⭐ New Year, New Opportunities: Building Vibrant Communities Together

As we step into 2025, we’re excited to continue working with Charlotte residents to build vibrant neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for all. Our department is here to support you through our key service areas:

CharMeck311: Your one-stop shop for city and county services.

Code Enforcement: Ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming community.

Community Engagement: Strengthening neighborhoods through resources, training, and partnerships.

Housing Services: Supporting affordable housing and homeownership opportunities.

This year, we remind you to explore the Charlotte Community Resources Directory—a comprehensive guide designed to connect you with programs and services that help neighborhoods thrive. From housing assistance and community grants to youth programs and sustainability initiatives, there’s something for everyone.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth and opportunity for Charlotte’s communities!

Warm wishes,
Housing & Neighborhood Services

🙏 Faith in Housing: Empowering Faith-Based Leaders in 2025

We're taking the Faith in Housing Initiative to the next level with two exciting programs! Whether you're just starting or ready to launch a project we've got you covered.

🏠 What’s Coming in 2025:

• Educational Cohort Program: Step-by-step guidance and support in an 18-24-month program to turn your housing vision into a reality.
• Technical Assistance Grant: Get access to architects, developers, and financial planners to help at key project stages.

📅 Stay tuned for updates on application timelines for both programs.

🚀 Take The Next Step:

• Complete our Interest Form to share your goals and challenges. We'll connect you to resources and keep you in the loop.
• Use the Development Readiness Checklist:
  • Assess where you are in the process.
  • Identify gaps and next steps.
  • Access tools that align with your goals.

🛠️ New to Faith in Housing?

Explore resources from last year's workshops and training sessions to get started.

❓ Questions?

If you have an questions or need assistance, we're here to help.

📝 Your Voice Matters: Mecklenburg County and City of Charlotte HUD Funded Programs Community Needs Survey

The City of Charlotte Housing Services Division invites community members to share your thoughts and ideas as we develop our 5-year 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. This plan is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to secure federal funding for the following programs:  

• Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) 
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) 
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) 
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) 

Your input is essential in shaping programs and initiatives that address the needs of our communities. By participating in our survey, you’ll help prioritize resources to meet community needs, create a sustainable living environment, develop and preserve affordable housing, expand economic opportunities, and support special populations. 

We value your voice and encourage you to contribute to this important planning process.  

Click the links below to access the survey. 

English Version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MeckCDBG
Spanish Version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BTYTPY6 

QR Codes: 

English

Spanish 

✊ Honoring Dr. King: Celebrate Unity, Service, and Diversity

Honor the legacy of Dr. King with a series of events celebrating unity, service, and diversity. All events occur rain or shine. Questions? Email mlk@charlottenc.gov.

Basketball Showcase

• Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m.
• Location: West Charlotte High School, 2219 Senior Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28216

Holiday Parade

• Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9:00 a.m.
• The parade will march down Tryon Street, beginning at Ninth Street and ending at Brooklyn Village Avenue. More than 100 community organizations, marching bands and step and drill teams will participate. Highlights will include floats with the student winners of the CMS MLK Art and Writing Contests and local performance groups.

National Observance

• Date/Time: Sunday, Jan. 19, 03:00- 05:00 p.m.
• Location: Parr Center Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC, 28204

🌳 MLK Day Corridor Cleanups: Join the Movement!

Honor Dr. King’s legacy of service by joining Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) and partners for cleanups along the Beatties Ford Road and Freedom Drive corridors on Jan. 20, 2025.

All of the cleanups are from 10 a.m. to noon on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They are free to attend, but please register in advance so organizers can prepare sufficient supplies.

Event Details:

• Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Locations:
  1. Archive CLT – 2023 Beatties Ford Road Suite D (north to Montana Dr.)
  2. Biddleville Park – 500 Andrill Terrace (Summit Ave., Andrill Terrace, Oaklawn Rd.)
  3. Camp Greene Park – 1221 Alleghany St. (Alleghany St., Freedom Dr.)
  4. Mecklenburg County Public Health – 2845 Beatties Ford Road (south to Montana Dr., N. Hoskins Rd.)

Registration: Free, but please register in advance to ensure sufficient supplies.

