Last week, the CLT Alliance hosted our Select CLT event, drawing in a diverse group of stakeholders and community leaders. The event kicked off with an inspiring speech by Roger Johnson from Mecklenburg Economic Development, who used the analogy of the CLT Alliance as a conductor orchestrating connectedness within the region. Johnson emphasized how the CLT Alliance plays a crucial role in fostering relationships and driving the region toward achieving its full potential.
Gretchen Carson, director of business recruitment, followed with an update on the CLT Alliance’s current project pipeline. She announced two new projects and highlighted seven active projects along with eight qualified leads. Of these seven active projects, three are centered on office development, while the remaining four focus on manufacturing. Carson provided an in-depth overview of each active project, giving investors a clear picture of the opportunities and developments in the pipeline.
The event also featured a compelling presentation by CJ Toscano and Drew Burdick from Slalom, who shared findings from the site selector and corporate decision-maker research conducted in the fourth quarter of 2023. This study, which built on initial research from 2020, revealed significant improvements in the perception of the Charlotte Region. Notably, Charlotte’s market attractiveness ranking rose from No. 4 in 2020 to No. 2 in 2023. Charlotte now ranks in the top three for three out of five key criteria essential for business expansion or relocation, compared to just one criterion in 2020.
Following the research presentation, attendees broke into small groups to discuss critical questions about regional investment and marketing strategies. The discussions focused on identifying investments to enhance regional attractiveness, improving marketing efforts while maintaining a high quality of life, and better engaging the site selector audience. These collaborative discussions aimed to generate actionable insights to further bolster Charlotte’s position as a top destination for business and talent. Here are some highlights from the roundtable discussions:
What investments should be made to improve the availability of skilled talent and cost?
Participants emphasized the need for enhanced educational programs and partnerships with local universities to cultivate a skilled workforce. There was also a call for increased funding for vocational training and apprenticeships to bridge the skills gap.
How can the region better engage and enable site selectors?
Feedback highlighted the importance of addressing housing affordability and accessibility. To engage site selectors more effectively, the region should focus on developing affordable housing options and ensuring that these are well-integrated within accessible and vibrant social districts.
How might the region improve overall market attractiveness while maintaining a high quality of life?
Attendees discussed the need to balance economic growth with community well-being. Ideas included investing in green spaces, promoting sustainable development practices, and ensuring affordable housing options to maintain the region’s high quality of life.
The discussions demonstrated the commitment to understanding and addressing key challenges, ensuring that economic development goes hand in hand with preserving the region’s unique attributes. The Select CLT event underscored the region’s progress and ongoing commitment to economic development.
