We are honored to host Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Charlotte Councilman Ed Driggs for a luncheon hosted by REBIC. Enjoy an interactive discussion relating to transportation and development priorities for the City of Charlotte. Sponsored by the McIntosh Law Firm, enjoy delicious food and a chance to get to know these leaders up close. To read more details, and add this event to YOUR calendar, click here:
REBIC – Lyles/Driggs Event Info
My take: This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from two of our local leaders who will have a significant impact on how Charlotte grows. Understanding, addressing, and meeting our transportation needs will have a lot to do with our future success.
2. Charlotte City Council Members to Host Upcoming Town Hall Meetings
My take: Council Member Molina, while in her first term, has embraced her role as the District 5 Representative and ably navigated a challenging array of interests. East side residents vary in their opinions of how this part of the city should grow in coming years. Many seek the new opportunities that come with growth and economic development but are wary about the strain it puts on infrastructure until improvements can be made. This is a solid opportunity to hear the discussion and provide relevant and timely input as warranted. The title says it all: “Candid Conversation.”
My take: You should swing by and attend this event. From what Council Member Mitchell is telling me, they’re trying to bring folks together so all sides can gain a better understanding of the varying points of view on current and future development. It’s really crucial we have representatives from the real estate community in attendance to explain both the challenges and the inherent risks they face when planning, conceiving, and delivering projects in the community. Without proper growth we won’t have the civic benefits and amenities we crave or have the necessary tax base to pay for infrastructure upgrades.
My Take: I had to think really long and hard about whether or not I should or would promote this event. Council Member Johnson is a harsh and consistent critic of the development community, and often a detractor from reasoned and constructive debates. That said, if you are a resident of District 4, I would encourage you to attend the event. Using factual and objective language, you can be a voice of reason around how the “Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY)” philosophy can be forever damaging to our health as a city, and a region.
Bonus: For those of you who are fans of the podcast, “Getting Real With Rob,“ we have two new episodes we intend to release in the next month. Patrick Mumford, President & CEO of the Gaston County Business Association and Fran West, Director of Commercial Development at Crescent Communities, will share their insight and wisdom, plus some fun personal anecdotes that will make these episodes worth a listen! Stay tuned.
Rob Nanfelt
Executive Director, REBIC