We work to build a better community for all by advocating for local solutions that reduce our impact on the climate, advance racial equity, and support residents’ health and wellness. We amplify these efforts by partnering with other local advocacy organizations and community partners who are dedicated to specific issues and efforts. Here are some resources for particular sustainability areas of focus.
Affordable housing
Did you know that Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in America? Around 113 people move here every day. Unfortunately, the cost of housing has skyrocketed, making it difficult for many to afford a place to live that is close to their everyday needs. As such, people are spending more time commuting to work, appointments, and the grocery store on top of paying for prohibitively expensive housing. While we advocate for fast, frequent, reliable transportation to lessen this burden, our partners listed below fearlessly tackle the housing crisis.
For more information, contact:
Air quality
As we know, more vehicles on the road equals more emissions that negatively affect our health and climate. We advocate every day to make it easier for people to choose options like walking, biking, and taking public transportation so that they don’t have to rely on their car and sit in traffic, wasting time and creating even more emissions. While we push for this mode shift, our friends at the organizations below complement us by working tirelessly to improve air quality.
For more information, contact:
Food security
For many people, access to healthy food is limited by a lack of full-service grocery stores in their neighborhood, or lack of transportation choices that would allow them to shop for food in a time-efficient manner without needing a car.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food deserts in urban areas as low-income census tracts — or neighborhoods — where at least 500 people, or 33% of the population, live more than a mile from a grocery store. About 38% of Charlotte’s Black residents — compared with 25% of its white residents — live more than one mile from a grocery store.
For more information, contact:
Tree canopy
Charlotte is a beautiful, sunny, city of trees. But have you thought about where these trees are concentrated? Most trees around the city are tucked back in older neighborhoods or along the streams. Major roads, which host many of our bus stops and sidewalks, are often left open to the full brunt of direct sunlight. As we advocate for more people to walk, bike, and use public transportation, we need to make sure that these options are safe and accessible including routes that are shaded by trees.
For more information, contact: