FOLLOW US

2 For Tuesday | February 3, 2026

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement Reports on Enhancements, Seeks Feedback

(Content taken from Mecklenburg County email communication.)

One year ago, after years of preparation and advanced work, AccelaMeck became our preferred customer portal. As we began 2026, the vast majority of our projects were being managed in the new platform.

2025 was a milestone year for Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement staff and customers. But we aren’t stopping there. We’re continuing to take feedback from our customers and partner agencies, and we’re actively implementing enhancements to provide an even better experience based on that feedback. These updates are being rolled out on a continual basis, but we will provide updates as needed.

One example of that feedback was an adjustment to our portal name. We recognize that many of our customers work regionally, so to help distinguish from other agencies’ Accela-powered portals, we have implemented the name AccelaMeck. We also created a new logo, featured above, to help customers quickly identify our portal.

This year, we will be bringing the few remaining project streams from our legacy portals into AccelaMeck, continuing to implement enhancements, including the search and data query features our customers loved from our legacy portals, offering additional customer training opportunities, and, of course, continuing to add to our robust library of customer guides.

2026 will bring enhanced functionality and experiences for our customers as we delve further into this exciting new chapter.

Have feedback for Code staff on AccelaMeck? Send an email to: [email protected]

 

My Take:  I know from time to time I ask for your feedback and you think about it and get busy and you move on to something else. This would NOT be a time to do that. Let’s be honest. Delays incurred by users of the City of Charlotte’s Accela and the County’s newly dubbed “AccelaMeck” are staggering because of a lack of proper integration. The City has taken steps to rectify this by tasking staff with “fixing” things behind the scenes and bringing in outside help to try to address issues. Now the County is asking for feedback, so let’s provide it. Please.

#2 Meck County Master Plan Update: Park and Recreation to Host Workshops, Survey for Future Investments

Mecklenburg County is inviting community members to help shape the future of local parks and recreation.

The Park and Recreation department is updating Meck Playbook, a 10-year master plan adopted in 2021. The plan sets the County’s vision for investing in parks, nature centers, recreation centers, trails, environmental preservation and sustainability, programs, and staffing.

Since adopting Meck Playbook, Park and Recreation has grown its operations by more than 60 full-time staff and more than $600 million in capital projects. Now, as the plan enters its fifth year, residents can offer input on past and future investments by attending one of two workshops and completing a short survey.

Why Update Meck Playbook?

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is committed to ensuring every county resident, no matter where they live, has access to the amenities they need to be healthy, active and thriving.

“We are building the next chapter of Meck Playbook — one that keeps us moving forward and keeps our community at the center of everything we do,” said Nick Walker, director of Park and Recreation. “To our residents: Help us shape a plan that reflects who we are as a community, and where we’re headed. Your voices are essential.”

Recommendations from the 2021 master plan have successfully guided many County investments, including support for:

  • Renovations and improvements to existing parks, including Albemarle, Enderly, and Tryon Hills parks, that are in “priority communities” — areas with higher rates of renters, youth, older adults, low-income households, households with limited access to a car, and communities of color.

  • Greenway expansions and connections.

  • Improved systems for residents to report issues or request services at a park or facility.

  • Programs such as MeckRoots and staff positions that connect people to the historic and cultural significance of Mecklenburg County spaces.

Meanwhile, some of the 2021 recommendations are yet to be realized. Renewed alignment on Park and Recreation’s priorities and funding will help the department address its needs for additional staff members and programs in parks, and for resources that can support crafting measurable goals and meeting new and emerging trends in recreation.

The purpose of the 2026 Meck Playbook update is to reflect on what has been accomplished toward Park and Recreation’s mission, and to revise the master plan’s recommendations for investments over the next five years.

Residents will have additional opportunities in 2026 to learn about the Meck Playbook update and to provide input.

Be the first to learn about these opportunities by subscribing to updates on PublicInput.com/MeckPlaybook.

 

My Take:  Enhanced recreational opportunities and the ability to get outside and enjoy the outdoors are vital to the overall health of a community. The drop-in sessions listed above are a great way to find out more about those opportunities here in Mecklenburg County. Also, the survey is a good way to provide the feedback decision makers are seeking. Did you know that most major cities manage their parks departments within their own organizational structures? Charlotte is unique in that it moved most of those management and service responsibilities to Mecklenburg County more than 30 years ago. Some may say that arrangement has worked while others would argue we are lagging behind other similarly sized communities in this regard. And so, here’s another chance to provide feedback. You can’t make change unless you make a commitment to engage.  

2 For Tuesday | January 27, 2026

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 A Reminder to Builders: Don’t Forget to Apply for Tax Exclusion by January 31st.

NCHBA Builder Members:

If you are holding in inventory a for sale single-family home, townhouse, duplex, or land which you have improved for residential or commercial purposes, you are eligible to have the value of these improvements exempted from local property taxes for the next year. This exclusion, which can last up to three years if the house or land continues to be held for sale, also applies to single-family, townhouse, and duplex houses under construction or land currently being developed.

