America’s leading manufacturer of…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing

Uptown Charlotte Cyclelink debuts after years in the making

  The protected bike lane spanning all of downtown Charlotte that Sustain Charlotte and supportive residents…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing

Our final UDO series post: help Charlotte’s neighborhoods grow sustainably

Welcome back to our UDO series! If you’ve missed our previous blogs, no worries, we…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

We’re asking NC to invest infrastructure funds equitably + sustainably

Sustain Charlotte recently signed on to a letter with 18 local, statewide, and regional organizations to Governor…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

How Charlotte’s new development rules will support sustainable transportation

Welcome back to our blog post series about the UDO, Charlotte’s first and only Unified…

Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing

Key details on the new development rules and how they will impact the environment

Welcome to our series of UDO series! If you’re not familiar with the Unified Development…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

We’re sharing key details of the rules that will guide Charlotte’s growth

Welcome to our series of blog posts about the Unified Development Ordinance (abbreviated as UDO)!…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Changes approved for future Silver Line Light Rail Alignment

Throughout the years Sustain Charlotte has voiced our support for the expansion of public transit….

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways

We’re asking for a Mecklenburg County budget that grows our greenways faster

Sustain Charlotte partnered with Partners for Parks and Park and Rec Commissioner Paul Freestone to…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

Will new development guidelines make it easier to travel without a car?

In the absence of a robust plan to manage traffic congestion and support transportation choices,…

Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

Action alert: weigh in on the future of your neighborhood!

The City of Charlotte has released a first draft of The Charlotte Future 2040 Policy…

Biking and Walking

Thank you for our biggest and best Biketoberfest yet!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the seventh annual Biketoberfest a stellar success! We…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment

Mode shifting our way to sustainable urban mobility

This is a guest blog post from our Gold Partner, Spin. By Hui Wen Chan, Director of…

Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing

Passive House 101

This is a guest post by our Gold Partner, Insight Architects. Passive House is an internationally operated…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Our perspective on parking in Uptown

The comments below were presented to Charlotte City Council at their October 11, 2021 meeting…

Climate Change and the Environment

What do transportation and land use have to do with climate change? Everything.

It’s Climate Week through this Sunday, and we want to take a moment to share our perspective on…

Public Transit

A look back at our streetcar advocacy over the years

In the almost 11 years since founding Sustain Charlotte, I’ve learned firsthand that visible progress…

Climate Change and the Environment

Ensure glass bottles & jars are recycled properly: find a big yellow bin!

Glass is difficult and costly to effectively separate from other recyclable materials like cardboard at…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Mobility transformation is needed sooner, not later

Our Challenge Charlotte’s explosive growth continues. We support sustainable growth that ensures the Charlotte area…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Charlotte adopts groundbreaking comprehensive plan

On June 21, 2021 the Charlotte 2040 Comprehensive Plan was approved by Charlotte City Council by a…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Council approves record transportation funding

If you haven’t heard the good news yet, this week City Council approved their budget that…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

What does building a better city look like to you?

2021 is a critical year for Charlotte’s future. How we grow for the next twenty…

Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

City to begin land use planning around future Silver Line light rail

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is taking a look at Transit Oriented Development (TOD)…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

City releases 2nd draft of Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan

After receiving input from the public and various Charlotte City Council committees, City staff have…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

Beyond 77: it’s not just about cars

There’s a lot going on this summer with transportation and land use in Charlotte —…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Action Alert: help ensure the American Dream is possible for more Charlotteans

This Monday night, Charlotte City Council will undertake a critical vote on the Charlotte Future…

Climate Change and the Environment

Reciclemos bien: recycle right materials en español

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste offers free recycling and waste reduction educational programs to residents and local community groups….

Climate Change and the Environment*Equity

Dozens of local sustainability leaders honored at 2021 Charlotte Sustainability Awards

Each year we honor local sustainability leaders who are leading the way for a more…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Council committee weighs possible changes to comprehensive plan

Is the current draft of the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan the vision that Charlotte…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Parks and Greenways

Update on the Uptown Cyclelink construction

    Davidson St. and MLK Jr. Blvd. resurfacing project Regularly planned street repaving on…

Climate Change and the Environment

Kids can recycle right, too!

Just in time for Earth Day 2021, Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Services has added a…

Climate Change and the Environment*Equity

Mecklenburg County commits to environment and racial equity

Mecklenburg County just took a HUGE STEP FORWARD in committing to environmental sustainability and racial…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

Residents show up to support the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Over 100 Charlotte residents signed up to speak during last night’s public hearing for the Charlotte…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity

Action Alert: Speak up for the Charlotte 2040 Plan!

