THIS AIN'T TEXAS

Austin, TX, has prevailed as the leading metro area in the country. The University of Texas brings 51,000 students to the city along with several other universities. A bustling economy and a large university have made Austin the fastest-growing US metro area. Extensive parks and outdoor recreation opportunities are another benefit Austin residents enjoy. Should the city of Charlotte take a page out of Austin’s handbook to continue to attract and retain new residents and visitors?

It’s no secret that access to the outdoors increases the quality of life and can improve mental and physical health. Yet, according to The Trust for Public Land annual report, just 39% of Charlotte residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Last year, Independence Park reopened after nearly a $6 million renovation. The county plans to continue improving access to green spaces. An abundance of parks and access to public spaces is key to attracting and retaining Charlotte residents.

If Charlotte-Mecklenburg wants to keep attracting new residents, then it’s important for city leaders to focus on the robust economy. According to the North Carolina Economic Forecast 2024 Second Quarter Report, 2024 and 2025 will represent the fourth and fifth years of economic growth in North Carolina since the pandemic recession of 2020. However, rumblings of a recession could deter people from moving. “The weakening labor force suggests that there may be fewer state-to-state moves as migration slows during economic downturns,” said Greg Bates, CEO of GID, an Atlanta based real estate first. While it’s unpredictable what is going to happen this November and the impact that could have on America’s economy, it’s clear Charlotte remains a top destination. It’s up to local elected officials to continue striving to make Mecklenburg County a great place to live. Taking a page from Austin’s playbook isn’t a bad idea.