NCHBA successfully amended this law in 2021 to specifically include townhouses in this exemption. This action overrules a Department of Revenue opinion to the contrary that local governments had followed and restores the original legislative intent that townhouses be included.

Formerly, a builder was required to file for this exemption every January in the tax office where the property is located. However, in 2019 NCHBA successfully sought an amendment to the law applicable to the 2020 tax year and beyond, so that builders need only apply once to obtain the three-year exclusion.

So, anyone successfully applying for the exclusion in year one would not need to reapply in years two or three assuming the house or land continues to be held for sale. However, it would be wise to check with your local county tax office to make sure they are correctly applying the exclusion for the current tax year.

For qualifying property newly improved, an application is due by January 31 in the tax office located where the property is located. If you failed to take advantage of this exclusion in year one, you can still file for an exclusion for tax years two and/or three.

For more information and details on this law, click this link

Don’t leave your money on the table! Apply for this exemption by January 31.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Steven Webb, [email protected]

Happy New Year!

Steven Webb

NCHBA Director of Legislative Affairs

 

My Take:  For those who were unaware of this exemption, this is a heads up that you could be leaving your dollars on the table. For those who are aware, but have been procrastinating, please file the appropriate application by the January 31st deadline. This opportunity came about because of the hard work of the NCHBA lobbying team and represents another benefit of being a part of our broad coalition of real estate professionals who are constantly addressing our community interests.

#2 Clerk’s Office Seeks Applicants for 2027 Meck County Citizens Revaluation Advisory Committee

The 2027 Citizens Revaluation Advisory Committee is charged with reviewing general operations, monitoring developments, and analyzing statistical reports pertaining to the 2027 Revaluation’s progress. Committee members will work closely with the County Assessor’s Office. The Committee will convene on a monthly basis from March 1 to December 31, 2026, as part of the county-wide reappraisal process which will have an effective date of January 1, 2027.

To apply, visit BOCC.MeckNC.gov/Clerk or contact the County Clerk’s Office at 980-314-2939 or [email protected]. Applicants must reside in Mecklenburg County to qualify for an appointment.

 

My Take:  In recent years we have worked to place a great number of real estate professionals, including Realtors®, on this advisory board. This is a great opportunity for those who have knowledge of current/actual real estate property values and are closely tied to the industry. If you plan to apply or are seeking additional information, please reach out to me directly at [email protected].

If you are interested in reviewing all of the boards and commissions around the region looking for volunteers, please visit our website here, and choose a County to display opportunities.

2 For Tuesday | January 20, 2026

Posted on by Camine Pappas

BONUS: Many have requested a link to WOTUS Presentation PPT. View it and the accompanying Abstract from last week’s Land Development Committee presentation by Ward Marotti from Spangler Environmental, who explained the(Waters of the United States) new rules.

#1 Union County Commissioners Propose Additional Regulatory Controls on Subdivisions

On January 12, Union County Commissioners met to consider limiting minor subdivisions to those developments with four lots or less (down from 8). A reductive, and what could be interpreted as retaliatory, move to continue to take broad control of land development outcomes. Impact of this move increases the regulatory hoops small developers must jump through and complicates the process of submitting elements for approval. To view the discussion, watch here.

Copied from an editorial published by the Citizen Portal, we quote,

“Commissioners voiced particular concern about farmland loss and the cumulative effect of many small divisions. One commissioner said the agricultural advisory board considers eight lots “a little… high,” and several members signaled interest in studying a lower threshold. After discussion, a commissioner moved to direct staff to prepare a draft text amendment defining a major subdivision as four lots or more and to take the necessary steps for land-use-board review with the goal of a public hearing in February; the board voted to approve the motion.

”Staff emphasized exemptions that cannot be changed because they are statutory and noted that some process steps (for example TIA triggers or sunflower surveys tied to very large developments) are controlled by statute or external agencies.

”Next steps, per staff and the board: draft the ordinance text, send it to the land-use board for a recommendation (the land-use board meeting schedule provides a possible January review date) and file the required notices to schedule a February public hearing before the commissioners.”

Access the full agenda of the meeting.

 

My Take:  We keep hearing from policymakers that farmland loss is an economic negative and the primary reason to stop growth. And yet in our experience, farmers are the ones advocating for fair use and sale of their property…and we don’t hear them dissenting. We only hear the County using it as another excuse to ignore the cries of work force employees, young people, and all potential homebuyers who are shut out of future homeownership because of lack of supply. Managing growth is prudent and results in better communities. Stopping growth hurts everyone including the taxpayers when their bills go up substantially in a few years because their leaders didn’t lead.

#2 HBAGC 2026 Market Forecast Presentation

At the recent Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte (HBAGC) 2026 Member Luncheon, speaker Danushka Nanayakkara-Skullington, AVP of Forecasting & Analysis from NAHB, provided a full spectrum forecast covering micro to macro issues. With detailed slides and narrative insight, she showcased areas all will be interested in reviewing. Such as where the country is still recovering from COVID’s economic impact, (We’re recovered, by the way.), and even dabbled into metrics around the kids at home, or the failure-to-launch groups. (Which we can speculate is fueled by lack of affordable housing.)