Partners:

• Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
• Johnson C. Smith University
• GreenPrints initiative (Corridors of Opportunity program)

Can’t attend? Get involved year-round with KCB’s programs!

🏠 Strengthening Housing Standards for a Better Charlotte

Officials from Charlotte’s Housing and Neighborhood Services, led by Director Rebecca Hefner, presented to the Housing, Safety, and Community Committee this month. The meeting focused on Charlotte's Minimum Housing Code, emphasizing efforts to ensure safe and healthy living conditions in multi-family dwellings and lodging establishments. Discussions included the current enforcement process, challenges, and potential policy updates to address common violations such as unsafe wiring, plumbing defects, and inadequate heating. Next steps involve community engagement sessions, stakeholder meetings, and case studies to explore best practices and refine enforcement strategies.

This work aligns with the city's commitment to maintaining safe, affordable housing for all residents.

🛡️ Safer Communities Through Collaboration: Charlotte’s Quality of Life Initiative

On January 6, Housing and Neighborhood Services Director Rebecca Hefner and Debbie Smith from the Charlotte Department of Transportation presented the City's innovative Quality of Life Approach to public safety. The framework emphasizes collaboration across departments, including Housing, CMPD, CDOT, and community partners, to create safer, more engaged neighborhoods. Highlights included:

• Addressing community safety through holistic strategies like enhanced neighborhood engagement, partnerships with residents, and revitalized public spaces.
• Ongoing efforts to tackle illegal truck parking, improve street lighting, and maintain clean and green spaces, including graffiti and litter removal.
• Expansion of resources for unhoused neighbors through outreach programs and wellness checks via the CLT+ app.

This approach reflects Charlotte’s commitment to fostering safe, vibrant, and connected communities. 

🏗️ Code Enforcement Tip of the Month

Any Off-Premise Retail Sales requires a Zoning Use Permit and can be obtained at 2145 Suttle Avenue.  You can obtain additional information at www.charlottenc.gov/HNS/Code/Zoning.

🗑️ Keep Charlotte Beautiful: Lend a Hand in Litter Research

Keep Charlotte Beautiful, in partnership with UNC Charlotte, is conducting a litter study to analyze the composition and distribution of litter across all seven council districts. The study spans four sampling periods: August 2024, November 2024, February 2025, and April 2025. The study aims to generate actionable data to help local governments, non-profits, and businesses reduce litter and waste in Mecklenburg County.

This study relies heavily on the involvement of citizen scientists, and Keep Charlotte Beautiful is currently seeking volunteers to join the effort. The next sampling period will take place from February 1st through 15th. Volunteers will be paired and assigned to 150-foot road segments to collect litter within the right of way. One volunteer will pick up the litter, while the other will tally the items on a litter categories sheet. There are 250 sites to sample, and most groups can complete 4 sites in an hour.  Help Charlotte better understand its litter problem! To register, sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/kcb_clt/feblitterstudy.

🌟 Empowering Youth: Apply for MYEP Hosting Grant for Non-Profits

As we kick off 2025, we’re excited to invite your organization to apply for a grant to host participants in the Mayor's Youth Employment Program (MYEP). This year we have nearly 800 applicants across Charlotte excited for an opportunity to learn and grow in the workplace.

Why Host MYEP Participants?
MYEP is designed to connect Charlotte’s youth with enriching work experiences that align with their interests and skills. As a host employer, you’ll mentor young talent while supporting your organizational needs. Participants will work a minimum of 150 hours between June 23rd and August 1st, 2025, earning $13/hour. Whether onsite, remote, or hybrid, this opportunity is flexible to meet your operational goals.

Hear from a Host Employer:

"MYEP serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of reaching out and making a difference in the lives of youth. By investing time and effort in mentoring and supporting young people, we not only empower them to reach their full potential but also create a ripple effect of positivity and growth. Let's continue to nurture and uplift the next generation, for they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
~ Host Employer Supervisor

Don’t Miss Out – Apply by January 17th!
Take this opportunity to make a difference and inspire our community’s youth. Start your application today and Apply Now.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make 2025 a year of growth and impact for Charlotte’s youth!

🏘️ Transform Your Neighborhood: Training & Beautification Opportunities

Ready to strengthen your neighborhood and enhance your leadership skills? Check out these upcoming events and workshops designed to help you make a lasting impact in your community.

