Explore Our Issues

Discover detailed plans addressing critical issues from our dedicated issues page. Join us in making a difference.

Action Plan: Job Creation Through Tourism, No Degree Required

Charlotte, NC, is a rapidly growing city facing challenges in equitable economic development, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. The plan aims to address these disparities by leveraging existing programs, adopting innovative strategies from other U.S. cities, and focusing on tourism and job creation for non-degree holders. Key neighborhoods identified for impact include Grier Heights, Enderly Park, Hidden Valley, and Belmont, all within or near the Corridors of Opportunity.

Expanding Current Actions and Incorporating Innovative Strategies

Expanding the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative (MREI) and the Corridors of Opportunity program, along with introducing solutions from Boston, NYC, and Los Angeles.

Focus on Jobs That Do Not Require a College Degree

Holding Charlotte's elected officials accountable through transparency and metrics for engagement

Funding Sources and New Organizations

Tapping into new funding sources and partner with underutilized organizations, avoiding reliance on existing MREI partners to ensure sustainability

Increasing Tourism Through Permanent Pedestrianization of Uptown

Building on Charlotte’s Vision Zero plan to enhance pedestrian safety, permanently pedestrianize key Uptown streets to create a vibrant, walkable destination, drawing tourists and boosting local commerce.

Vision:

Build a Charlotte where economic opportunity is accessible to all residents, particularly those in underserved communities, by creating well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree, fostering inclusive growth, and leveraging tourism to drive economic vitality.

1. Expanding Current Actions and Incorporating Innovative Strategies

Existing Actions to Expand

Charlotte has made strides in equitable economic development through initiatives like the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative (MREI) and the Corridors of Opportunity program. These programs focus on digital equity, workforce development, and investment in underserved neighborhoods. Maginnis’s plan will build on these successes while introducing innovative approaches from other U.S. cities.

1. Expand Corridors of Opportunity

- Current Success: The Corridors of Opportunity program has invested $109 million in public and private funds to improve six business and neighborhood corridors (e.g., Beatties Ford Road, North Graham Street). It has supported affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and small business grants, creating jobs in construction, retail, and services. For example, a $180,000 grant and $904,000 low-interest loan supported a mixed-use development on Beatties Ford Road, fostering Black-owned businesses and local employment.(https://www.wfae.org/race-equity/2023-01-23/long-neglected-charlottes-corridors-of-opportunity-could-be-the-key-to-a-more-equitable-city)

- Expansion Plan: Increase funding to $150 million over five years by securing additional federal and private grants. Expand the program to include more neighborhoods (see Section 5) and prioritize job training programs tailored to non-degree holders, such as apprenticeships in construction, logistics, and hospitality.

- Metrics of Success: Since 2020, the program has created or supported approximately 1,500 jobs in targeted corridors. Expansion aims to create an additional 3,000 jobs by 2030, with 70% targeting non-degree holders.

2. Strengthen Digital Equity Initiatives

- Current Success: The MREI’s Center for Digital Equity has distributed over 20,000 laptops and supported digital literacy programs, enabling residents to access online job training and remote work opportunities. (https://charlotteregion.com/blog/mayors-racial-equity-initiative-nearing-250m-goal-were-making-undeniable-progress/)

- Expansion Plan: Partner with tech companies like Google and Microsoft to provide free or subsidized certification programs (e.g., Google IT Support, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) that prepare residents for tech-adjacent roles like IT support, cybersecurity, and data entry, which do not require degrees. Establish 10 new community tech hubs in underserved neighborhoods by 2028.

- Metrics of Success: Current programs have trained 5,000 residents in digital skills. Expansion aims to train 15,000 more by 2030, with 80% securing jobs in tech or related fields.