An event highly attended and anticipated, this data is timely, relevant, and touches on every discipline needed to approach your next development endeavor. Download the pdf of the presentation here.

 

My Take:  I attended the meeting last week and was impressed with Danushka’s presentation. One stat that really hit home with me was that the effective rate of inflation over that last five years was 27.5%. Let that sink in.  Simply put, that is unsustainable. There are several factors that affect this, but perhaps most importantly it comes down to making sure we have effective leadership at all levels of government. So, where do we find the solutions? Look in the mirror. Early voting begins February 12th and Primary Election Day is March 3rd.

2 For Tuesday | January 13, 2026

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 Charlotte Development Center Leader Details Process to Ease Pain Points

January’s first LDC Luncheon (HBAGC’s Land Development Council) was packed with industry members all clamoring to watch and listen to an informative and valuable session given by Shannon Frye, Director of Charlotte Development Services. Her comprehensive overview helped clarify some of the changes being implemented and acknowledged some of the challenges developers and builders have been running into over the past several months. We are working to ensure that the City of Charlotte’s goal to simplify project submittals comes to fruition. Review and download the power point presentation here.

By clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each sector for county and city reviews, she outlined the key changes happening with the UDO Residential permitting process. Attendees were offered detailed illustrations in an effort to clear up questions and open a clear communication channel to support future engagement. This presentation even included an org chart to help make sense of the changes in roles and responsibilities. They’ve even created a central resource to locate “how to” guides and training videos!

Attendees were also pleased to see more details on the DSTAC changes, which acted as a refresher course and an educational mother lode of details.

Finally, a refreshed vision, mission and set of values courtesy of City Manager Marcus Jones was shared:

  • Our vision is to be connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all.

  • Our mission is to be committed to exceptional service every day.

  • Our values, who we are, are to be collaborative, inclusive, trustworthy, reliable and forward thinking.

After a strong question and answer session, the meeting moved onto a presentation by Ward Marotti from Spangler Environmental who explained the WOTUS (Waters of the United States) new rules.

Review and download the power point presentation here.

 

My Take:  Shannon gets it and jumped in with both feet as she wowed a crowd of builders hungry for clarification and information. Bravo to the City for their hard work in re-tooling the Design Center processes and being so transparent in the presentation. Shannon’s excellent understanding of the subject matter is only exceeded by her ability to translate it into logical, digestible details. In reality, Shannon along with Marcus Jones, and Alyson Craig have been eager to work with REBIC and we look forward to this leading to a better residential approval process. If you have any feedback after watching the PowerPoint, please, let me know!!!

#2 Your Primary Candidates Revealed. March Voting will Matter.

Don’t get comfortable. The days are whizzing by and now that all primary candidates have filed for office, it’s time to dig in and learn. Here is a list of competitive primary races in our area for you to review, copy, and to share.

Candidate List – 2026 Primary Election

County Commission

(*Denotes Incumbent)

 

Mecklenburg County

At Large (3 seats):

Leslie Allen (D)

*Leigh Altman (D)

Nichel Dunlap (D)

Toni Emehel (D)

*Arthur Griffin, Jr. (D)

Sharif R. Hannan (D)

Heather Morrow (D)

Olivia Scott (D)

Felicia R. Thompkins (D)

*Yvette Townsend-Ingram (D)

 

District 1:

Jessica Finkel (D)

Morris (Mac) McAdoo (D)

Adam Pasiak (D)

 

District 2:

Monifa (Mo) Drayton (D)

*Vilma D. Leake (D)

 

District 3:

Phil Carey (D)

*George Dunlap (D)

Iredell County

At Large (3 seats):

*Scottie Brown (R)

*Bert Connolly (R)

*Brad Stroud, Sr. (R)

Brent Goddard (R)

Angela Wokatsch Matthews (R)

Lisa Meier (R)

Cabarrus County

At Large (3 seats):

*Ian Patrick (R)

James N. Bailey (R)

David Conrad (R)

Cason Gardner (R)

Alexis Hughes (R)

Krushani Patel (R)

Barry G. Richards (R)

Kristel Swayze (R)

Gaston County

Dallas Township:

*Cathy Cloninger (R)

Dennis James Stines (R)

Union County

At Large (3 seats): 

*Melissa M. Merrell (R)

*Brian W. Helms (R)

Wyatt Dunn (R)

Sam Harris (R)

Elizabeth Lee (R)

Patrick Tyson (R)

NC House

(*Denotes Incumbent)

 

House District 89:

*Mitchell Setzer (R)

Lisa Deaton Koperski (R)

House District 95:

*Todd Carver (R)

Michael Thomas Kubiniec (R)

 

House District 99:

Veleria M. Levy (D)

*Nasif Majeed (D)

