Charlotte Community & City Updates — Quarterly Newsletter Roundup
January 22, 2026
1. Big Picture Transportation Planning
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) is updating the region's transportation blueprint — called the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) — and public input is open through Feb. 10, 2026 before adoption in March. This impacts roads, transit, bike/pedestrian routes, and funding priorities for decades ahead.
- These projects help guide where new roads, transit service, and safety improvements land — which could affect travel time, congestion, and even neighborhood walkability.
- Residents can still influence priorities before final adoption.
- More info & how to comment: 2055mtp.org
2. Transit System Transformation
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has a newly adopted Transit System Plan that sets direction for improved and expanded bus & rail service across Mecklenburg County.
- Expansion of bus service (aiming for ~50% more coverage)
- Phased rail and rapid transit improvements
- Stronger emphasis on community priorities
- Find details & future public engagement: catstransitsystemplanupdate.com
Also, a new regional authority (MPTA) is now guiding transportation investments funded by the recent transit sales tax vote — meaning big projects (like light rail extensions) are officially underway, though timelines and funding complexities remain in progress.
3. Trails, Greenways & Pedestrian Projects
The city and county are steadily adding miles of greenways — now roughly nine new miles opened in 2025 alone with several more planned.
- Long Creek & Reedy Creek Greenway expansions
- McAlpine Creek boardwalk additions
- Reopened Little Sugar Creek greenway stretch
- These offer more options for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation — plus safer neighborhood connectivity.
4. Rezoning & Land Use Activity
Charlotte continues to see a mix of rezoning petitions that may influence land use, housing, and development patterns — especially where new residential or mixed-use projects are proposed.
- 2025-107 — Pending petition (public review & traffic/storm water comments available)
- 2025-062 — Allows up to ~113 multi-family homes near W.T. Harris Blvd and Old Statesville Rd (approved by Council)
- 2025-023 — TOD zoning change near E. Sugar Creek (approved)
- 2025-047 — Unified Development Ordinance updates to support the long-term comprehensive plan (recently approved)
For the full list of active rezoning cases and notices: charlottenc.gov — Rezoning
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