January is National Mentoring Month, and the City of Charlotte is celebrating this annual campaign through our Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance (MMA) initiative by hosting events focused on expanding quality mentoring opportunities and connecting young people with caring adults. 

Research shows that mentors play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools to strive and thrive, to attend and engage in school, and to reduce or avoid risky behavior like drug use.  In turn, these young people are:

• 55% more likely to be enrolled in college.
• 81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities.
• 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.
• More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports.

Click here to learn more about Mentoring in Charlotte.

The MMA Awards recognize the extraordinary impact mentorship has on our community. At this event, we honor mentors, mentees, and mentoring organizations.  Last night we held the annual MMA Awards Ceremony at Project 658 to celebrate the magic of mentoring. 

Congratulations to the 2020 MMA Award recipients! 

Civic Leadership Academy Applications Now Open

The City of Charlotte’s Civic Leadership Academy is a free 12-week course specifically designed for residents like you—Charlotteans who are ready to take the next step in being community leaders and improving the quality of life in all of Charlotte’s neighborhoods. The experience will provide participants an opportunity to grow in their leadership, understand how the City of Charlotte works, analyze issues using data, connect with decision-makers, and make a difference in their communities. Review the workshop schedule and apply here.

Neighborhood Matching Grants Pre-Application Workshops

The Neighborhood Matching Grants Program has helped Charlotte residents improve their neighborhoods since 1992. The program awards funds to eligible neighborhood-based organizations for projects that make neighborhoods better places to live, work, and play. Before applying for a grant, applicants must attend a workshop. The next workshops are as follows:

      • Tues, Jan 21, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Arbor Glen Outreach Center, 1520 Clanton Road
      • Tues, Jan 21, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Arbor Glen Outreach Center, 1520 Clanton Road
      • Tues, Jan 28, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, Old City Hall, Wilmore Room 106 (600 E. Trade St) 
      • Tues, Jan 28, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road 
      • Thurs, Jan 30, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way 
      • Wed, Feb 5, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, Steele Creek Library, 13620 Steele Creek Road
      • Wed, Feb 12, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Camino Community Center, 201 Stetson Drive 
      • Thurs, Feb 20, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Old City Hall, Wilmore Room 106 (600 E. Trade St)
  
Learn more and register to attend a workshop here.

The City of Charlotte’s Placemaking Program launched in 2018 with the mission of using urban design and placemaking to transform underutilized public spaces into vibrant places for people. The Urban Design Center in the City of Charlotte’s Planning, Design, and Development department is leading the effort with their own projects while creating opportunities for neighborhoods to use placemaking to promote community collaboration and accomplish public space goals. The City of Charlotte Placemaking Program has opened up a new round of Placemaking Grants for 2020. Applications are being accepted through March 6th. Visit the Placemaking Grant page for the guide, application, and other important details.

New City of Charlotte Board Vacancies Available

Please view the updated 2020 appointment schedule for City Council's Boards & Commissions. Please take note of application deadlines and dates projected for nominations and appointments. 

The City Council vacancy notice can be accessed here.  

Visit our Boards & Commissions Web Page!

You can access a listing of all city boards and commissions, membership rosters, descriptions detailing board responsibilities and apply for vacancies. We are committed to providing an open and accessible way for citizens to participate in their government.
 

Code Enforcement Tip of the Month

What is considered “tall” weeds and grass? Grass, weeds and other vegetation cannot exceed 12 inches. It shall be the responsibility of the abutting property owner to maintain any property or driveway between the property line and curb of a paved street per sec. 7.105 of Charlotte city ordinances. Download the Code Booklet here.