Advocating for smart land use and transportation choices: Actions YOU can take today
Are you looking for ways to reduce your impact on the climate, advance racial equity, and support residents’ health and wellness? You’re in the right place!
There are many ways to support building a more sustainable, vibrant, and equitable community for all. Consider joining our volunteer network, making a donation, or attending local events. However you choose to get involved, YOU can make a difference.
Quick tips for getting started
Stay informed and ready to engage locally
Start supporting sustainable growth in Charlotte by signing up for our weekly newsletter. Each edition is packed with updates about our work, upcoming events, local advocacy opportunities and news about constantly evolving issues.
Make gradual changes to your commute
We know a car-free lifestyle isn’t a feasible reality for everyone. However, you may be able to reduce some of your car trips and therefore reduce your carbon footprint. For example, you can:
- Get familiar with your nearest greenways, trails, and bike paths
- Find what bus routes make the most sense for you
- Choose to walk, bike, or take the bus to the grocery store or other nearby errands
- Batch your errands into one car ride, instead of making several trips
- Plan events closer to home
- Explore ridesharing or carpooling to events when possible
- Download and explore the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) app for more options
Reach out to your local neighborhood association
Neighborhood associations connect neighbors and local business owners to preserve and improve their communities, allowing you to weigh in on areas such as neighborhood safety, beautification (like planting trees!), and even walkability and transportation needs in your neighborhood.
- Find your neighborhood association here.
- Consider downloading the Nextdoor app.
- Say “yes” to new neighbors in your area! Learn about why diverse housing options build resilient communities.
Connect with your city council members and county commissioners
Charlotte City Council manages development and street design, including bike paths and sidewalks, while Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners manages parks and greenways. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), a city department that is overseen by Charlotte, the surrounding Mecklenburg towns, and the Board of Commissioners, operates the bus and rail systems.
The best way to improve street design and our transportation system is talking to your city council and county commission members! They have told us that this is the most effective way for residents to affect change. If they do not know what residents want, they cannot provide the right services. Here are a few ways you can influence street and transportation decisions:
- Get to know your City Council Members
- View the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners
- Find your city and county districts
- Email or call your representatives and tell them why you want safe, reliable, equitable transportation options and walkable communities
- Sign up to speak at a public forum to let your representatives know your concerns and priorities
Join the conversation online
Do you know what the strongest form of marketing is? It’s word of mouth. That means every time you like, share, repost, or retweet content from Sustain Charlotte, you’re helping get the word out about our mission in ways we can’t achieve alone!
Follow and share Sustain Charlotte on social. We’ll see you there!
We invite you to become a part of our network of support so that we may continue to be this catalyst for solving our shared sustainability challenges.
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