Innovative Actions from Other U.S. Cities

Maginnis will adopt proven strategies from other cities to enhance equitable job creation, focusing on accessibility for non-degree holders:

1. Boston’s Housing Accelerator Fund Model

- Inspiration: Boston’s Housing Accelerator Fund invests $110 million in multifamily housing projects, creating construction and maintenance jobs while addressing housing affordability. Since 2022, Boston has built or started 17,000 housing units, with 5,455 income-restricted, generating thousands of jobs in construction, landscaping, and property management.(https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/housing-initiatives-under-mayor-michelle-wu)

- Charlotte Application: Create a Charlotte Job and Housing Fund with $100 million to develop mixed-use affordable housing and commercial spaces in Corridors of Opportunity. Prioritize hiring local residents for construction (e.g., carpenters, electricians) and ongoing roles (e.g., maintenance, security) through partnerships with trade unions. Training programs will mirror Boston’s focus on short-term credentials (e.g., OSHA safety certifications, carpentry apprenticeships).

- Impact: Projected to create 2,000 construction and 500 permanent jobs by 2030, with 75% accessible to non-degree holders.

2. New York City’s Collaborative Innovation Initiatives

- Inspiration: NYC’s Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity launched cross-agency collaborations to address poverty, including job training programs for vulnerable populations. For example, partnerships with CUNY’s John Jay College provide post-incarceration job training, resulting in higher employment rates for participants. (https://www.nyc.gov/site/opportunity/news/037/mayor-s-office-economic-opportunity-launches-new-cross-agency-innovations-improve-services)

- Charlotte Application: Establish a Charlotte Workforce Collaborative, partnering with local community colleges (e.g., Central Piedmont Community College) and nonprofits to offer reentry-focused job training for formerly incarcerated individuals. Programs will target logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality, with certifications completed in 6-12 months.

- Impact: NYC’s model has employed 1,000+ formerly incarcerated individuals annually. Charlotte’s program aims to employ 500 residents per year by 2028.

3. Los Angeles’ Tourism and Convention Strategy

- Inspiration: LA’s Board of Commissioners for Tourism oversees a strategic plan to boost tourism through events, marketing, and infrastructure improvements, creating jobs in hospitality, event planning, and transportation. In 2023, LA’s tourism sector supported 500,000 jobs, many accessible to non-degree holders.(https://jobs.lamayor.org/apply/boards-commissions/list)

- Charlotte Application: Form a Charlotte Tourism and Jobs Commission to coordinate tourism growth, focusing on Uptown’s pedestrianization (see Section 4). Partner with Visit Charlotte to promote cultural festivals and events, creating jobs in event staffing, food service, and transportation.

- Impact: Projected to create 1,500 tourism-related jobs by 2030, with 80% requiring no college degree.

2. Focus on Jobs That Do Not Require a College Degree

Maginnis’s plan prioritizes jobs accessible to Charlotte’s diverse workforce, particularly in underserved communities where college degree attainment is low (e.g., 20% in Grier Heights vs. 60% in Myers Park).(https://opportunityinsights.org/charlotte/)

- Targeted Sectors:

- Construction and Trades: Expand apprenticeships in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work through partnerships with unions like the Carolinas AGC. These roles offer median wages of $45,000-$60,000.

- Logistics and Warehousing: Leverage Charlotte’s logistics hub status (e.g., Charlotte Douglas International Airport) to create jobs in warehousing, trucking, and inventory management. Partner with Amazon and FedEx for training programs.

- Hospitality and Tourism: Capitalize on Uptown’s pedestrianization to create jobs in restaurants, hotels, and event staffing. Median wages range from $30,000-$40,000.

- Green Jobs: Invest in energy efficiency and urban forestry programs, inspired by Charlotte’s North End Smart District, to create roles in weatherization, landscaping, and renewable energy installation. (https://www.americanprogress.org/article/making-charlotte-climate-ready-just-city/)

- Training and Certification:

- Launch a Charlotte Skills Academy, offering 3-6 month certification programs in high-demand fields. Model after NC’s myFutureNC initiative, which emphasizes short-term credentials valued by employers.(https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-02-06/business-and-political-leaders-say-nc-must-do-more-to-create-a-skilled-workforce-by-2030)

- Partner with Central Piedmont Community College to provide free or low-cost training, focusing on stackable credentials (e.g., forklift operation, HVAC certification).

