Recession-battered city ponders its next moves

As layoffs have cascaded through this metro region, unemployment has zoomed to third highest in the nation. The question of what happens next – and who will make it happen – is on many minds.

Part 4 The dangers of not going green

The Catawba could dry up, farmland become scarce, air quality worsen. To become a global player, the Charlotte region must better protect its strained natural resources.

Create vision, take action
Steps for a greener tomorrow
Thread Trail weaves communities together
‘Green' eggs and ham? Perfect place to start
Part 3 A new Charlotte

“Charlotte is just now being born as a metropolitan community. Sure, it's always been a city. But something bigger is happening now.

8 ways to make our cities shine
Ring around Charlotte
Steps for a greener tomorrow

How does the Charlotte region turn truly green – eco-savvy, climate-friendly and a respected model of sustainable development? What's the path to true sustainability? No one policy gets the region there, but there are some suggestions.

‘Green' eggs and ham? Perfect place to start

If this region seriously wants to go green, food may be a perfect way to start.

Thread Trail weaves communities together

Imagine a network of greenways, trails and conservation corridors creating continuous pathways covering the entire Charlotte region, easily accessible to all 2.4 million residents.

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Interactive | Caroliina Thread Trail map
What's a Citistates Report?

Syndicated columnist Neal Peirce and colleagues Alex Marshall and Curtis Johnson give “outsider” views on the future prospects of U.S. urban regions.

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