We need YOUR help to speak up in support of a critical plan that will…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Public Transit

Our call for equity in countywide transportation investment

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Coalition (CRTC) recently submitted a letter to the Metropolitan Transit Commission…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Public Transit

It’ll soon be safer to walk on West Boulevard

Thanks to a $1.5 Million investment from CDOT’s Corridor Program and years of resident advocacy,…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Parks and Greenways

Construction starts soon on the 5th/6th street Uptown Cyclelink segment

That’s the full name for the protected bike lane that you helped us advocate for!…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Update on the 26 miles of light rail and trail

What could the future of the Silver Line Rail Trail look like? Following up on…

Biking and Walking*Parks and Greenways

Give your input on the Cross Charlotte Trail – Matheson to N. Tryon

The design phase has started on two segments of the Cross Charlotte Trail that stretch…

Equity*Public Transit

The 5 most important factors for cats transit riders

At the January 25th meeting of the Charlotte City Council’s Transportation, Planning, and Environment Committee,…

Equity*Public Transit

CRTC kicks off transportation advocacy work for 2021!

More than 40 leaders of organizations and interested individuals gathered on Thursday evening for an…

Climate Change and the Environment

County to update environmental leadership policy

Sustain Charlotte has joined 12 other organizations in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leaders group in…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

We join transit advocates across the country in asking for funding reform

A new Congress will be taking their seats this January, and we want to see…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Local and federal leaders call for more transit funding in our ‘transit is the future forum’

In an online forum yesterday evening, Sustain Charlotte called on Congress to invest $32 billion to keep…

Biking and Walking*Equity*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

We’ve launched the charlotte regional transportation coalition!

Sustain Charlotte has organized a group of community leaders and organizations to create The Charlotte…

Biking and Walking*Parks and Greenways

Action Alert: Speak up for McAlpine Creek Greenway Extension!

A key greenway project is in danger of being canceled over the unsubstantiated concerns of…

Public Transit

Our letter of support for coordinated city + county transportation planning

Thanks for reading! As a nonprofit, community support is essential for us to keep doing…

Biking and Walking

How Stuart created a car-free lifestyle

Two years ago, Stuart Brauer bought an electric skateboard on a whim. Though he’d never…

Climate Change and the Environment

Yes, air quality did improve when we drove less!

Even before NC Governor Cooper issued a formal stay at home order on March 27,…

Biking and Walking

August bike update

Good Day, Charlotte 🚲 Fans, We are continuing to update you during this crazy time…

Parks and Greenways

Why greenways make Charlotte more sustainable

Urban greenways are one of the best ways to provide outdoor greenspace in a developed…

Biking and Walking

Why Chris encourages Charlotteans to join the conversation

For several years, Sustain Charlotte worked in the same building as Chris Muryn’s employer, Shook…

Public Transit

What worked and what didn’t: Learning from other cities

When you’re about to spend a lot of money on a big investment that’s intended…

Public Transit

Trees, trains, and more!

At their July meeting, Charlotte City Council’s Transportation, Planning, and Environment Committee heard and discussed…

Equity*Public Transit*Unified Development Ordinance

Food deserts and transit

Imagine your car breaks down and repairing it is not an immediate option. How close…

Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte joins national transit advocates in asking Congress to save transit

Sustain Charlotte proudly joins more than 70 advocacy organizations, Chambers of Commerce, and community organizations…

Biking and Walking

People for Bikes ranking calls attention to need for cycling improvements

When the national bike advocacy organization People For Bikes rated more than 480 U.S. cities…

Public Transit

It’s time for more bus lanes in Charlotte!

Could more bus lanes be coming to Charlotte soon? We sure hope so! Charlotte City…

Biking and Walking*Parks and Greenways

How Nancy’s advocacy brought a greenway connector to her neighborhood

When Nancy Pierce moved to Charlotte for a job in 1979, she chose to live…

Biking and Walking

How Dustin transitioned to a car-free lifestyle

When Dustin Branham first moved to the greater Charlotte area in 2007, living life without…

Biking and Walking

April + May Bike Update

Hello my fellow Charlotte bike supporters, The Bike Update is going out a little later…

Public Transit

Your voice is needed on Charlotte’s new transportation task force!

Determining how to advance Charlotte’s mobility goals and pay for a major expansion of the…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Charlotte’s first lane just for bikes and buses is a win!

It’s hard for bus drivers to stay on schedule and carry riders to their destinations…

Equity

A time for grief. A time for unity. A time for action.

Over these past few days, citizens in Charlotte and in over 140 cities across our…

Public Transit

How (and why) we’re speaking up for fast, reliable bus service in Charlotte

Our program director, Meg Fencil, spoke during the public forums of the May 26 Charlotte…

Biking and Walking

How we’re making Daniel’s commute safer

Daniel Crow moved to Charlotte from one of the top biking cities in the nation:…

Biking and Walking

Volunteer spotlight: Steve Yaffe

For Steve Yaffe, volunteering with Sustain Charlotte is more than just something to do—it’s part…

Public Transit

How is CATS protecting transit operators and planning for a changing budget?

Public transit is an essential service that connects people to jobs, food, medical care, and…

Biking and Walking

Action Alert: Speak up for shared streets so everyone can walk and bike!