Tucker Neal (D)

 

House District 105:

*Tricia Cotham (R)

Kelly VanHorn (R)

House District 106:

Vermanno Bowman (D)

*Carla Cunningham (D)

Rodney Sadler (D)

NC Senate

(*Denotes Incumbent)

 

Senate District 34:

*Chris Measmer (R)

Kevin Crutchfield (R)

 

My Take:  Many of these races will be decided in the Primary Election either because the opposite party fielded no candidate or because the voter registration numbers favor one party’s candidate so heavily that there really is no contest. That’s why immersing yourself now in the process and gaining a better understanding of the candidates is so crucial at this juncture. We’ll be back in touch with more information on specific candidates as we move closer to Early Voting which begins on February 12th, if you can believe it.

2 For Tuesday | January 6, 2026

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 Charlotte City Council Revamps Committees

There are several items to report on today. The Charlotte City Council Committees met yesterday for the first time in 2026 and there have been a few changes worth noting. Along with the addition of several new council members, the Safety Committee now becoming a stand-alone entity. Finally the meeting times have been changed. Here are the new committee assignments along with links to additional committee information including agendas and links to presentations, all contained within these agenda links:

Housing Committee

LaWana Mayfield, Chair

J.D. Mazuera Arias

Reneé Johnson

Joi Mayo

Kimberly Owens

January 5, 2026 Agenda

Economic Development and Workforce Committee

Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell, Chair

Danté Anderson

J.D. Mazuera Arias

LaWana Mayfield

Victoria Watlington

January 5, 2026 Agenda

Safety Committee

Danté Anderson, Chair

Dimple Ajmera

Ed Driggs

Malcolm Graham

Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell

January 5, 2026 Agenda

Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee

Malcolm Graham, Chair

Dimple Ajmera

Joi Mayo

Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell

Kimberly Owens

January 5, 2026 Agenda

Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee

Ed Driggs, Chair

Malcolm Graham

Reneé Johnson

LaWana Mayfield

Victoria Watlington

January 5, 2026 Agenda

My Take:  Starting on a positive note, I would say it was a good move to create a stand-alone Safety Committee. I have a lot of confidence in Councilmember Anderson and her ability to steer the committee to a positive outcome. Also, the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) pilot program has far more participation than was predicted. This is a good thing, but it is indicative of a broader problem that exists – housing is less attainable today than it was just a handful of years ago and it’s getting worse (UNC Charlotte’s State of Housing in Charlotte 2025). That’s why a couple of things I heard during the final moments of the Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee gave me pause. Several committee members indicated they wanted to explore the imposition of ADDITIONAL regulatory barriers to the development process. Seriously? Shouldn’t we be exploring ways of reducing barriers and getting more people into homes? I’m hopeful this was just more of the same rhetoric aimed at pleasing the uninformed few, not those who are clamoring for more housing. In the long run though, this is not the direction we should be heading.

#2 How to Access the Best News? Listen to Our Podcast.

What’s in a “Getting Real With Rob” (GRWR) podcast? Well, we laugh a lot. But we also get right down to it. Rated as one of the top 5 Real Estate Podcasts in Charlotte, our guests are all regional leaders who are shaping our future as a prosperous, energetic, and innovative region. From Educators, Attorneys, Commercial and Residential Developers, Municipal Planners, Politicians, Business Leaders and Changemakers, all had a voice and a platform this last year with 14 Guests gracing the podcast booth. Honest, personal (the Lighting Round question segment is just fun!), and definitely transparent, we covered the facts and elevated solutions.

If there’s anything better than getting your news from 2 For Tuesday, it’s listening to our REBIC podcast, Getting Real With Rob. Share the link, and ask your teams, connections, and friends to not only subscribe to this newsletter, but become loyal listeners. Our short (episodes average only 25 minutes in length) but powerful interviews will give you the inside story on our most pressing issues.

Here’s a link to all our 2025 guests. Check them out!

Karla Knotts – VP Knotts Development and Industry Advocate

Patrick Mumford – President | CEO Gaston Business Association

James Pressley – Pressley Residential | Civic Leader

Rep Tim Moore – US Congressman NC 14th District

Alyson Craig – Assistant City Manager, Charlotte

Richard Buttimer – Dean, Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte

Michael Foess – Montrose LLC | REBIC Board President 2025

Rodney Faulkner, and William Haygood, III – Boundary Street Advisors

Bobbi Jo Lazarus – Tax Shareholder | Elliott Davis

Sagar Rathie – Crescent Communities | NAIOP 2025 President

Torrey Feimster – CEO Ascension Community Development

Dan Puvak – Operations Partner, True Homes

Aaron Houck – Land Use Attorney, Political Scientist

Interested in viewing a quick video of each guest? Check out our YouTube Page!

Do you have a guest suggestion? Please let us know!

