American Airlines is a REBIC Member.
Visit the Centennial Website here for all the history, stories, and videos.
Charlotte’s rise as a dynamic, globally connected city is inseparable from the growth of American Airlines’ hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Reliable, world‑class air service didn’t just make it easier to get here—it helped shape the economic, cultural, and social transformation of our region. The hub has brought new ideas, new investment, and new visitors to Charlotte, making it one of the most important catalysts in the development of the New South and a foundational asset for our real estate, business, and workforce communities.
That impact is also tangible and measurable at the local level. American Airlines’ annual property tax contributions to Mecklenburg County represent a level of private‑sector investment few can match—equal to the combined annual property tax bills of more than 4,000 local households. Through substantial tax payments on aircraft, simulators, ground support equipment, and other business property, American helps support the schools, infrastructure, and public services our community depends on, easing the burden on homeowners and strengthening the county’s financial foundation.
Equally important is American’s long‑term partnership in building the future of CLT. Their financial participation in the Destination CLT capital program has been essential to modernizing the terminal lobby, advancing runway and taxiway improvements, and delivering two new concourses that increase capacity and efficiency. These are not short‑term projects—they are shared, strategic investments that ensure CLT remains one of the nation’s most efficient and well‑connected hubs. The strength of this hub is a true regional asset, linking communities across the Southeast to the world, supporting local small businesses, and generating economic activity that benefits the entire Charlotte region.
As American Airlines marks its centennial, we recognize a legacy that has helped shape Charlotte into the globally connected region it is today. Looking ahead, Charlotte’s continued growth—and our region’s economic competitiveness—depends on American’s ongoing success and investment at CLT, making this partnership more important than ever.
My Take: All readers need to understand that the relationship between American Airlines (a REBIC Premier member), and the City of Charlotte, is probably one of the single largest reasons for our continued economic growth at every level. Through that we attract some of the best talent, businesses, and innovative ideas. American’s continued expansion of Charlotte Douglas International Airport is something we must protect, cherish, and appreciate. — Therefore, as they mark their 100-year anniversary, we celebrate the company and its more than 139,000 employees and look forward to what’s next!
What is the Faith in Housing Initiative?
The FY 2025-2026 Faith in Housing Charlotte Education Cohort is now underway with 12 selected faith-based organizations from across Charlotte.
This inaugural cohort brings together houses of worship and faith-based organizations that are exploring how underutilized land can be transformed into affordable housing and community-serving developments.
The following organizations were selected through a competitive process to participate in the FY 2025-2026 cohort:
Faith Memorial CDC
First United Methodist Church
Kingdom Harvest Bibleway Church
Kinship Plot, Inc.
New Bethel Church of God in Christ
New Hope Baptist Church
Northside Church of Christ
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
Steele Creek Church of Charlotte
The Church of the Power of God/ La Iglesia del Poder De Dios
The Park Ministries, Inc.
Collectively, these organizations own over 88 acres of land within Charlotte, with proposed development sites ranging from small infill parcels to large multi-acre campuses. Envisioned projects include family rental housing, senior housing, mixed-use developments, and community-serving spaces designed to meet the needs of Charlotte residents most impacted by the housing affordability crisis.
Since the initiative was launched, other projects have been added as the program grows. That includes several that are seeking rezonings over the next several months. We will be watching those projects come to fruition in the coming days.
My Take: Since it launched in 2024, more than 300 faith leaders, representing nearly 100 faith-based organizations, have participated in summits, webinars, and networking opportunities focused on affordable housing and community impact. This project serves as an incredible opportunity to make the most of under utilized land in an effort to comfortably house community residents in a cost-effective way. Yep. A true win, win. Charlotte City Council Members should do everything in their power to see these projects through in a timely manner and doing so would show true leadership. Please don’t let our community down by listening to the few loud voices of dissent. As usual REBIC will do our best to stay on top of these issues, and keep us on track. You should, too.
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