Help Charlotte go the extra mile to ensure that people in all parts of town…

Biking and Walking

What bike shops are open during the stay at home order?

Riding your bike during these unusual times has become very popular–and, as essential services, bike…

Public Transit

Rethinking transportation policy matters now more than ever.

We need a strong, resilient public transportation system more than ever before to connect essential…

Climate Change and the Environment

10 ways to live sustainably in a time of social distancing

As Earth Day approaches next week, we want to celebrate this beautiful planet we live…

Biking and Walking

Monthly bike update: How does social distancing affect biking?

Hello, Fellow Social Distancing Cyclists! As you all know, March has been like no other…

Public Transit*Strategic Mobility Plan

Why (and how) should Charlotte make space for buses?

By Tarik Kiley, Transit Coalition Coordinator Have you ever thought about how Charlotte could make…

Climate Change and the Environment

We’re 10 years old!

In late 2007, Shannon Binns moved to Charlotte after spending a decade living in major…

Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

Mecklenburg County aims to have a zero-carbon fleet by 2030. Here’s how.

Last month we shared an update on how Mecklenburg County’s leaders are considering a plan…

Public Transit

5 things you should know about transit in the Charlotte area this month

Attending the Metropolitan Transit Committee (MTC) meeting is always interesting, and last Wednesday’s meeting was…

Climate Change and the Environment

Mecklenburg County is working to achieve zero-carbon buildings. Here’s how.

At the February 11 Environmental Stewardship Committee meeting, Mecklenburg County’s Energy Manager reviewed the current…

Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Letter to City Council: $50M for safer, healthier, community-building transportation

We sent this letter to the Charlotte City Council and City Manager Jones on January…

Strategic Mobility Plan*Unified Development Ordinance

Charlotte will begin work on a Strategic Mobility Plan

Last Monday’s introduction of the upcoming Strategic Mobility Plan was the most important item on…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Madrid is prioritizing people over cars. Could it work in Charlotte?

There’s a famous old saying: “You can take the transportation advocate out of the city,…

Public Transit

North End Community Coalition and Sustain Charlotte install 86 neighborhood wayfinding signs

On Saturday, November 23rd, Sustain Charlotte and the North End Community Coalition (NECC) installed 86…

Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte supports changes to Charlotte’s streets map

Throughout 2019 we’ve been participating in the Charlotte Streets Map Stakeholder group, which developed updates…

Biking and Walking

How we’re inspiring people to bike in Charlotte

If you follow Sustain Charlotte’s work, you know we’re big advocates for trying to bike…

Public Transit

High speed rail to Atlanta could become a reality

Can you imagine a trip to Atlanta in just over 2 hours? It could be…

Biking and Walking

Our top 3 tips to make biking with kids easy

Bicycle culture here in Charlotte is growing every day, but one of the concerns we…

Public Transit

Here are the four Charlotte Future 2040 growth possibilities

The City of Charlotte has held three public meetings to solicit the public’s input on…

Biking and Walking

How to make this your best Biketoberfest presented by the Charlotte Knights

Before you head out on the route for this year’s Biketoberfest presented by The Charlotte…

Public Transit

Soon Uptown will have a bus/bike only lane

A bus/bike only lane is coming to uptown with the aim of reducing travel times…

Biking and Walking

Sustain Charlotte’s comments on the city’s streets map

Here are the comments that Sustain Charlotte submitted to the Charlotte Department of Transportation as…

Public Transit

When people choose to commute cleanly, it has an impact

Every year we proudly partner with CATS and Charlotte Area NC Air Awareness to promote…

Public Transit

What’s next for Charlotte’s urban future?

A quick update on the Center City Vision Plan, Streets Map, and Comprehensive 2040 Plan….

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Commuting car-free can be freeing

Sunday may have been World Car-Free Day, but for our team, it’s more than just…

Biking and Walking

What can Charlotte learn from a city where over half of trips are taken by walking, bicycling and transit?

This past week our Executive Director Shannon Binns, Program Director Meg Fencil, and Bike &…

Parks and Greenways

Three things to know when you ask for more parks and greenways

We were thrilled to see the level of enthusiasm for parks and greenways that was…

Public Transit

Charlotte chooses to go climate-friendly with bus purchases

We’re excited to share that this week CATS CEO John Lewis decided to purchase hybrid…

Climate Change and the Environment

Adding our support for zero emission vehicles

Sustain Charlotte joined several organizations including Southern Environmental Law Center, Environment North Carolina, Clean Air…

Public Transit

Here’s the recommended alignment for light rail to Pineville and Ballantyne

At last week’s Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) meeting, CATS staff shared their recommendations for extending…

Parks and Greenways

Park improvements coming to the North End community

Recently, neighborhood leaders from the North End Community Coalition (NECC) and Sustain Charlotte staff met…