My Take: When we started the podcast several years ago, I wasn’t sure how quickly it would catch on, and if a platform of blending personal conversations with deep factual discussions would be sustainable. And even though I didn’t really know what I was doing, the guests came! Those who have been willing to come on the show and tell their respective stories have made it a success. A huge thank you to those of you who sat down in the booth with me and educated our listeners on matters of importance to our regional community with eagerness and excitement. We’re looking forward to taking it up a notch in 2026, so as requested, if you have an idea for a guest, let us know!  

BONUS: Important Event Announcement from David Longo, CBI | Workplace Solutions

“On March 3, 2026, Charlotte will hold its County Primaries, selecting the leaders who will guide Mecklenburg County for the next two years. I invite you to join us for an important conversation with Chair Mark Jerrell and Vice Chair Leigh Altman. They will be discussing key issues facing our County, a valuable opportunity to hear directly from these leaders, ask questions, and gain insight into their vision for Mecklenburg County. I believe that thoughtful, responsible leadership is essential, and both these individuals are committed to serving our community with integrity and purpose. I’ve personally vetted them and believe they are well-equipped to continue serving our community with dedication and heart.”

 

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. | CBI Workplace Solutions – Client and Community Center, 4110 Old Pineville Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

 

If you’re able to attend, please RSVP to [email protected]

2 For Wednesday | December 31, 2025

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 A Year In Review. Wins that Made a Difference.

A Peek at just some of the REBIC 2025 WINS that are resulting in significant changes in outcome from housing attainability, infrastructure improvements, zoning, and more.

Political Leadership Highlights:

  • Historic Mecklenburg County Transportation Referendum Passed – Through hands-on bi-partisan advocacy, we sought and achieved the passage of the 1% sales tax referendum that will generate $19 billion in revenue to fund regional rail, road, bus, and other infrastructure improvements over the next 30 years.

  • Produced widely distributed Voter Guides for both the Primary Election and General Election within the REBIC coverage area (Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus, Gaston, and Union Counties).

  • Supported pro-business candidates and saw several elected to key offices around the region.

Regional Impact Highlights:

  • Several REBIC members were appointed to the Mecklenburg County Public Transit Authority (MPTA) and we will support their efforts as they advocate for an efficient, user friendly, and cost-effective transportation system throughout the county and ultimately the region at some point in the future.

  • We were successful in defeating a proposed code change for Waynesville Short Term Rentals (STR’s) that would have significantly limited property owners’ rights.

  • Worked to eliminate an increased road depth requirement in Statesville, reducing unnecessary cost, and making housing more attainable.

  • Catalyzed policy changes to result in the potential for better development outcomes in Mooresville through changes to the land use plan.

  • Enhanced our community relations initiatives around water, sewer, and Inter Basin Transfer conversations. We will continue to encourage the retention and storage of additional water resources to meet the needs of a growing region.

Policy and Law Highlights:

  • Continued to work with Charlotte elected officials and staff to achieve a more workable Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Several key changes have been made, including language that would allow more residential units in commercially zoned areas aimed at increasing the supply of housing. Other improvements we have proposed are likely to be voted on in March of 2026,

Member Development Highlights:

  • Increased our 2 For Tuesday email list audience by 10-fold, including the addition of elected officials and planning directors from around the region.

  • Enhanced the visual and content approach for our outreach communications including redesign and enhancements to layout of the 2 for Tuesday newsletter.

  • Engaged in a highly insightful Iredell and Mecklenburg County focus group and survey project that yielded new perspectives on voter opinions related to growth. The data indicated there are concerns about how elected officials manage growth, but a significant majority of residents suggested they enjoy the community amenities (shopping, entertainment, etc.) that come with an increased population.

General Highlights:

  • By adding the Piedmont Public Policy Institute (PPPI) under the umbrella of REBIC we accelerate funding for important land development and community enhancement issues. We are currently coordinating with UNC Charlotte on a study to identify potential efficiencies that may be gained by implementing certain reforms to Charlotte’s land development process and Mecklenburg County’s code enforcement/building standards departments.

My Take:  It’s been a busy year marked by a frenetic pace of change. That’s generally what happens in a region experiencing strong economic growth and development. While there are challenges with the strong influx of population we have seen, the alternative should not be an option. Just ask the folks in St. Louis, or Portland, or any other major U.S. city that suffered greatly due to a lack of leadership. I’m optimistic about the Charlotte Region. I think this is a special place. We’ve taken steps to get our infrastructure better aligned with our needs. It’s a great step forward, and shaping the outcome will be a major priority for us all in the coming year and into the future.

#2 An Invitation to Attend Charlotte UDO Text Amendment Information Sessions

Join the City of Charlotte UDO Community update session on January 6 at noon or January 8 at 6:00 pm for a proposed maintenance text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Text Amendment #2025-118 revises the UDO to improve clarity, graphics, and standards related to land use, general development, and administrative processes (among others).

Revisions include:

  • Updating land use rules as they pertain to neighborhood commercial establishments, outdoor markets, multi-dwelling developments, vehicle repair facilities, and accessory dwelling units.

  • Clarifying the application of transparency, sidewall, and build-to-zone standards for certain uses/forms of development.