👥 Conflict Resolution for Neighborhood Organizations
February 20, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 pm | South Blvd Library: Community Room
This interactive workshop is designed for neighborhood leaders and residents seeking effective tools to resolve conflicts and build stronger neighborhood relationships. Participants will learn strategies in managing disputes, along with essential communication skills such as active listening and assertiveness.

👥 Engagement and Event Strategies for Neighborhood Organizations
March 12, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 pm | Sugar Creek Library
This workshop equips neighborhood leaders and residents with the tools to create engaging, impactful events that strengthen community connections. Participants will learn strategies for boosting involvement, planning successful events, building partnerships, and promoting activities. Whether you're organizing a small gathering or a large event, you'll gain practical skills to enhance community engagement and create lasting impact in your neighborhood.

🏘️ Pre-Application Workshops for the March 1, 2025 Application Cycle

Pre-Application workshops will help you think through project ideas, provide instructions and tips for submitting a competitive grant application, and tell you what to expect during the application and project implementation processes. Attendance at a workshop is required prior to applying for a grant.

The first portion of the workshop is an overview of the NMG program. This is required if you are a new applicant or if it has been two years or more since your last application.

The second portion (starting 45 minutes later) will go over the actual application piece of the process. This is required for everyone.

If you are only attending the second portion of the workshop, feel free to log into the zoom or get to the library 45 minutes after the scheduled start time. 

Pre-Application Workshops for the March 1, 2025 Application Cycle

• Tuesday January 21st 12pm-2pm (in- person at West Blvd. Library) (2157 West Blvd)
• Thursday January 23rd 11am-1pm (zoom)
• Monday January 27th 11am- 1pm (zoom)
• Tuesday January 28th 12pm-2pm (in-person at Hickory Grove Library) (5935 Hickory Grove Rd.)
• Wednesday January 29th 5pm- 7pm (zoom)
• Thursday January 30th 5pm- 7pm (zoom)

Register for workshops here.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

• March 1, 2025

Please get in touch with Madison Watson at madison.watson@charlottenc.gov or 980-416-7035 if you have any questions or need assistance.

🎄 Dispose of Holiday Trees with Ease

No one wants to see their tree go after Christmas, but Solid Waste Services will help make the process easier for you! 🎄

Natural trees can be placed at the curb for collection beginning Wednesday, Jan. 1. Remove all lights, tinsel, and ornaments before bringing it outside. Check all the branches to ensure you’re not accidentally throwing away any cherished decorations.

If you have an artificial tree that you’re looking to replace, those need to be scheduled for bulky collection. You can schedule online, via the CLT+ app, or by calling 311. Just like a natural tree, it should be free of decorations before it is placed at the curb.

Wreaths must also be scheduled for bulky collection, whether they are artificial or natural. Wiring is present in all wreaths, which puts them in the bulky item category and makes them ineligible for normal garbage or yard waste collection.

City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services will not collect garbage, recycling, yard waste and scheduled bulky waste on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Solid Waste Services will operate on a one-day delay following the holiday, with Friday customers receiving service on Saturday, Jan. 25. It will be a green recycling collection week.

For more tips from the Solid Waste Services team, visit cltgov.me/holidaytips.

📰 Stay Informed: Community Relations Committee Newsletter Highlights

The Community Relations Committee (CRC) released the latest edition of their newsletter. Some resources shared in the latest edition include:

1. The When You Rent handbook, a comprehensive guide to rental laws, available in English and Spanish. The handbook covers:
   • State and local maintenance codes
   • Dispute resolution processes
   • Code enforcement
   • The connection between health and housing
2. Source of Income Protections for housing providers in city/county-funded developments
   • Enacted by Charlotte City Council (Aug. 22, 2022) and Mecklenburg County Commissioners (Sept. 20, 2022).
   • Housing providers cannot refuse lawful income sources, including wages, rental assistance, grants, vouchers, pensions, or child support.
   • Violations & Penalties:
     • First Violation: Written warning and mandatory compliance training.
     • Second Violation: Training + $500 daily fee until resolved.
     • Three or More Violations: Refund of funding and potential disqualification from future contracts.

Learn more about the Source of Income protections.