Biking and Walking

You can shape the future of cycling in Charlotte

Despite what you might think, Charlotte is trying to be better for bikes. For years…

Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit

Residents play board game to help shape Charlotte’s future

  (Participants play the “Growing Better Places: A More Equitable and Inclusive Charlotte” board game…

Parks and Greenways

Communities come together for National Night Out

We are so thrilled to have been able to participate in two events for the…

Equity*Public Transit

Reflections: working for equity

My name is Jaire Clarida and I spent this summer interning with Sustain Charlotte through…

Public Transit

Reflections: educating future generations

My name is Tamara Mrad I’m a rising junior Biology major on the Pre-med track…

Public Transit

How one of our team made the switch to a clean commute

When I started at Sustain Charlotte in February of 2019, I was living in Huntersville…

Public Transit

How we stay sustainable at the office

You may have heard that we just moved offices, from our previous location along the…

Public Transit

Teaching youth about sustainable alternatives to driving

On Wednesday, July 17th, we hosted our 3rd annual Youth Quake Transportation Fair and it…

Development and Housing

How will you share your input on land use planning in Charlotte?

This was one of our favorite blog posts to write, because there’s just so much…

Parks and Greenways

Improving pedestrian connectivity in Charlotte’s North End

We are excited to have recently received a grant from AARP to help connect the…

Climate Change and the Environment*Equity*Public Transit

Charlotte’s ambitious plan to fight climate change and reduce carbon emissions

Last year Charlotte City Council approved a plan that aims to make Charlotte a low…

Climate Change and the Environment

The high costs of climate change in North Carolina

The impacts of climate change are already apparent here in North Carolina. More frequent and…

Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing

A city planning boardgame? Yes, and it’s awesome.

If you’ve been to a meeting where government staff are seeking public input, it’s likely…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Working for sustainability means working for equity

“You can’t talk about sustainability without talking about equity,” according to Ray McKinnon, the pastor…

Climate Change and the Environment

Will Charlotte’s tree ordinance changes be enough to save our tree canopy?

The City of Charlotte’s Planning Department started hosting stakeholder meetings in March with the goal…

Parks and Greenways

Exploring Charlotte on foot at #WalkCLT powered by OrthoCarolina

Hundreds of Charlotte area residents enjoyed exploring the FreeMoreWest business district, surrounding neighborhoods, and greenway…

Parks and Greenways

Envisioning improved transportation infrastructure in the North End

We recently participated in a workshop, hosted by the City of Charlotte and the Knight…

Development and Housing

Charlotte’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan must emphasize sustainability, put people’s needs first

Charlotte Future 2040, a comprehensive plan to guide Charlotte’s growth over the next two decades,…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Creating safety and a sense of place in Southpark

The message was clear from attendees at our May Grow Smart CLT event: People want…

Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte asks Charlotte City Council to support funding for Cross-Charlotte Trail

We’re thrilled to see that Charlotte’s City Manager has included full funding for the Cross-Charlotte…

Public Transit

Shifting gears attendees give feedback on Uptown Cycle Track

At our May Shifting Gears event attendees got to experience riding Charlotte’s first protected bike…

Biking and Walking

How public art can slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety

Vendors lined the street as thousands of Charlotteans came out to Open Streets 704 on…

Climate Change and the Environment

Youth climate leaders inspire hundreds at Charlotte Sustainability Awards

Each year we take an evening to celebrate the work that is being done in…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

How to live your best #ecofriendly life

Earth Month always brings lots of ideas on how to live more sustainably and protect…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment

Volunteers collect bike and pedestrian data in South End

During the EarthShare NC Corporate Earth Day Challenge, an enthusiastic team of volunteers from Protiviti helped…

Parks and Greenways

West Boulevard community discusses new food market and greenway plans

There’s no denying that change is coming quickly to Charlotte’s West Boulevard neighborhoods. Even before…

Public Transit

Get there CLT!

Sign the statement of support asking Charlotte and Mecklenburg County leaders to invest in transportation choices!…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing

See the progress on the 6th street protected bike lane

We’re so excited to see progress being made on Charlotte’s first protected bike lane, on…

Biking and Walking*Parks and Greenways

9th graders collect north end pedestrian data during resident-led walkability audit

Last week, a group of 9th-grade students made observations and collected data along Statesville Ave…

Biking and Walking

Mayor declares Charlotte a Vision Zero City

It’s not every day that a city commits to doing everything it can to eliminate…

Public Transit

A look at how transit can guide Charlotte’s Growth

By: Eric Zaverl Back in December the Charlotte Planning Department hosted Todd Noell of Noell…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Uptown Cycle Track coming to Charlotte sooner than we thought!

