City of Charlotte releases updated Charlotte Green Tour

The City of Charlotte recently released the updated Charlotte Green Tour, a one-stop shop that provides information about sustainable initiatives in Charlotte.

Using the interactive map, visitors and residents can now view photos and information about each stop on the tour to learn how the City is making sustainable projects a priority. The map also includes links to a walking tour as well as information about how residents can get involved and learn more about local green projects.

Charlotte Green Tour stops include:

• Green spaces and public art
• B-Cycle sharing stations
• Airport sustainability initiatives
• Green buildings
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Public transit in and around Charlotte

To access the Charlotte Green Tour, visit power2charlotte.com/greentour. For more information about the City’s environmental sustainability initiatives, visit power2charlotte.com.

On Wednesday, July 15, Neighborhood & Business Services (NBS) will host a Tree Banding Grant information session and roundtable discussion. Stop by to find out how your neighborhood can apply for grant funding worth up to $3,000, courtesy of the Neighborhood Matching Grants program.

The information session will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 at 600 East Trade Street. All neighborhoods in Charlotte are eligible to apply for a Tree Banding Grant.

For more information, contact Keep Charlotte Beautiful Program Manager Denise Coleman. Click here for more information about ways you can help control the fall cankerworm population. 

NBS’ Facade Improvement Grant assists businesses and commercial property owners with improving their building’s appearance. In doing so, the program helps bring signs, parking and landscaping into conformance with current codes.

As part of the program, the grant provides eligible businesses or property owners with 50 percent reimbursement for certain architectural renovation expenses. Sixty percent reimbursement may be available on a case-by-case basis for businesses who use a certified Small Business Enterprise firm.

Applications are due Aug. 15. For more information, contact Veronica Mosley at vmosley@charlottenc.gov.

Mayor's Youth Employment Program kicks off its summer internship season

The Mayor's Youth Employment Program (MYEP) recently kicked off its summer internship season, hosting an annual event that provides hundreds of local high school interns and their host employers with the opportunity to meet, mingle and discuss logistics prior to the students beginning their internships.

During the kickoff event, Mayor Dan Clodfelter received the 2015 Youth Employment Legacy Award, an award presented to an individual who has provided outstanding support and service to youth development in Charlotte. 

Last week, 344 students began their internships with 94 local employers. As the students complete their eight-week internships, they are encouraged to share their experiences via social media using #MYEP2015.

Check out this video to see what students at the kickoff event had to say about MYEP and their internship opportunities. For more information, visit myep.charlottenc.gov.

What's Happening

Tree Banding Grant information session
Wednesday, July 15
6 p.m.
600 East Trade Street

Neighborhood Board Retreat
Saturday, July 18
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
320 E. Ninth Street, Charlotte

Facade Improvement Grant deadline
Saturday, Aug. 15

The Need a Speaker? program is a one-stop web portal where neighborhood organizations and civic groups can request and book speakers from across City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County departments.

With more than 80 available topics, visitors can gain access to expert speakers on the many programs and services offered by the City and County. 

For more information, visit needaspeaker.charmeck.org or call (704)336-2175.