  • Clarifying select standards for accessory structures, architectural features, driveway widths, landscape yards, screening for solid waste areas, green areas, and loading spaces.

  • Adding new standards for solid waste and recycling service areas for certain forms of development.

  • Making updates to comply with recent changes in state law related to the disapproval of rezoning petitions and nonconforming sign relocation.

Sign up for the session that suits you best!  

JANUARY 6: NOON SESSION (12PM-1PM)

JANUARY 8: 6 PM SESSION (6PM-7 PM)

My Take:  If you can watch one of these sessions, I’d recommend it. I’d at least go back and watch the replay if you are not able to participate during the sessions. Also, if you are a REBIC member and are having specific challenges navigating Charlotte’s UDO, let me know about it. I may be able help and can definitely put you in touch with the right individuals to come up with a solution. If you are not a current member, and would like to inquire about the benefits, reach out to me.

Happy New Year!

2 For Tuesday | December 16, 2025

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 City of Charlotte Releases 3rd Annual 2040 Plan Report

The City of Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department released its 3rd Annual Charlotte Future 2040 Annual Report. The annual report tracks the progress and efforts toward implementing the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan within Calendar Year 2024.

The report is organized into the following sections:

  • Charlotte Fast Facts – summarizes Charlotte’s population growth and new development.

  • The Vision – highlights the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan vision, guiding principles, and goals.

  • The Impact – reports on the progress our partners and their supporters are making to implement the 2040 Plan.

  • The Future – provides the short-term policy recommendations expected to be completed within five years, along with the associated goal and status.

For more information, please see the Annual Report website.

View the Annual Report

 

My Take:  The City of Charlotte has released an annual 2040 Plan report every year since its adoption. Following the passage of the plan, city staff engaged the public in a two-year process to develop and approve 14 small area plans. Last month the City Council met and approved 7 of those plans and deferred action on the others stating that community engagement had fallen short and that additional consideration was warranted. Well, the fact is in this day and age, even with all of the technology and tools that we have to reach people, if folks don’t want to participate, they simply won’t. Apathy seems to be at an all-time high which may be part of the reason only 8% of voters across the state turned out to vote in the Primary Election and less than 20% showed up to vote in the General Election. So, holding up the adoption of plans because some residents don’t want to weigh in is not the answer. It’s time to move on. I’m looking forward to working with a new City Council to achieve passage of the remaining plans and to continue to work on ways to improve the development and building process in order to meet our growing housing needs.  

#2 Metropolitan Public Transit Authority Board Now in Place (Just Need Governor’s Appointee)

Details taken from the Charlotte Observer.

The Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) board is now mostly in place. As of Friday morning, only Governor Josh Stein had yet to make his pick for the Authority.

The 27-member MPTA establishment process began following the passage of the referendum this last November which increases the county’s sales tax to fund future transportation projects. The legislation authorizing the referendum called for the establishment of a new board to take over governance of the Charlotte Area Transit System from the city of Charlotte and Metropolitan Transit Commission.

The legislation called for appointments to be made by and from the city of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, the county’s six towns, local business and philanthropic groups and state leaders. Appointees are required to have experience in law, finance, engineering, public transportation, urban planning, logistics, government, architecture and/or economic development. Board members will generally serve four-year terms, but the inaugural board will include some two-year appointments so that terms are staggered.

The MPTA will hold its first meeting this Thursday, December 18th at 6:00 pm. Here is the list of final appointments:

Todd Collins, CEO of investment and development firm Red Hill Ventures

Frank Emory, executive vice president and chief legal officer for Novant Health

David Howard, former Charlotte City Council member, chief deputy secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation and associate administrator of the Federal Highway Administration

Jocelyn Jones-Nalley, chair of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Corine Mack, president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP

Cameron Pruette, Executive Director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice

Katrina Young, former Planning Manager for the city. Pruette was the only city finalist who described regular use of public transportation in their application.

Charles Bowman, former North Carolina market president for Bank of America

Christy Long, a former Wells Fargo executive

Wyatt Dixon, developer and REBIC member

Lucia Zapata-Griffith, architect

Peter Pappas, developer and REBIC member

Mike Bryant, Mecklenburg County Manager The county’s other picks were:

Julie Eiselt, former Charlotte City Council Member

Alysia Davis Steadman, small business owner

Justin Harlow, former Charlotte City Council Member and dentist

Ken Schorr, retired attorney

Clayton Sealey, transit rider

Bob Menzel, retired businessman (Cornelius)

Matthew Walt, financier (Davidson)

T. Anthony Lindsey, real estate agent (Huntersville)

Dana Stoogenke, town transportation planner (Matthews)

Brad Simmons, former Mayor (Mint Hill)

Jeffrey Robbins, CleanAIRE NC Executive Director (Pineville)

David Longo, CEO of CBI Workplace Solutions and chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Board (appointed by the NC Speaker of the House Destin Hall)

Ned Curran, developer (appointed by the NC Senate President Phil Berger)

Here’s the link for details on the inaugural meeting:   BOCC Special Meeting MPTA – Inaugural Meeting | Public Notices and Meetings Calendar

 

My Take: This whole project has been an incredibly heavy lift. Did you realize it took Nashville two tries and Austin three tries to pass similar initiatives? We are thrilled that we have gotten this far, but there is much more work to be done. Going forward we will be tracking and reporting on the progress of the Authority. When we think they are getting things right, we’ll tell you about it. When we think they are getting things wrong, we’ll tell you that, too. This is a huge opportunity for the residents of Mecklenburg County and ultimately the region. Let’s go!