We have some exciting news!  We are proud to share that the first half of…

Climate Change and the Environment

Local teens lead rally for climate action

We were thrilled when we heard that local teens Kate Harrison, Lucia Paulsen, and Logan…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Why we support Charlotte’s new guidelines for development near transit

Sustain Charlotte has been serving on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Advisory Committee since 2017,…

Public Transit

CATS shares big plans for transit expansion

We’ve been talking a lot recently about the newly approved Silver Line alignment. Last week,…

Parks and Greenways

Charlotte Environment Committee takes a tree canopy tour

On Thursday, March 14th, Charlotte City Council’s Environment Committee, as well as some key partners,…

Public Transit

Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan comes to West Blvd!

The Charlotte Planning Department kicked off their public engagement events on Tuesday, March 5th at…

Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Expanding pedestrian connectivity in North End

Charlotte’s North End has the lowest street connectivity index and sidewalk availability for areas surrounding…

Biking and Walking*Development and Housing*Parks and Greenways

5 ways to make Charlotte safer for pedestrians

A few weeks ago, we shared the bad news that pedestrians who are older adults, people of…

Public Transit

3 ways the city is improving development and street safety

What is Charlotte doing to plan for a sustainable, safe, and walkable future? Lots! The…

Equity*Public Transit

Pedestrians are dying at record numbers on U.S. Streets. Who’s most at risk?

The new Dangerous by Design report by Smart Growth America reveals some grim statistics about the upward…

Public Transit

Letter to Metropolitan Transit Commission regarding Silver Line

This coming Wednesday, February 27th, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC, which is CATS’ governing body) will vote…

Public Transit

A vision for West Boulevard

Sustain Charlotte partners with the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition to support safe vision for transportation…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

The latest on bikes and scooters in Charlotte

We had a great turnout for the second Shifting Gears event of the year at…

Climate Change and the Environment*Parks and Greenways

Charlotte City Council Environment Committee examines tree canopy goal

At their February 14th meeting, the Charlotte City Council Environment Committee were presented with the…

Climate Change and the Environment

Sustain Charlotte asks NCDOT to work to mitigate climate change

Sustain Charlotte recently joined Southern Environmental Law Center and six other organizations in sending a…

Parks and Greenways

County leaders, it’s time to invest in parks and greenways!

As Mecklenburg’s County Commissioners prepare their budget for Fiscal Year 2020, we’ve asked them to…

Biking and Walking

Bicycling in the Queen City and beyond podcast

Who likes to talk about cycling in Charlotte more than anyone you know? Ann Groninger…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Two years in, Way2Go CLT continues to inspire sustainable commuters

In 2017 Sustain Charlotte launched the Way2Go CLT sustainable transportation challenge and inspired 1,500+ participants…

Biking and Walking*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

The Cross Charlotte Trail – what you need to know

The Cross Charlotte Trail has been in the news a lot lately.  Like a LOT….

Development and Housing*Equity

Sustain Charlotte members give feedback on vision for Charlotte’s growth

You may have heard that Minneapolis recently approved a new Comprehensive Plan, which for the first…

Public Transit

Can Charlotte eliminate traffic deaths by 2030?

Sustain Charlotte serves on the Charlotte Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) task force for the creation…

Public Transit

Vision Zero presented at Transportation and Planning Committee

The Transportation and Planning Committee held its first meeting of 2019 on January 14th, where…

Biking and Walking

Sustain Charlotte supports new rules for scooters

On January 14th, the Charlotte City Council voted to approve new rules for e-scooters. Sustain…

Public Transit

Charlotte looks at next steps on e-scooters + TOD ordinance

Charlotte City Council’s Transportation and Planning Committee held its rescheduled snow day meeting on Monday,…

Public Transit

City and county leaders, please support transportation choices!

We can’t imagine a better way to close out 2018 than by formally presenting City…

Public Transit

Hits and misses: what Charlotte can learn from other cities’ bus stops

U.S. cities vary tremendously in terms of how bus stop locations are chosen, how amenities…

Climate Change and the Environment

Victory: Charlotte City Council unanimously passes Strategic Energy Action Plan

On December 17th, the Charlotte City Council voted unanimously in favor of the Strategic Energy Action…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

CDOT receives public feedback at shifting gears

Sustain Charlotte, in partnership with the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT), hosted the last Shifting…

Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

Letter from Sustain Charlotte regarding Strategic Energy Action Plan

A letter sent to Council Members and Staff with our comments on the draft Strategic Energy…

Parks and Greenways

Charlotte City Council to Vote on Strategic Energy Action Plan

We need your help! On the evening of Monday, December 10, 2018, The Charlotte City Council…

Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

Shared mobility e-scooter plan unveiled at transportation and planning committee

At their November meeting, the Committee received updates on the Comprehensive Plan, Transit-Oriented Development Ordinances,…

Climate Change and the Environment

This fall, skip the plastic leaf bags. The planet will thank you.

It’s no secret that plastics have made life easier for humans, but at the cost…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Exploring walkability in Germany

In September, a delegation from Germany came to Charlotte as part of a transatlantic dialogue…

Public Transit

What makes a bus stop great?

