In Depth: Planning a More Equitable Charlotte

March 28, 2023  

In Depth: Planning a More Equitable Charlotte

The In Depth section on HUD User’s Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse (RBC) takes a closer look at innovative state and local strategies, activities, and plans to mitigate the impacts of regulations on the development of affordable housing. Each In Depth article highlights a particular plan, ordinance, or strategy in the RBC database and elaborates on aspects such as the approval process, stakeholder participation, and the progress made in reducing regulatory barriers.

In 2021, the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, adopted its first comprehensive plan in almost 50 years. The plan emphasizes an equitable growth framework by addressing historic inequities and ensuring all communities benefit from the city’s rapid growth. To increase affordable housing options for more residents, the plan calls for relaxing zoning requirements and administrative hurdles to facilitate the construction of higher-density housing. An overarching goal is for Charlotte to create “complete communities” with various uses, densities, and building types. The plan maps the city based on several equity metrics, such as access to services and job proximity. The city will use these metrics to monitor the plan’s progress.

Visit HUD User’s RBC In Depth page to learn more about Charlotte’s comprehensive plan, as well as other plans and initiatives that state and local governments have enacted to reduce impediments to affordable housing.