Top Stories for Dec. 13, 2023
Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings from the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board met on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The agenda is available online. View the meeting at Watch.MeckNC.gov. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
1. Corporate Owned Housing: The Board of County Commissioners heard a report on the County’s work to study and address corporate ownership of single-family homes. In recent years, corporate investments in such homes have greatly increased in Charlotte-Mecklenburg for the purposes of converting them into rental properties. The presentation included feedback from listening sessions, interviews, a survey, and other community engagement. The most prominent concerns about corporate ownership are housing affordability, first-time buyers’ ability to compete, and threats to economic mobility. The presentation also included suggestions from the business and residential communities on potential actions. The study group will now develop recommendations to share with the Board early next year.
2. Economic Development 2.0: The Board heard from the Office of Economic Development on its strategic plan to create new and enhanced programs. The framework views economic development through a lens of equity and inclusion, to reflect evolving community needs and focus on neighborhood stabilization and preservation in underserved areas. The framework includes six pillars: new and existing business growth; small business and entrepreneurial growth; strong communities and neighborhoods; opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses; workforce development; and tourism, arts, and culture.
3. 2,700 Neighbors: Mecklenburg County has released the 2023 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The annual report combines local, regional, and national data across the housing continuum, serving as a foundation from which Charlotte-Mecklenburg can make informed decisions. It finds the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase. As of June 2023, there were 2,704 people in Mecklenburg County actively experiencing homelessness, a 11% increase from June 2022. Plus, the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness has increased.
4. Last Call for HOMES: Friday, Dec. 15 is the final day for homeowners to submit their application for the HOMES program. HOMES, or Helping Out Mecklenburg’s homeowners with Economic Support, is designed to help residents reduce the annual cost of homeownership. This year, the program featured increased funding and a partnership with the City of Charlotte to reach more households. Hundreds have already benefited from the support. HOMES offers qualifying homeowners an economic assistance grant of up to $660. There is no age requirement and the home does not have to be paid off. Visit MeckNC.gov/4HOMES for details.
5. Pickleball in the House: It’s that time of year when exercising outside may be a less appealing. But don’t let the cold weather leave you in a pickle—stay inside with the sport that’s sweeping the nation. Several Mecklenburg County recreation centers host open play pickleball in their gymnasiums. Often, sessions are available for drop-ins. Some centers offer reservations, allowing players to schedule play with others at the same experience level. You can also sign up for lessons or join a league. Meet some of Park and Rec’s pickleball players in this video.