2 For Tuesday | December 9, 2025

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 New Charlotte City Council Meets to Conduct First Business in New Term

Last night I attended the first regular meeting of the new Charlotte City Council.  While the meeting agenda was relatively short, the Public Forum presented an opportunity to for me to address the newly seated Council and put the focus on housing attainability, and reinforce our commitment to working toward the right solutions. Additionally, Matt Panik with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance spoke about the priorities of his organization including the process and activities of the newly created Mecklenburg Public Transit Authority (MPTA). He also spoke about airport infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and public safety. All hot topics.

The Council also approved renewing its annexation agreement with the Town of Harrisburg, meaning that for the next ten years, Charlotte will not annex into Cabarrus County and Harrisburg will not annex into Mecklenburg County.

During the wrap-up when, Council Members addressed the public, Council Member LaWana Mayfield used her voice to reinforce public safety as a big priority for the Council.  She also encouraged residents to reach out to members of the North Carolina General Assembly to ask them to support the courts, to support funding for the Sheriff’s Office, as well as to appeal for additional dollars for Health and Human services.

The final meeting of the year for Charlotte City Council will be the Zoning meeting scheduled for next Monday, December 15th.

 

My Take: Our purpose for attending was to show our posture and presence with a new Council. One that includes new faces and some familiar ones. It will be interesting to see how this group works together. In terms of public safety, it is clear that steps are being taken to improve the situation. The challenge will be ensuring we all move in the same direction and avoid the blame game. Here’s what REBIC will be doing to encourage good outcomes: Prior to the next election, we will provide resources to our members about the judges and clerks of court who are on the ballot. We’ll recommend those who will uphold the law and make better determinations when considering the consequences for those who repeatedly commit unlawful acts. If the City of Charlotte follows through and adequately supports the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and we can elect court officials and judges who penalize offenders and protect the public, we should be able to get a much better handle on the problem. This is essential for a growing community like ours.  

#2 NAHB Leaders Discuss Obstacles to Home Building at US Chamber “Breaking the Barriers…” Housing Summit.

In partnership with NAHB, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 6 hosted a daylong housing summit that included several panel discussions featuring members of Congress, industry leaders, and state and local officials that focused on how to resolve the housing affordability crisis and boost the housing supply.

NAHB First Vice Chairman Bill Owens moderated a panel entitled “Breaking the Barriers to Building” that included Marty Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell & Best Homes based in Rockville, Md. Starting out the discussion, Owens summarized several industry challenges facing builders. “Workforce shortages, outdated zoning, slow permitting, regulatory control and supply bottlenecks. Every link in that chain adds costs,” he said.

Citing the permitting process as just one example of the many regulatory hurdles that builders face, Mitchell said, “in permitting, it’s not just a permit for a house. I have a project on a state road, I have to get answers from the state. You need a county road permit for the road you put in, you need a tree permit for reforestation. All these agencies have to provide permits for your project. This runs into a three-to-four-year process, and it’s the same for a lot of other counties in Maryland.”

Mitchell encouraged local businesses and citizens to get involved with local home builders and Realtors® and learn the issues that they face on a daily basis. “Go to a local planning commission meeting. Find out what they are talking about. Permitting regulations are a disaster. Anything you can get your company to do to understand the permitting issues we face would be helpful.”

Betsy Conway, director of Lowe’s Foundation, spoke about labor shortages facing the construction industry. “We know the impacts are real,” she said. “Nine out of 10 contractors tell us they can’t find the workers they need. So projects are delayed, and it is driving a $10 billion loss in the construction industry.” She added that 41% who work in the industry are set to retire by 2031.

The National Association of Realtors tracks buyers and sellers of homes and found that last year just 21% of home purchasers were first-time buyers, which is an all-time low. In 1981, first-time buyers made up 44% of the market.

“What we are trying to impress on legislators is the time to work on the margins is over,” said Joe Harris, vice president of government advocacy for the National Association of Realtors. “Next year, (the first-time buyer) numbers will be historic lows yet again. Housing is infrastructure. It needs to be treated like how we build bridges and high-speed internet. It is essential to daily life. You can’t live without it.”

Noting the challenging tariff environment, John Crosby, president and CEO of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association, said that “we are in a moment of severe disruption renegotiating supply-chain relationships and dealing with our customers. The supply chain has to change so we can get more product to the jobsite.”

