“You can’t talk about sustainability without talking about equity,” according to Ray McKinnon, the pastor of South Tryon Community United Methodist Church, and keynote speaker at our Charlotte Sustainability Summit.

There’s no denying that change is coming quickly to Charlotte’s West Boulevard neighborhoods. Even before plans were finalized to run the future Silver Line light rail along Wilkinson Boulevard by 2030, property values began to skyrocket. Many residents struggle with rising rents combined with a lack of local economic opportunities within the community. But the neighborhood’s leaders and partners are working to make the community more livable.