Voice of the Community

About the Program

Category: Planning (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

In 2012, Mecklenburg County, the Foundation For The Carolinas and the City of Charlotte assembled to consider growth projections and impacts. This effort resulted in the Mecklenburg Livable Communities Plan. At the time, one million more people were anticipated in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) by 2050. Today, we anticipate a million more residents by 2030. In 2015, Mecklenburg Livable Communities Plan was rebranded to Livable Meck. The evolution of Livable Meck necessitated a plan update. In FY19 the “Voice of the Community” research was done to update the plan. The “Voice of the Community” research was designed to update the original plan and set a course for the next 5 years. From August 2018 to May 2019, this research reached the six Mecklenburg Towns, the City of Charlotte, nonprofits, private businesses, faith-based organizations, universities, and neighborhoods. “Voice of the Community” was successful in gaining insight and priorities. Deliberate efforts for inclusion based on age, gender, geography, employment status and race were used. Five different types of engagement techniques were used and 50 in-person engagements were held across the County. Over 4,200 people participated. The result is an updated quality of life plan with 8 guiding principles and 32 strategies.