1. Transportation Legislation On the Move

   The positive movement in Raleigh on the Mecklenburg County transportation front is continuing its forward momentum. Two Senate bills, SB 145 and SB 584, were introduced in March and April. And now a companion measure, HB 984, has been introduced by Representative Tricia Cotham. REBIC applauds the forward-thinking legislation that has been filed, continuing the critical momentum needed to expand Mecklenburg County’s transportation system. House Bill 948, Projects for Advancing Vehicle-infrastructure Enhancements (The PAVE Act), would allow voters in Mecklenburg County to support smart investments that would shape a brighter future for the city, county, and every town in Mecklenburg County.

Charlotte Planning Dept Files New UDO Text Amendment

Today, the Charlotte Planning Department will file a text amendment that will likely be taken up by the full Council for consideration in early June.  The current schedule is as follows:

• May 8 & 13 - Info Sessions
• May 19 - City Council Hearing
• June 3 - Presentation to Transportation, Planning & Development Committee
• June 16 - City Council Vote

While we have not yet seen the official and filed version, we understand it will contain elements related to the following subjects:

• Additional flexibility for projects containing multiple frontages
• Changes to the Research Campus zoning district addressing market conditions
• New affordable housing provisions aimed at shortening the approval process and providing greater flexibility
• Clarification on stormwater requirements
• More flexibility on certain landscaping regulations
• Changes to provide more certainty and clarity on trees

City of Charlotte Seeking Feedback on #1 Area Plans and #2 Policy Map.

The City of Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department has recently released the much-anticipated 14 Draft Community Area Plans. These plans are pivotal components in implementing the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan while providing more detailed recommendations for shaping the built environment and addressing factors such as land use, urban design, transportation, and infrastructure. What’s included?

• 14 Community Area Plans with detailed development recommendations for each area.
• A Program Guide that connects these plans to other citywide policies.
• And a Revised Policy Map & Manual reflecting the community’s latest feedback.
  
  

WAYS TO REVIEW & PROVIDE FEEDBACK

1. Visit the Virtual Open House for an overview of the planning process and key recommendations.
2. Read the Draft Plans and share your comments.
3. Sign up for Office Hours throughout April 2025, where community members can meet with staff to ask questions or provide their feedback on the draft plans.
4. Visit your Local Library to review hard copies of the draft plans.

Locations include:

• Hickory Grove
• Sugar Creek
• West Boulevard
• Allegra Westbrooks Regional
• Mountain Island
• South Boulevard
• Steele Creek
• Independence Regional
• Myers Park
• SouthPark Regional
• South County Regional
• University City Regional

City staff are available to attend community meetings upon request. Please note that scheduling is based upon staff availability.

To request a meeting, please email [email protected] and include:

1. Charlotte Seeking Comments on Land Development Standards Manual
   

   The Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual (CLDSM) Committee proposes various revisions to the Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual (CLDSM). Below is a document containing the Draft text details for public review and comment:
   
   2025 CLDSM Update-Draft

   Please review the CLDSM draft detail packet and email [email protected] with any questions, feedback, or comments on the proposed changes by July 1, 2025.
   
   

   
   

1. Senate Bill 428 Seeks to Alter Future Water Transfers Dramatically
   

   A trio of state senators are trying to clamp down on Charlotte’s quest to gain a larger share of the Catawba River’s water.

   Filed Monday, Senate Bill 428 would alter the state’s interbasin transfer law to create a new “major transfer” category and subject it to stricter rules.

   
   

1. WSACC Presents Update to HBAGC’s Land Development Council
   On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Chad Von Cannon, Executive Director of the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (WSACC), was the guest presenter for the LDC. With a full house in tow, Chad shared a detailed PPT presentation entitled Expansion, Master Plan, and Facilities Plan. This included a close-up view of the Phase 3 and 4 Plans for the Rocky River Regional Expansion, an Inflow and Infiltration Study, plus a quick review of future challenges. Be sure to view and download the entire PowerPoint presentation.
   
   The Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (WSACC) is an independent, incorporated public body funded by user fees. It has no taxing authority and supports five jurisdictions in North Carolina: Cabarrus County, the Cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and the Towns of Harrisburg and Mount Pleasant.
   
   WSACC is the primary planning agent for water and sewer facilities, provides wholesale wastewater transportation and treatment for its organizing jurisdictions, and manages reservoirs for some or all of its jurisdictions.
   
