We owe it to the next generation of Charlotte’s children to reverse the segregation of the past, and ensure they grow up in diverse, thriving communities. Unfortunately, research shows that children who start out in segregated, low-income neighborhoods in Charlotte have little chance to move up and reach the middle class. Harvard researcher Raj Chetty has noted that Charlotte ranks dead last for upward mobility among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. This should come as no surprise, given that nearly all of our existing affordable housing is segregated into low-income, majority-Black neighborhoods, and that low-income Charlotteans too often don’t have real choice about where they live. Our city’s segregation is not an accident – and it’s also not set in stone. Instead, this lack of real choice is the result of our local housing policies, which we can change.

To give our children the chance they deserve, the City must double funding for the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) through a $100M bond. Doubling the HTF bond from 2020’s $50M will help to account for inflation, the rising cost of materials, rising interest rates, and other increased costs to build. Even more importantly, new HTF money must incentivize developers to build affordable housing in middle- and higher-income areas. Sign this petition to add your name to the long list of supporters of a more affordable and integrated Charlotte where everyone has a chance to succeed. When we reach 100 signatures, we’ll send the petition to City Council members and the Mayor.