Now that the CATS bus network has been redesigned through the Envision My Ride initiative,…

Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity

How you can stop using single-use plastics and more

If you’re not using plastic bags, you’re on the right track, according to the panelists…

Climate Change and the Environment

Environment Committee advances Strategic Energy Action Plan to City Council

At their meeting on Monday November 12, City Council’s Environment Committee voted unanimously to advance…

Biking and Walking*Equity

Confronting racial inequities in charlotte’s transportation and land use

It’s no secret that past and present racism and racial bias have led to profound…

Equity*Public Transit

Equity in public transit: what we learned at Rail~volution 2018

Our Executive Director Shannon Binns and Program Director Meg Fencil traveled to Pittsburgh to attend Rail~Volution,…

Biking and Walking

Five steps you can take to slow climate change

With our state still reeling from the devastating impact of Florence, the world’s most esteemed…

Biking and Walking

Bicycle Program Manager Kate Cavazza speaks at Bikewalk NC Conference

The state advocacy organization BikeWalk NC hosted the 7th Annual BikeWalk NC Summit on October 19 and 20 in…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Nearly 600 people explored South End and Uptown during Biketoberfest presented by the Charlotte Knights!

Thank you to everyone who made Sustain Charlotte’s 4th annual Biketoberfest presented by The Charlotte…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Transportation and Planning Committee looks ahead at Comprehensive Plan and Electric Scooters

News crews packed the room to hear the City Council Transportation and Planning Committee meeting…

Climate Change and the Environment

Charlotte City Council Environment Committee presented with Strategic Energy Action Plan

At the October 22nd meeting of the Charlotte City Council Environment Committee, staff presented an…

Development and Housing*Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

Creating a city-wide vision for Charlotte

Our October Grow Smart CLT event started with some disappointing news. The Unified Development Ordinance…

Climate Change and the Environment

Charlotte City Council Environment Committee receives updates on Strategic Energy Action Plan and Tree Canopy Master Plan

At the October 8th meeting of the Charlotte City Council Environment Committee, council members received…

Climate Change and the Environment

Charlotte piloting waste reduction methods in the north end smart district

We’re excited that Charlotte has launched two pilot projects in the North End Smart District,…

Biking and Walking

Download your map for Biketoberfest presented by the Charlotte Knights

Before you head off on your Biketoberfest presented by The Charlotte Knights urban adventure on…

Equity*Public Transit

Why Monday’s CATS bus network change is big news for riders

On Monday October 1, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) made changes to 21 bus…

Biking and Walking

Charlotte residents take to the streets for Open Streets 704

Thousands of people filled the streets on Sunday, September 30th for Open Streets 704!  We…

Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

From parking spaces to pop-up parks

On Friday, September 21st, Sustain Charlotte partnered with LS3P to participate in PARK(ing) day, an…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Making strides toward safer streets in Charlotte

The Charlotte City Council’s Transportation and Planning Committee met for their September meeting, where they…

Climate Change and the Environment

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local air quality

This is the fifth article in our series of weekly blog posts called “The Good,…

Equity

“Growing” our local food systems

You may be familiar with your local farmers market, or try to buy locally grown…

Equity

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local food

This is the seventh article in our 8-part series of weekly blog posts called “The…

Public Transit

Diving into senior mobility in Charlotte

Many senior adults in Charlotte struggle to maintain their mobility as they age, often resulting…

Climate Change and the Environment

Charlotte City Council Environment Committee lays out timeline and engagement process for Strategic Energy Action Plan

At their September 10th meeting, the Charlotte City Council Environment Committee received an update on…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Advocates pack the room to discuss advancing cycling in Charlotte

Thanks to you, we had the biggest turn out to date for a Shifting Gears…

Public Transit

CATS’ board approves major changes to bus routes

Ready for faster, more direct bus service with new opportunities to transfer between routes outside…

Public Transit

Charlotte Transportation and Planning Committee looks at draft transit oriented development districts

Charlotte City Council’s Transportation and Planning Committee resumed their usual schedule of monthly meetings on…

Climate Change and the Environment*Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte stands up against changes to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations

Sustain Charlotte has joined dozens of organizations based in North Carolina in submitting a letter…

Climate Change and the Environment

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local energy

This is the sixth article in our 8-part series of weekly blog posts called “The…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

Transit equity and the road to Vision Zero

Most people who ride transit for daily transportation reach their stops by walking. But how safe…

Climate Change and the Environment

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local waste management

This is the fifth article in our 8-part series of weekly blog posts called “The…

Public Transit

Valuing seniors, building community

We’re all either seniors, or will be seniors one day. An often overlooked facet of…

Equity*Public Transit

Transit equity: more than bus stops

You’ve likely been hearing a lot about equity in the local news lately. There’s been…

Development and Housing

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local land use

his is the fourth article in our 8-part series of weekly blog posts called “The…

Parks and Greenways

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local parks + green space

This is the third article in our 8-part series of weekly blog posts called “The…

Public Transit

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local transportation

Today we’re launching a new 8-part series of weekly blog posts called “The Good, the…

Public Transit

Building smart cities, one good idea at a time

Last Wednesday, government leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, and students all converged on the Hurt Hub in…

Public Transit

Moving in the right direction: sustainable transportation with Youthquake!