   Chad Von Cannon is the Executive Director of the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (WSACC). Chad is responsible for planning, directing, and managing the operations and personnel of the Authority and is involved in setting policies and goals under the direction of the Board of Directors.
   
   
2. Trump Administration Issues Memo to Clarify WOTUS Rule
   Last week, the Trump Administration issued this memo to guide Waters of the United States (WOTUS) in clarifying “continuous surface connection.” We share it here for several reasons. First, we must underscore and share information that clarifies confusion caused by other reports about the administration’s actions. Secondly, we recently reported on WOTUS and felt this update was essential.
   
   An official public notice through the Federal Register will be forthcoming.

 

• CATS Micro, an on-demand, shared-ride service, is expanding its territory to northern municipalities. The new service using CATS Micro-branded vehicles will be provided.
  “On-demand trips” mean you can access service when needed within the service hours listed below. The wait time for the service is intended to be no more than 30 minutes from the time of reservation to the time of pickup from your requested location within the service zone; however, traffic delays may impact these times. We urge you to check your CATS-Pass app throughout your experience for the most up-to-date information.
  
  All CATS Micro trips must be scheduled through the CATS-Pass app or arranged by calling the CATS Customer Service on the day of service. Customers cannot hail a CATS Micro vehicle from the curb.
  
  The CATS Micro zone serves areas north of I-485, including Huntersville, Davidson, and Cornelius. See the map of service and read the article.
  
  

1. HUD Secretary Vows to Work with Builders to Cut Regulations, Boost Housing Supply From NAHB. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner today said he would work to reduce regulatory burdens to ease America’s housing affordability crisis and help builders construct more attainable, affordable housing.
   
   In one of his first official speaking engagements after being sworn in as HUD secretary earlier this month, Turner addressed the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)Leadership Council, which met in Las Vegas with the 2025 International Builders’ Show (IBS).
   
   “A home is more than four walls. It’s the foundation of a thriving community,” said Turner. “To decrease the cost and increase the supply of affordable housing, we will terminate these unnecessary, ineffective, and costly regulations.”
   
   Turner pledged to work with home builders and all interested stakeholders to find long-term solutions that make homes more affordable, spur business creation, and create economic opportunity for all Americans.
   
   “It’s time we unleash the power of the private sector and the free market to build our way out of the housing affordability crisis,” said Turner. “We are returning to the drawing board to restore efficiency at HUD.”
   
   The HUD secretary further emphasized that as part of this process, “the foundation of a stable fiscal house is regulatory reform. At HUD, we are taking inventory and terminating all cumbersome regulations that make it harder for individuals and families to realize the American Dream of homeownership.”
   
   After addressing the NAHB Leadership Council, Turner participated in the IBS by touring the exhibit floor's latest building products and innovations.
   
   
2. Mecklenburg County Seeking Input Through Annual Online Budget Survey. Closing Soon, so Act Now!
   
   [TAKE SURVEY NOW]
   
   Each year, Mecklenburg County develops an annual operating budget that reflects the priorities of the County Commission and the community. We are currently developing the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, which starts July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026, and they need our help!
   
   Your input on the following survey will help us understand whether your needs for selected county services are being met and which services should be prioritized for the next year.
   
   This survey will take most people less than 10 minutes to complete, and your responses will remain anonymous.
   
   The County provides a variety of services to residents. County department services include:
   
   • Air Quality
   • Child Support Enforcement
   • Code Enforcement
   • Court Services Coordination
   • Domestic Violence Services
   • Economic Development
   • Flood Mitigation
   • Historic Landmarks
   • Homeless Support Services
   • Jails & Detention
   • Land, Property & Vital Records
   • Medical Examiner
   • Park & Recreation
   • Property Valuation
   • Public Health
   • Public Libraries
   • Recycling Centers
   • Social Services
   • Solid Waste Disposal
   • Stream & Lake Quality
   • Tax Collection
   • Veterans Services
   • Voting Services
     
     

1. City of Charlotte Seeking Input Through Annual Online Budget Survey.
   
   [Take the Survey]
   
   The City of Charlotte is seeking input from residents regarding their budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
   
   As part of this effort, the city will host three budget engagement events, listed below, throughout March, providing residents with multiple opportunities to learn about the budget process and share their feedback.
   