- Offer wraparound services (childcare, transportation stipends) to ensure accessibility for low-income residents.

- Job Placement:

- Create a Charlotte Job Connect Portal, a digital platform linking trained residents to employers. Model after NYC’s Workforce1, which has placed 50,000+ workers in jobs since 2019.

- Require businesses receiving city grants or tax incentives to prioritize hiring local non-degree holders.

3. Funding Sources and New Organizations

To ensure sustainability, Maginnis will tap into new funding sources and partner with underutilized organizations, avoiding reliance on existing MREI partners like Bank of America and Duke Energy.

- Funding Sources:

- Federal Grants: Apply for U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants, which allocated $3.5 billion nationally in 2024 for job training. Target $20 million annually for Charlotte’s Skills Academy.

- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Secure $15 million over five years from HUD’s CDBG program for infrastructure and job training in low-income neighborhoods.

- Private Foundations: Engage the Knight Foundation, which funds equitable urban development (e.g., $10 million for Miami’s Underline project), to contribute $25 million for workforce and tourism initiatives.

- Impact Investing: Partner with Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group to raise $50 million for mixed-use developments, creating jobs and affordable housing. Goldman Sachs has invested $7 billion in urban projects nationwide since 2001

- New Organizations:

- Living Cities: A national nonprofit focused on equitable economic development, not currently partnered with Charlotte. Living Cities supported NYC’s inclusive growth initiatives, providing technical assistance and $5 million in grants. Engage for workforce training and corridor development.(https://charlotteregion.com/blog/mayors-racial-equity-initiative-nearing-250m-goal-were-making-undeniable-progress/)

- Jobs for the Future (JFF): A national organization specializing in workforce development for non-degree holders. JFF’s programs in Boston and Seattle have trained 10,000+ workers for high-demand jobs. Partner for Charlotte Skills Academy design and implementation.

- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): LISC has invested $1 billion in equitable community development nationwide but is underutilized in Charlotte. Secure $10 million for small business grants and job training in Corridors of Opportunity.

4. Increasing Tourism Through Permanent Pedestrianization of Uptown

Strategy:

Permanently pedestrianize key Uptown streets (e.g., Tryon Street between Trade and 5th Streets) to create a vibrant, walkable destination, drawing tourists and boosting local commerce. This builds on Charlotte’s Vision Zero plan to enhance pedestrian safety.(https://www.americanprogress.org/article/making-charlotte-climate-ready-just-city/)

Model:

San Antonio’s River Walk, a pedestrianized urban corridor, generates $3.5 billion annually in economic impact and supports 30,000 jobs, many in hospitality and retail. By creating a car-free zone with cultural events, outdoor dining, and public art, Charlotte can replicate this success.

Implementation:

- Close 1-2 blocks of Tryon Street to vehicles, installing pedestrian-friendly amenities (e.g., benches, greenery, pop-up markets).
- Partner with Visit Charlotte to host weekly cultural festivals, live music, and food truck events, showcasing Charlotte’s diversity.
- Enhance public transit access (e.g., extend Gold Line streetcar hours) to connect Uptown with surrounding neighborhoods.

Economic Impact:

- Visitor Increase: San Antonio’s River Walk attracts 14 million visitors annually. A pedestrianized Uptown could increase Charlotte’s visitor numbers by 20% (from 31 million in 2023 to 37 million by 2030), per Visit Charlotte data.

- Tourism Dollars: Charlotte’s tourism generated $7.5 billion in 2023. A 20% visitor increase could add $1.5 billion annually, with $500 million directly supporting Uptown businesses.

- Job Creation: The pedestrian zone is projected to create 2,000 jobs by 2030, including 1,200 in hospitality (e.g., servers, hotel staff) and 800 in retail and event management, with 85% accessible to non-degree holders.

