2025 Impact Report
In 2025, Sustain Charlotte translated years of groundwork into transformational, measurable impact — shaping decisions that will influence Charlotte's future for decades.
Transportation Choices & Investment
Expanding safe, equitable transportation options
In 2025, we:
  • Advocated consistently for walking, biking, public transit, and micro-mobility
  • Maintained active relationships with senior City leadership, including CDOT and the City Manager's office
  • Engaged directly in transportation funding, budget, and governance decisions
  • Centered safety, equity, health, and climate resilience in all transportation advocacy
Historic Transportation Investment
A breakthrough year for transportation funding
The most significant programmatic outcome of 2025:
  • Built broad, grassroots voter support for the one-cent transportation sales tax referendum
  • Played a lead role in strategy, coalition coordination, public education, and messaging
  • Served as primary public spokespeople across media, community presentations, and advocacy
  • Worked directly with elected officials, senior staff, and community organizations
Result: Voters approved a historic, long-term transportation investment — a transformational policy win that will shape mobility, safety, equity, and climate outcomes for decades.
Micro-Mobility Expansion
Expanding access to bikes & scooters
Partnership & Advocacy
Held frequent, ongoing conversations with Bird and Lime
Worked alongside City staff to address policy and operational barriers
Equity Focus
Advocated for expanded availability of shared bikes and scooters, particularly in areas with limited transportation options

Impact
The City approved an increase in the number of shared bikes and scooters allowed, expanding access to affordable, low-carbon transportation across Charlotte.
Land Use, Zoning & Development
Shaping how Charlotte grows
In 2025, we:
Advocated for full adoption and implementation of Community Area Plans
Weighed in on text amendments and implementation decisions related to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Defended local zoning authority in response to state-level interference
Advanced reforms to reduce parking requirements and support walkable development
Elevated the connection between land use, affordability, safety, and access

Impact
Land-use conversations increasingly focused on system-level rules and long-term outcomes, aligning growth with adopted plans and community goals.
Public Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Engaging the public to shape policy
In 2025, we:
  • Responded to major policy developments with timely advocacy and public communication
  • Issued action alerts, statements, and policy explainers tied to real decision points
  • Built and supported multiple coalitions, including leadership of a 20+ neighborhood coalition opposing I-77 South expansion
  • Integrated peer-city and national best practices into local advocacy
Reach & Influence
79
earned media hits across local, regional, and national outlets
Coverage included television, radio, print, digital, and national NPR
Building Collective Power
Amplifying community voice
Coordinated Advocacy
Coordinated public advocacy across transportation, land use, and safety issues
Mobilized Residents
Mobilized residents to testify, engage, and contact decision-makers
Centered Equity
Ensured equity, safety, and accountability remained centered in policy debates

Impact
Public advocacy was organized, visible, and sustained during high-stakes decisions.
Education, Engagement & Participation
Educating and inspiring action
In 2025, we:
Policy Communication
Published frequent policy blogs and explainers translating complex issues for the public
Community Outreach
Delivered 67 presentations, workshops, and events, exceeding annual targets
Public Understanding
Helped residents understand how transportation and land-use decisions affect daily life
Action Pathways
Provided clear pathways for people to get involved and take action
Events & Experiences
Creating meaningful entry points
In 2025, we:
Hosted and supported high-visibility events like Biketoberfest
Connected education, advocacy, and community experience
Used events and presentations to build long-term advocacy capacity
2025 at a Glance
How we moved the needle
In 2025, Sustain Charlotte:
  • Helped secure a historic transportation sales tax victory
  • Advanced system-level land-use reform through plans and UDO implementation
  • Informed and mobilized the public through 79 earned media hits
  • Delivered 67 public presentations, workshops, and events
  • Built coalitions and community power around the region's most consequential decisions
Big picture: 2025 was a breakthrough year — converting sustained advocacy into measurable impact, durable policy wins, and long-term momentum.
2025 By the Numbers
1
historic policy victory
Voter approval of the one-cent transportation sales tax — a generational investment in safer streets, transit, and equitable mobility
79
earned media hits
Local, regional, and national coverage — including national NPR — shaping public opinion and policy conversations
67
presentations, workshops & events
Community briefings, public talks, coalition meetings, and educational sessions delivered across the region
20+
neighborhoods engaged
Coalition-building and advocacy around I-77 South and major transportation decisions
From public education to policy wins — 2025 was a year of measurable, durable impact.