Dr. Tom Hanchett, a historian and author with a passion for the narrative of urban development, is currently working on a book focused on the history of affordable housing and its impact by women. His storytelling paints a picture of Charlotte’s growth, tracing back to its origins aligned with Native American trading routes along Interstate 85, and the city’s strategic positioning on ridgelines, influencing its angled streets. 

Charlotte’s transformation into a textile manufacturing powerhouse in the late 19th century propelled its economy, surpassing New England by the 1920s. This was in part due to the city’s readiness to employ women and children, establishing itself as a central trade hub for textile mills across various cities. 

The city’s innovative spirit was evident in the 1910s with neighborhood planning, highlighted by the work of Olmsted in Dilworth and Nolen in Myers Park. From being the 35th largest city in 1990, Charlotte’s rapid growth has ranked it as the 15th largest today, with a population surge from half a million to one million within three decades. This growth is also reflected in its diverse demographic shift, with a 15% foreign-born population, boasting the fastest-growing Latino community in the US from 2000 to 2013. 

Charlotte’s economy is multifaceted, housing the second-largest financial center, and supported by industries ranging from healthcare to energy. The city’s urban planning emphasizes connectivity and walkability, influenced by visionaries like Hugh McColl, who championed a city where one could traverse between cultural landmarks on foot. 

Women at the forefront of placemaking for greenspace included Gwen Cook (City of Charlotte), Beth Poovey (LandDesign), and Anne Close Springs (Fort Mill SC’s Anne Close Springs Greenway). Placemaking also meant retrofitting Edge Cities and Darlene Heater was highlighted as a leader in University City.  

However, Charlotte faces challenges in affordable housing, having lost over half of its naturally occurring affordable housing units (28,000) between 2013 and 2017. Despite the competition for land acquisition fueled by low interest rates, there are concerted efforts by individuals like Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and organizations such as West Side Community Land Trust to fund and develop affordable housing solutions. These efforts are complemented by industry leaders and non-profits led by women such as Dionne Nelson of Laurel Street, Julie Porter of Dream Key Partners, Kirsten Sikkelee of YWCA and Liz Clasen-Kelly of Roof Above are all working towards creating mixed-income communities and improving housing accessibility for essential workers.  The overarching goal is to enable residents to progress beyond the need for affordable housing. 

About the Author:  Julianne McCollum is the Head of Quack for Yellow Duck Marketing.  She has been responsible for managing corporate brands and their public relations through expansion and contraction. She is passionate about consumer experience and making things as intuitive and relevant as possible for the customer. She is energized by helping organizations develop strategies to grow or focus their business.