“We need to bring people together,” said Owens. “It will take cooperation to move this housing agenda forward. If we can get back to the point of letting builders build, we can’t wait to get started.”

NAHB Chief Advocacy Officer Ken Wingert also participated in a separate forum on the need to increase housing production to meet growing demand and improve affordability.

“People are frustrated,” said Wingert. “Affordability was the key word out of exit polls during Tuesday’s elections, and housing affordability is at the top of that list.”

With a nationwide housing shortage of roughly 1.5 million units, Wingert noted that this is clearly a business and economic issue. “Whether you are a big fortune 500 company or small local business, housing is part of your business plan because, if you don’t have housing close to your business, workers will not be working for you. If we are to grow as an economy, we have to have a place to house our workers, and it has to be a reasonable commute, and it has to be affordable.”

The event also spotlighted additional NAHB-supported policies and initiatives, including Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) discussing the ROAD to Housing Act, legislation that recently passed the Senate. NAHB looks forward to continued conversations with lawmakers on increasing housing supply.

In conjunction with the housing summit, the American Enterprise Institute and U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a report entitled “Strong Foundations: A Playbook for Housing and Economic Growth,” which recognizes that housing is an economic issue not just for the companies immediately involved in the housing industry but for all businesses and how they can support growing the housing supply.

 

My Take:  It’s no surprise that unreasonable regulations perpetuate the housing affordability standoff between developers and the very municipalities who insist more attainable housing is their first priority. Yet, we’re still navigating contradictory policy language, hard to find requirements, and municipal leaders’ apathy about the costs borne by our industry that inevitably gets passed on to the buyer. All in the name of virtuous outcomes. In my mind, a solution comes down to increasing the one thing we’re lacking: open flexible, non-biased communication between our industry professionals and our elected officials. I am making a plea that both sides put bias, and fearful policy-making behind us and make a commitment to talk this out. Our residents, business owners, commercial developers, and future residents deserve more from us. Let’s get face to face and get to work. Have actionable ideas? Want to dig in with me? Contact me!

2 For Tuesday | December 2, 2025

Posted on by Camine Pappas

#1 2026 NC Primaries Candidate Filing Open Monday Dec 1 through Friday Dec 19.

 

Statewide candidate filing for the 2026 primary election begins at noon on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, and ends at noon on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

The withdrawal deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.

Candidates file at the appropriate county board of elections office or the State Board, depending upon the contest. Candidates filing in December can check Filing Fees for more information.

Related Links

 

My Take:  Once again, we are in the midst of candidate filing for 2026 elections. This time around, many candidates will be competing for seats on the county commission, in the State House and Senate, as well as for Congress and even an open U.S. Senate seat. But please don’t forget to do your research on some of the other races such as judges, sheriffs, and clerks of court. In fact, your local elections may well have more impact on your every day life than even the state or federal elections. With a lot of the general discussion recently centered on community safety, these positions have a direct link to achieving the positive outcomes most of us desire. And when the time is right, REBIC will provide our enhanced Voter Guide, a document that includes additional details on some of these key contests.

#2 A Reminder: Development is What Brings Improvements.

A story that may not have been seen by anyone other than those who encounter the closure, we must remember that development is what pays and paves the way for the future. As you review this story, remember that we have a dramatic housing shortage. Estimates put the number of housing units needed at 800,000 in NC alone. Other studies indicate NC could be the 7th largest state in population by 2030. Our hope is you when you read this, please share the results in good light. We will not flourish without embracing the future.

In question is a portion of Rinehardt Road in Mooresville, Iredell County, that is currently closed to traffic with a signed detour in place that began December 1, 2025. The closure is expected to last until early spring of 2026.

The closure is located on Rinehardt Road between Lansing Circle and N.C. 150. A housing developer, M/I Homes, is performing the work to realign the intersection of Rinehardt Road and N.C. 150 (River Highway) to accommodate a new housing development and improve safety.

Drivers on Rinehardt Road will be guided through a signed detour. The developer is using the subdivision’s streets and temporary access roads to shorten the route around the construction zone.

  • Original/Alternative Detour: N.C. 150 and N.C. 115 were initially planned for the detour, but a shorter route through the new neighborhood is being used instead.

  • Signage: Message boards and detour signs are in place to warn and guide drivers through the new traffic pattern.

For real-time travel information and updates, you can visit the DriveNC.gov website or follow NCDOT on social media.

 

My Take:  Road closures and other temporary measures that take us out of our comfortable routine seem to trigger our greatest frustrations. It messes with our every day lives and that stings. I get it. Even I may be guilty (ok, I am guilty) of sharing unsightly hand gestures while operating a motor vehicle. But we have to remember these inconveniences are temporary. These infrastructure improvements, once complete, are meant to be in place for a long time and will definitely create long term convenience and an improved quality of life. But mostly we must remember that they’re paid for by the developer!

Let’s Combine Your Purpose with REBIC’s Power.
Sign Up to Join Our Email List:
Name