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Our Work

Our Work

Since 2010, we have been on a mission to create a more equitable, connected, and healthy community by inspiring responsible growth and transportation choices.

We work to address the region’s most pressing challenges, including traffic congestion, sprawl, carbon emissions, and inequities in access to housing, jobs, and transportation. By empowering residents, engaging with local leaders, and advocating for smart growth, we help create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.

Sustain Charlotte's Grow Smart CLT: Exploring the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan event at Victoria Yards in uptown Charlotte.
Sustain Charlotte's Grow Smart CLT: Exploring the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan event at Victoria Yards in uptown Charlotte.

What we do every day

Driving policy change for sustainable growth
Sustain Charlotte has been instrumental in advocating for policies that promote smart growth, sustainable transportation, and environmental conservation in Mecklenburg County. From influencing transit expansion plans to shaping climate action goals, we’re helping make the city more resilient to future challenges.

Community-centered advocacy
We actively engage Charlotte residents to amplify their voices on sustainability issues. Sustain Charlotte empowers community members to speak up on critical issues like transportation accessibility, green space development, and environmental justice, ensuring that growth benefits everyone.

Supporting healthy, clean, affordable mobility
Sustain Charlotte is a leader in promoting healthy, clean, affordable mobility solutions. Through our initiatives, we advocate for enhanced public transit, safer cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and reduced car dependency. This helps lower emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality for all.

Trusted local sustainability partner
Sustain Charlotte has a proven track record of partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to implement meaningful change. We are seen as a go-to organization for collaborative projects that move Charlotte toward a sustainable and more inclusive future.

Educational outreach and youth engagement
Sustain Charlotte offers educational programs that engage young people and residents in learning about sustainability. Through workshops, seminars, and community events, we’re building a culture of sustainability among Charlotte’s next generation of leaders.

Grassroots initiatives with tangible results
Sustain Charlotte doesn’t just talk about sustainability; we achieve real, measurable results. From increasing biking infrastructure to supporting greenway expansions and influencing local transit funding, our work leads to visible, lasting changes that improve daily life for Charlotteans.

Championing equitable solutions
Sustain Charlotte works to ensure that sustainability initiatives also address equity. We advocate for affordable transit, equitable access to green spaces, and neighborhood improvements that benefit underserved communities.

Making a climate impact
Sustain Charlotte’s advocacy contributes directly to reducing Charlotte’s carbon footprint. By promoting sustainable transit and energy-efficient development, we’re lowering greenhouse gas emissions and helping the city meet its climate goals.

Maximizing donor dollars
Sustain Charlotte is committed to transparency and effectiveness. We leverage every dollar to achieve maximum impact, ensuring that donor contributions directly support meaningful projects and advocacy efforts.

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Why it matters

Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Without thoughtful planning, this growth could lead to worsening congestion, increased air pollution, and greater social disparities.

Sustain Charlotte is here to ensure that growth benefits everyone and leaves a legacy of environmental stewardship and social equity for generations to come.

Join us in shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving community!

Want to know more?

Listen to this Charlotte Ledger podcast featuring Shannon Binns, executive director of Sustain Charlotte discussing the city’s transit plan, Charlotte’s historic reliance on cars, changes in local land-use planning, and more.

Our values

We are collaborative. We foster an inclusive environment to build values-based partnerships. Our success comes from uniting diverse perspectives to achieve common goals, ensuring that everyone has a voice and a role in our shared progress.
 
We are inspiring. We aim to motivate and inspire others through our passion, creativity, and a fun, supportive environment that encourages innovation and curiosity.
 
We are bold. We demonstrate courage by speaking up for what is right, showing resilience in the face of challenges, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to our values and mission. 
 
We are solution-focused. We seek practical, sustainable solutions that address the needs of the Greater Charlotte community and always strive for positive outcomes.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Sustain Charlotte is committed to building a more just and equitable Charlotte region. We believe sustainability is only achievable when we recognize the ongoing disparities in our neighborhoods and communities and seek to address their root causes. 

We work tirelessly for equity, inclusion, diversity and access to ensure that people with marginalized identities have the opportunity to safely live, work and play in a city that is healthy, equitable and vibrant for all. 

You helped make a difference in 2023

Get to know how our volunteers and supporters created lasting, positive changes in our 2023 Impact Report.

Financials

Sustain Charlotte holds itself to high standards of integrity and transparency in our financial reporting. We've earned Candid's Platinum Transparency certification, the highest level.