Charlotte is ready to show you the future and it begins with unpacking the details of the Unified Development Ordinance or UDO.

A panel of three Charlotte leaders, moderated by Stephanie Stenglein, and members of the Women’s Impact Fund, gathered virtually to unpack details of the Unified Development Ordinance, UDO, with the goal of educating women on the purpose of the plan and how to advocate for community change.

Alyson Craig helped to frame the UDO as it relates to Charlotte’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which passed in June 2022.  “The 2040 Comprehensive Plan is an overarching vision and what people in Charlotte want to see happen.  The UDO implements the Comprehensive Plan by using a common language that makes it easier for citizens to process.”

Craig cited examples in the UDO, some of which have sparked controversy, including Policy 2.1 related to single-family zoning allowing for duplexes and triplexes to be built under certain circumstances. 

Craig described the many pieces to the plan – everything from 10 different policy place maps, trees, parking, alternative development options, housing, and streets.  The panelists illustrated how these priorities will impact the environment, affordable housing, and equity in Charlotte for generations to come.

Tonya Jameson described the neighborhood she grew up in as a planned community that promoted equity and is excited about her community now in Charlotte as having that same desire to grow equitably utilizing the UDO.  

“Neighborhood preservation, historic district and neighborhood overlays, expanding zoning districts to allow people to age in place, providing incentives to develop affordable housing – all of these elements in the UDO help to promote equity in Charlotte.”

Jameson’s favorite piece of the plan is the Community Activity Center Zones.  “These areas accommodate a mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment, office, personal service, and residential uses in a comfortable pedestrian environment that is easily accessible and well-connected to surrounding areas,” explained Jameson.

Also, as part of the panel Meg Fencil, added the UDO can support more housing diversity and housing choices, including the ability to live in proximity to walking, biking, and transportation.  The ability to get to destinations without a vehicle is essential given Charlotte’s population growth projections.

“There isn’t one single element in the plan that I would point to.  They all have to happen for people to be able to use transit and have a walkable and bikeable community.  The UDO has to work as an entire package to support the aspirations of the 2040 plan.”

Meg went on to say, “Tough decisions need to be made as a city as to how our streets are used.  I challenge people to not see it as taking a lane from cars but giving a lane to people

Fencil also outlined the UDO and its impact on climate change.  “The UDO has a direct and indirect environmental impact.  Directly supporting healthier environments with elements like flood plain and tree regulations, as well as understanding the intersectionality of how we build our community and our longevity.”

The panelists closed by encouraging people to remain engaged, speaking at upcoming public hearings, and being an advocate in neighborhoods and circles.

Consider taking this opportunity to get involved in the issues discussed today.

• Read about the Strategic Mobility Plan.
• Look over the Charlotte Street’s Manual Draft 2.0 Overview.
• Engage with the plan through upcoming UDO events and office hours, through 2022 WIF Grantee Sustain Charlotte, or Neighbors for More Neighbors.
• Speak at the June 27, 2022 or July 11, 2022 city council meeting. Share your specific personal experience.

Some takeaways from our conversation:

• Reimagine a city for all of us, not just some. 
• Instead of affordable housing, think about affordable living (speaking to the high cost of vehicular transportation).
• Our voices matter. Take the time to get to know the 2040 Plan and UDO and speak up to share your feedback, even when you agree with a particular course of action, not only when you disagree.