   • March 4, noon: Virtual Lunch and Learn Session [This event has passed.]
   • March 18, 6 p.m.: In-person Budget 101 Session
   • March 27, 6 p.m.: Virtual Community Conversation
     
     
   Residents can also share feedback through the FY 2026 Budget Survey, which will remain open until April 7, and engage with the Balancing Act simulator. The Balancing Act is a tool that allows residents to test their budgeting skills and balance the city’s more than $4 billion budget.
   
   “The city’s budget is more than numbers – it’s a plan that connects people to opportunities, strengthens neighborhoods, and enhances the quality of life,” said Marie Harris, interim director of the City of Charlotte Strategy & Budget Department. “Every decision impacts daily life, from the roads we travel to the housing and job opportunities residents can access. That’s why we want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure their voices help shape the future of our community.”
   
   Following the resident engagement, the city manager will present the Proposed FY 2026 Budget on May 5.
   
   Council workshops and presentations can be streamed on the GOV Channel, YouTube, and the GOV Channel Streaming App.
2. Meck County's Phase-out of Code Enforcement's older customer portals begins as Accela becomes the preferred portal for all projects. Earlier this year, Accela became the preferred customer portal for all project types. We are delighted to offer this enhanced service to our customers.
   
   As Accela moves forward, the agency prepares to move away from the legacy portals where our customers have worked for decades. This process will take place gradually to allow our customers to adjust their workflows and account for projects already in process.
   
   The sunset of the previous portals began in February with POSSE Outrider, also known as Web Permit or the contractor dashboard. New applications are no longer being accepted in Outrider for the following project types:
   
   
   • small commercial projects
   • new trade permits
   • equipment changeouts
   • Trade internet permits (TIPS/ETIPS)
     
     

   Customers should now submit new applications for these project types using Accela.
   
   Customers who have already submitted applications for these project types in POSSE may continue using the older portal for that project.
   
   Customers who have not done so are encouraged to set up an Accela account. In the weeks and months ahead, more project types will be removed from the old portals.

3. Rents Plunge in Austin for All The Right Reasons. Shot in arm for economic balance by using the market to correct escalating rent prices.
   
   I am sharing information from this forwarded email that illustrates a great example of the market working as it should. Increase the supply, and the cost will come down. We quote this piece from the correspondence:
   
   Austin is the same size and has very similar demographics to Charlotte, so this is doubly relevant. The "proof is in the pudding" makes this a powerful tool to lobby the City and County with—"Look, if you fix your Development Ordinances and just get over yourselves, development WILL happen, more units WILL come, and Rents Will Become More Affordable!!!"

1. NC Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall Visit REBIC
   On Monday, February 24th, North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall visited Charlotte to brief REBIC members on the current legislative session and discuss various issues. Also present were Senators Dave Craven and Brad Overcash, along with Charlotte City Councilman and Transportation, Planning, & Development Committee Chair Ed Driggs.
   
   The top-of-mind issue for most in the room was the introduction of S.B. 145, the Mecklenburg Transportation Referendum. The passage of this legislation would be the first step in achieving our goal to develop and implement a regional transportation plan. The bill’s introduction marks a significant milestone following more than five years of coordinated efforts on both local and state levels. In addition to REBIC, the Partnership for Regional Cooperation and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance have been at the forefront of this initiative. We highly encourage others in the business community to support us as we seek passage of this important bill.
   
   Should it make its way through the legislative process, it will then be up to the Mecklenburg County Commission to place the issue on the November ballot. At that point, taxpayers will be asked to allow for a one-cent sales tax increase to fund future transportation projects. The establishment of an authority to manage those funds will be incorporated at a later time.
   
   Other topics discussed included the following:
• Disaster relief for Western North Carolina - The State of North Carolina has more than $5 billion in its rainy-day fund, but the needs, when all is said and done, will likely exceed $60 billion.
• Crime- Legislators are working with local police departments and others as they consider legislation aimed at preventing pretrial release for some violent offenders.
• Budget - The Senate will initiate the budget during this cycle and the changes the legislature has made in tax policy over the past decade have made a big difference in our ability to attract new businesses and grow the economy.
• Higher Education - Legislators discussed the importance of higher education and acknowledged the elevation of UNC Charlotte to a premier national research institution.
2. Congressman Tim Moore Provides a DC Update to REBIC Members
   Tim Moore, former North Carolina House Speaker and now US Congressman from the 14th District, visited us to discuss his latest efforts. First, he shared his work to ensure that appropriate federal resources are directed toward Western North Carolina storm victims as effectively and efficiently as possible. Next, he discussed his work on the Finance Services Committee and the Budget Committee as Congress gears up to preserve the tax relief measures put in place several years ago. He also shared information on the cost-cutting measures implemented at the federal level.
   