Summer in North Carolina is in full swing: long sunny days, temperatures in the ‘80s,…

Climate Change and the Environment*Parks and Greenways

The good, the bad, the possibilities: local water

This is the second article in our 8-part series of weekly blog posts called “The…

Equity*Public Transit

CATS plans to straighten out meandering bus routes this fall

If you’ve avoided riding the bus to work because your travel time would be too…

Climate Change and the Environment

How energy and growth are impacting climate change + what you can do

In a discussion of sustainability, climate change is the elephant in the room. That’s why…

Equity*Public Transit

“Envisioning” safe, sustainable growth

On Thursday, July 5th, Sustain Charlotte had the privilege to work with the smart, driven…

Public Transit

How the City of Charlotte plans to calm traffic in school zones and neighborhoods

The Charlotte City Council’s Transportation and Planning Committee Meeting on Monday, June 25th focused on…

Climate Change and the Environment

Victory: Charlotte City Council unanimously passes resolution for a “sustainable and resilient” Charlotte

On June 25th, the Charlotte City Council unanimously passed the resolution for a “Sustainable and…

Biking and Walking

Here’s the latest on the planned Uptown Protected Bike Lane

It’s time for an Uptown protected bike lane update!  In 2015, Sustain Charlotte started the…

Climate Change and the Environment*Parks and Greenways

Three easy ways you can have a positive impact on water

Water may not be top of your mind when it comes to smart growth, but…

Climate Change and the Environment

Action Alert: Ask Charlotte City Council to support “Sustainable and Resilient Charlotte” resolution

We need your help! On June 25th, the Charlotte City Council will be voting on a…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

All the good things that you need to know about the city’s adopted FY 2019 budget

On Monday, June 11th, City Council adopted their FY 2019 budget and FY 2019 – 2023…

Parks and Greenways*Public Transit

375 people explored FreeMoreWest on foot at our 2018 #WalkCLT event!

More than 375 Charlotte area residents enjoyed exploring the FreeMoreWest business district, surrounding neighborhoods, and…

Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing

Charlotte City Council Environment Committee passes Sustainable Energy Resolution

At their June 4 meeting, the Charlotte City Council Environment Committee passed a comprehensive resolution…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

South End Vision Plan, Vision Zero, and a new approach to Charlotte’s zoning update

SouthEnd Vision Plan Monica Holmes from the city’s Planning Department gave an overview of changes…

Biking and Walking

Cycling advocates brave weather for shifting gears

Sustain Charlotte hosted our second Shifting Gears of 2018 on May 24th at Central Piedmont…

Public Transit

Speak up for public transit in NC!

Right now the draft state budget includes a provision that would make it impossible for any…

Public Transit

Leaders call for collaboration to expand regional transit network

“Build a system that works, and the riders will come.” Keynote speaker John Martin from…

Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte members share priorities for air quality in Mecklenburg County

At our May Grow Smart CLT event, attendees were focused on air quality, and what…

Biking and Walking

Action Alert: Support groundbreaking 2019 city budget for active transportation!

Help your City go the last mile to fund critical transportation programs! On Monday, May…

Equity*Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte coordinates demonstration projects at Open Streets 704

We hope you were one of the 30,000 people who came out to support Open Streets…

Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte coordinates demonstration projects at Open Streets 704

We hope you were one of the 30,000 people who came out to support Open Streets…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Senior mobility survey

Are you a Senior? Want to improve transportation options in our community? Please take our survey and…

Climate Change and the Environment

Charlotte City Council Environment Committee looks at plan for low carbon future

The Charlotte City Council Environment Committee is working on a plan to significantly reduce greenhouse…

Equity

Sustain Charlotte honors top sustainability leaders at annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards

Each year we honor local sustainability leaders who are leading the way for a more…

Public Transit

City Council Transportation and Planning Committee examines vision for South End and UDO Process

At the April 23rd Charlotte City Council Transportation and Planning Committee meeting, Ed McKinney from…

Climate Change and the Environment

Sustain Charlotte partners with Livable Meck and IKEA on food waste events

Did you know that the average American household spends $1,500 on food that ends up…

Biking and Walking

Big win for pedestrians as City Council passes sidewalk amendments

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the more than 50 people who responded to our action…

Public Transit

Transportation experts share advice on growth + mobility challenges

Ask a resident of Greater Charlotte what issues they see within our region, and you’ll…

Public Transit

Action Alert: closing dangerous sidewalk gaps

UPDATE: The agenda for the April 23 Council meeting is now posted with this issue as Agenda…

Public Transit

Why Charlotte needs new development rules and what Sustain Charlotte is doing

The City of Charlotte is in the process of overhauling the regulations that govern land…

Public Transit

Many growing cities are building better bus networks. Will Charlotte be next?

