Top Stories for Oct. 23, 2024

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board met on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. 

1. A Home for All: The Board of County Commissioners heard presentations on efforts to reduce homelessness in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. A Home for All, under lead agency the United Way, is intended to take a coordinated, prevention-centered approach to address all aspects of homelessness and housing insecurity. The presentation showcased achievements to date. In August 2024, A Home for All partnered with the Housing Collaborative and awarded a $1.5 million contract to recruit and incentivize property providers and collaborate with service providers to match households to units. Anticipated in January 2025 are a “street psychiatry” program, providing mental health and substance use treatment to the unsheltered; rental assistance and support for families experiencing housing instability; and legal advocacy.

2. For Everyone Home: The Board also received a Housing Action Plan from Grounded Solutions Network, a national consultant with which the County partnered last year on a program — For Everyone Home — to provide technical assistance on affordable housing policies. The action plan suggests policy initiatives and community engagement strategies to address housing challenges, including increasing supply, promoting affordability, utilizing public land, and enhancing renter protections.

For the 2025 fiscal year, the Board budgeted $16.9 million in new funding to address its priority of helping residents achieve housing security.

3. Economic Mobility in Char-Meck: The Board heard an update on Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s economic mobility after a renewed study by economist Raj Chetty. It finds Charlotte to be 38th among major U.S. cities in economic opportunity, ten years after Chetty named Charlotte last among 50 cities. The presentation by Leading on Opportunity indicated the improvement is due to public-private partnerships, an improving economy, and improved nonprofit navigation. The study also highlights the importance of social capital and parental employment as a key driver of improved economic mobility. 

4. Resources for Residents: Two open houses this week will allow residents to hear about Mecklenburg County resources for a wide variety of issues:

• Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell is hosting an open house focused on youth mental health services, resources, and trends. Join us Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at Community House Middle School in Charlotte.
• Commissioner Leigh Altman is hosting an open house during which County staff and partners will update neighbors on job resources for small businesses, mental health services, the HOMES tax-relief program, vaccinations, and more. Join us Saturday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Valerie C. Woodard County Services Center.

5. Help After Helene: To support those affected by Hurricane Helene, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is collecting donations until Friday, Nov. 1. The list of items that are needed includes: cleaning items such as rags, mops, brooms, and scrub brushes; bottled water and other packaged drinks; first aid kits; hygiene items, including soap, detergent, disinfectant, garbage bags, and hand sanitizer; infant care items such as formula, diapers, and rash cream; nonperishable, packaged food items and snacks; and many other items. There are 20 drop-off locations across Charlotte, Cornelius, Huntersville, and Mint Hill. 

6. Best of the Budgets: Mecklenburg County has been recognized for its FY2025 budget. The budget office received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award reflects the commitment of County leadership and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. With more than 1,800 participants this year, it marks the 35th straight year that Mecklenburg County has received the honor. Mecklenburg County also received special recognition for the budget’s alignment to strategic goals and strategies.