   Immediately following this event, we were lucky enough to escort him to the podcast booth, where he recorded an episode of “Getting Real with Rob.” We will announce the release date soon!

The mission of the Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition (REBIC) is to catalyze positive outcomes for those working to create a healthy real estate market in the Charlotte region by using our voices to advocate, educate, connect, and advise. Subscribe to REBIC’s Two for Tuesday: quick reads and upcoming events in the region.

View & Subscribe

Dan Melvin, PE, serves as a Principal at LandDesign, where he oversees a team of consulting civil engineers specializing in land development projects of varying scales and complexities. With extensive experience in Charlotte, Dan possesses an in-depth understanding of the region’s infrastructure and regulatory challenges, enabling him to devise practical solutions tailored to his clients’ needs.

Dan’s ability to cultivate strong relationships with clients and regulatory authorities is key in advocating effectively for projects within the local development community. His involvement in public-private partnerships has provided him with valuable insights into the development process, enhancing his approach to project management and problem-solving.

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming event on April 9th where we'll be hearing from several mayors from the area about their vision for mobility and connectivity within the Charlotte region.  Come and learn how to support advocacy in transportation policy and public-private partnerships.  Moderated by Tracy Montross with American Airlines, this is a can't miss event.  

Please RSVP by March 31, 2024, to [email protected]
Location:  Canopy Building, 2nd Floor, 1120 Pearl Park Way, Charlotte, NC

Regulatory reform was at the top of the agenda during yesterday‘s visit from North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore.  Also in attendance were Senator Dave Craven and Senator Brad Overcash.  We also welcomed House Senior Appropriations Chair Jason Saine who is responsible for developing and gaining approval of the State Budget.  What were the highlights?  The General Assembly members agreed to continue to strategically streamline and simplify the regulatory process aimed at making housing more attainable.  They also mentioned their efforts to provide continued regulatory relief, and the expansion of water and sewer capacity through additional funding to aid growing municipalities intelligently handle the influx of people choosing the Charlotte region as their new home.

Several industry leaders at the event brought up the subject of tax abatement strategies in other states, and how it is being successfully utilized to provide workforce and affordable housing, adding solid reasons why we need to explore its benefits more ardently here.  Our guests expressed great interest in learning more about that solution and requested additional details.  As such, we are enlisting assistance in putting together a presentation on how tax abatement works, specifically when scaled.  We will note where it is being successfully utilized and include some examples of projects that have been built using this tool.  The next step will be developing a detailed strategy that will include specific policy recommendations for future action at the General Assembly level. 

Our Premier Members enjoyed and appreciated the direct access we received from these key members of the House and Senate who took their time to address matters of importance to the industry.  We look forward to the next opportunity to check in with this group and we thank them for their continued support and leadership that has resulted, among other things, in North Carolina being the top place to do business in the country.

 

originally published by REBIC with permission to repost in NAIOP Charlotte

 

originally published by REBIC with permission to repost to NAIOP

The following statement was issued by REBIC on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

Last night the “Plan Policy” section of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan passed the Charlotte City Council by a 6-5 vote. This outcome had been widely expected for several weeks. In the end, REBIC took the position that moving ahead to the more difficult challenges, such as the debate over the “Implementation Strategy” and “Manuals and Metrics” sections, as well as the Place Type mapping and ultimately the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was in the best interests of all parties. It was evident that members of City Council had withdrawn to their respective corners and that any further compromise was not possible.

Originally published by Tony Mecia on March 7, 2021, for Charlotte Ledger Business Newsletter.

The Charlotte Ledger’s Tony Mecia last week interviewed the chairman of Charlotte’s Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition (REBIC), Alan Banks, about the city’s proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Banks is also the founder and president of Evans Coghill Homes, a Charlotte homebuilder.