- Funding: Allocate $10 million from CDBG funds for infrastructure, $5 million from Knight Foundation for cultural programming, and $5 million from private businesses (e.g., Uptown restaurants) for amenities.

5. Neighborhoods Positively Impacted

The following neighborhoods, identified as part of or adjacent to Corridors of Opportunity, will benefit from job gains and the pedestrianized Uptown zone:

- Grier Heights: A historically Black neighborhood with low economic mobility (average household income of $20,000 for low-income residents). New construction and hospitality jobs will provide opportunities, while transit improvements connect residents to Uptown.(https://opportunityinsights.org/charlotte/)

- Enderly Park: Located in the West Corridor, this neighborhood faces economic challenges (average income $18,000 for low-income residents). Workforce training and small business grants will create jobs in logistics and retail.

- Hidden Valley: Part of the North Corridor, Hidden Valley will benefit from digital equity programs and tourism-related jobs, reducing unemployment (currently 10% vs. 3% citywide).

- Belmont: Adjacent to Uptown, Belmont can capitalize on pedestrian zone spillover, with residents filling roles in hospitality and event staffing. Affordable housing projects will prevent displacement.

6. Implementation Timeline

- Year 1 (2026): Secure $50 million in funding (WIOA, CDBG, Knight Foundation). Launch Charlotte Skills Academy and Workforce Collaborative. Begin Uptown pedestrianization planning.

- Year 2-3 (2027-2028): Implement pedestrian zone, open 5 tech hubs, and start Job and Housing Fund projects. Train 5,000 residents annually.

- Year 4-5 (2029-2030): Complete pedestrian zone infrastructure, host major tourism events, and scale job programs to create 8,000 total jobs (5,500 non-degree).

7. Metrics of Success

- Job Creation: 8,000 new jobs by 2030, with 70% (5,600) accessible to non-degree holders.

- Tourism Growth: 20% increase in visitors (6 million additional) and $1.5 billion in economic impact.

- Equity Impact: 50% of jobs created in targeted neighborhoods (Grier Heights, Enderly Park, Hidden Valley, Belmont), reducing unemployment by 3% in each.

- Training Outcomes: 15,000 residents trained in high-demand skills, with 80% employed within 6 months.

8. Why This Plan Differentiates Brendan K. Maginnis from Vi Lyles

- Innovation: Unlike Lyles’s MREI, which relies heavily on existing corporate partners, Maginnis’s plan introduces new organizations (Living Cities, JFF, LISC) and innovative models from Boston and NYC, ensuring fresh perspectives.

- Tourism Focus: Lyles’s initiatives focus on equity but lack a bold tourism strategy. Pedestrianizing Uptown positions Charlotte as a regional destination, creating jobs and revenue.

- Non-Degree Emphasis: Maginnis prioritizes accessible jobs, addressing Charlotte’s economic mobility gap (ranked 38th out of 50 large U.S. cities), while Lyles’s programs have broader focuses.(https://opportunityinsights.org/charlotte/)

- Community-Centric: By targeting specific neighborhoods and involving residents in planning (e.g., Uptown events), Maginnis ensures equitable benefits without displacement.

Conclusion:

This plan leverages Charlotte’s strengths, addresses equity gaps, and positions the city as a leader in inclusive economic growth. By expanding proven initiatives, adopting innovative strategies, and investing in tourism, Maginnis will create a Charlotte where every resident has access to opportunity.

Total Metrics by 2030:

Jobs Created: 8,000 (5,600 non-degree, 70% of total).
Economic Impact: $1.5B from tourism; $235M total investment.
Training: 30,000 residents trained (Skills Academy + Digital Equity).
Neighborhood Impact: 3% unemployment reduction in Grier Heights, Enderly Park, Hidden Valley, Belmont.
Partners Engaged: Knight Foundation, LISC, Jobs for the Future, Google, Microsoft, CPCC, Charlotte Works, Visit Charlotte.