Update: CATS has extended the public comment period for Envision My Ride through May 4th….

Climate Change and the Environment

City Council Environment Committee unanimously approves cost-share program to fund stormwater repairs

The City Council Environment Committee voted unanimously to approve a cost-share program to fund certain…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

City Council seeks clarity on zoning ordinance process

At Monday’s City Council Transportation and Planning Committee meeting, members asked Planning Department staff a…

Biking and Walking

The Charlotte family bike guide

Do you want to go biking around Charlotte with your family? Don’t know where to…

Parks and Greenways

Greenways are vital to our growing community

Over 100 people came out to Resident Culture Brewing for our second Grow Smart CLT…

Public Transit

The Blue Line extension is open. What’s next for public transit?

If you followed our BLE opening adventures on Friday, you may have noticed that we…

Public Transit

Ride that train: a guide to walkable destinations on the Blue Line extension

How will the Blue Line Extension change the way you explore Charlotte? Sustain Charlotte, University City…

Development and Housing

City Council weighs options for tiny houses

City Council Committees (also known as Focus Areas) are newly seated and back in session!…

Public Transit

Celebrate the Blue Line extension opening at Sycamore Brewing

Celebrate the opening of the Blue Line light rail extension with South End Food Truck…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment

Cycling activists are creating change through shifting gears

On February 28th, Sustain Charlotte hosted the first Shifting Gears public action workshop of 2018,…

Development and Housing*Equity*Public Transit*Uncategorized

It’s tough to be a pedestrian in West Charlotte. Here’s how neighbors are changing that.

Imagine a busy four-lane thoroughfare running through your neighborhood. Safe places to cross are far…

Climate Change and the Environment

City Council Environment Committee explores cost-share program to fund storm water repairs

The City Council Environment Committee discussed a potential cost-share program to fund certain storm water…

Public Transit

Seniors share their stories about transportation challenges

Residents in both the Lincoln Heights and West Boulevard communities recently gathered in partnership with…

Public Transit

City Council, residents need a better way to walk to bus stops!

At the February 26 Charlotte City Council meeting, our Program Director Meg Fencil spoke during…

Climate Change and the Environment

Charlotte City Council Environment Committee will create Sustainable Energy Action Plan

At their first meeting of 2018, the City Council Environment Committee focused their attention on…

Development and Housing

Charlotte’s new planning director explains vision for the city’s growth

Over 120 people joined us at  Resident Culture Brewing for launch of our new monthly…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Way2Go CLT made a big impact in 8 months!

Last year we created the Way2Go CLT initiative, an effort to inspire Charlotteans to get…

Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte empowers seniors to overcome mobility challenges by teaming up with neighborhoods across the city

Many senior adults in Charlotte struggle to maintain their mobility as they age, often resulting…

Biking and Walking

City council, it’s time to fund transportation plans and programs!

City Council, it’s time to fund transportation plans and programs! Part of advocating for smart…

Public Transit

Big changes coming to CATS network in March

The countdown is on to the March 16th opening of the Blue Line Extension (BLE)…

Parks and Greenways

Sustain Charlotte supports call for more greenways by 2035

Last summer, more than 2,100 people signed our petition asking Mecklenburg’s County Commissioners to fund 13 parks…

Climate Change and the Environment*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte joins call for wise use of Volkswagen mitigation trust funds

Sustain Charlotte joined with Southern Environmental Law Center, the NC Conservation Network, Clean Air Carolina, and…

Climate Change and the Environment*Parks and Greenways

Two companies work to manage waste more sustainably in charlotte

Did you know Mecklenburg County processed 130,000 tons of wood waste in 2017? That’s the…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

Dockless bikes provide affordable, healthy transportation choice

Have you taken a ride on one of the new dockless bikes situated around town…

Biking and Walking*Climate Change and the Environment*Development and Housing*Equity*Parks and Greenways

10 ways we plan to make a big impact in 2018!

Thank you for all of your generous support and for helping to make 2017 a…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

We’re speaking up for a better walk to the bus stop!

A network is only as strong as its weakest link. Even small gaps in a…

Biking and Walking

Sustain Charlotte helps out at Five Points Better Block!

Did you make it to the Five Points Better Block on November 17th and 18th?…

Climate Change and the Environment

Action Alert: Ask City Council to support clean energy! *updated with vote results

*Updated 11/28/17 BREAKING: Charlotte City Council just voted 6-5 to send a resolution that would…

Development and Housing*Public Transit

Sustain Charlotte supports Charlotte Walks at City Council!

On Monday night (11/15), we asked City Council to support the 5-year pedestrian plan, Charlotte…

Biking and Walking*Public Transit

The smashing success of Biketoberfest 2017!

Biketoberfest presented by The Charlotte Knights was bigger and better than ever this year!  Almost…