As I wrap up my term on the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Young Professionals Board, I’ve been reflecting on how this experience has shaped my perspective on leadership and community impact. Serving alongside peers and local leaders who are focused on strengthening the Charlotte Region gave me a front-row seat to how collaboration drives progress in a rapidly growing city. Every event and conversation reinforced that Charlotte’s future isn’t written by chance, it’s written by those who show up, share ideas, and lead.
In my last CLT Alliance blog post, I challenged young professionals to step forward, get involved, and help write the next chapter of our region. That call resonates even more today as we look towards Charlotte’s ambitious future. With nearly 157 new residents moving to our region daily, Charlotte is evolving beyond its reputation of being just a major financial hub: it’s rapidly becoming a top city for business headquarters expansion and economic development. But what will define Charlotte’s next chapter isn’t just population growth or job creation, it’s the leaders who step forward to guide it. And that’s where the next generation of young professionals has a chance to step up.
YPs bring energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives – qualities essential for solving complex regional challenges like transportation, housing, and talent & workforce development. Below are a few of the many opportunities to get involved and bring those qualities to the table:
- Show up: Attend upcoming CLT Regional Business Alliance YP events – from networking mixers to professional development workshops and panel discussions, these gatherings provide opportunities to connect with peers, learn from regional leaders, and share your perspective on issues influencing the future of the Charlotte Region.
- Get involved: Use resources like SHARE Charlotte to find volunteer opportunities, support local causes, and make an impact where it’s needed most. Another option is to attend events such as CLTivate Community 2025 that provide in-person opportunities to connect with local charities.
- Stay informed: Sign up for the CLT Alliance Advocate newsletter that highlights the CLT Alliance’s advocacy initiatives as well as legislative updates for the Charlotte Region and Carolinas.
- Share ideas: Attend events like Advocacy in Action for opportunities to engage directly with legislators, ask questions, and contribute your perspective on issues impacting our region. Be on the lookout for an Advocacy in Action event in 2026 focused on connecting YPs with general assembly members across the Carolinas.
- Step forward: Attend and engage at public forums on housing, transportation, and workforce development to participate in meaningful conversations shaping Charlotte’s future.
To the next wave of YP leaders and newcomers to Charlotte: your voice matters. The region’s next chapter is being written now, and it’s up to us – the ones showing up, curious, informed, and prepared – to help write it. As young professionals, we are uniquely positioned to influence the policies, programs, and culture that will define Charlotte for decades to come.
Together, we can make Charlotte not only the best city in the South, but a city that’s driving America’s next era of economic momentum.
Austin Lowrey is a Lead Treasury Analyst at Duke Energy and a second-year member of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Young Professionals Board. You can connect with Austin on LinkedIn.
