City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County release Quality of Life Explorer
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The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County recently released the updated Quality of Life Explorer, an interactive online tool that provides Mecklenburg County residents with a snapshot of social, housing, economic, environmental, health and safety conditions in their neighborhoods and across the community.
So what’s included?
- More than 80 variables providing detailed information about neighborhood housing stock, household income, jobs, health, education, tree canopy coverage, crime rates, code violations, community engagement, energy consumption and much more
- The ability to view trends over time
- Links to more than 100 resources and programs that can provide local residents with additional assistance
- Maps, data tables and summary reports for more than 450 neighborhood profile areas
How can you use the dashboard?
The Quality of Life Explorer provides residents with the information they need to determine neighborhood priorities, discover assets and plan for the future. Check out the Explorer online to learn more about what’s happening, see trends over time, and connect to resources to take action on the issues that matter to you.
Interested in learning more?
Check out the Quality of Life Explorer online now: mcmap.org/qol. You can also contact qualityoflife@charlottenc.gov with questions, or request a customized training for your organization or group at needaspeaker.charmeck.org or 704-336-2175.
The City and County will host two training sessions on Wednesday, June 3 at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. The sessions, which will be held at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m., will feature a tour of the Quality of Life Explorer, examples of how the community is using the tool to drive change, and a hands-on dashboard tutorial.
The Quality of Life Explorer is created in partnership between the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, with the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville.
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City of Charlotte announces 2015 Small Business Month
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Charlotte’s Small Business Month kicked off May 1, featuring a variety of celebratory and informative events designed to recognize local small businesses and entrepreneurs. Over the course of the month, the City and its partners will provide local business owners with networking opportunities, access to forums where they can discuss business strategies, and awards ceremonies to celebrate local small, woman and minority-owned businesses.
“Nationally, Small Business Week is May 4-8, but in Charlotte we are celebrating all month long,” said Mayor Dan Clodfelter. “Charlotte’s Small Business Month celebrates the contributions of our community’s local small businesses and the key role they play in keeping our economy strong. Throughout May, we will recognize the entrepreneurs and small businesses owners who are making their mark on our community’s growth and sustainability.”
Small businesses are an essential ingredient to growing and sustaining our economy. As such, the City and 18 partner organizations such as Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and Central Piedmont Community College have been working collaboratively to make Charlotte the premier place for small business investment and growth.
In addition, the City and its partners have created events throughout May where small businesses can learn new skills, receive information on critical business issues, network and celebrate their successes.
For more information about Charlotte Small Business Month, please visit: CharlotteSmallBusinessMonth.com.
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New affordable housing community celebrates grand opening |
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On April 2, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership celebrated the opening of its newest property, The Dannelly at the Catawba. The Dannelly is a community of senior apartment homes located on Mount Holly-Huntersville Road within walking distance to the Catawba River.
The 62-unit affordable multifamily property is dedicated to Charlie Smith Dannelly, former member of the North Carolina Senate representing District 38 and long-standing advocate of affordable housing.
Construction for The Dannelly at the Catawba began in early 2014 and opened in January 2015. By mid-March, all 62 units were rented and occupied. In addition to the close proximity to the river, the property offers amenities including garden plots, a library/computer room, a large community room, 24-hour maintenance and smoke-free living.
Funding for the Dannelly was available through the City of Charlotte Housing Trust Fund, federal and state low-income tax credits, and loans. For more information on affordable multifamily projects in Charlotte, please contact Zelleka Biermann at zbiermann@charlottenc.gov.
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Youth Council brings new perspective to Neighborhood Matching Grants program
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Neighborhood & Business Services (NBS) staff members recently met with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council to hear their perspective on ways to enhance the Neighborhood Matching Grants program. The students provided insight into why they loved their neighborhoods and also indicated areas of concern or opportunities for improvement. The feedback showed the needs of youth are not all that different from the needs of older citizens.
In addition to physical improvements, the youth expressed a strong desire to participate in their communities and make them their own, helping them to refine the skills needed to live as engaged citizens. Their ideas included a non-profit organization focused on youth sports for girls, after-school tutoring programs, the creation of new neighborhood organizations, youth councils for existing neighborhood associations and event planning of activities that bring communities together.
NBS staff will incorporate the ideas gathered into a set of recommendations intended to enhance the Neighborhood Matching Grants program. Organizations wishing to share opportunities or seek input from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council should contact Amy Farrell at amy@generationnation.org or 704???343???6999.
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