Economic Recovery

While Charlotte was one of the last U.S.cities impacted by the recession, we’re now coping with its aftershocks. Still, our population and businesses continue to grow, proving that great opportunities still exist here. Unlike other cities of similar size and scope, we’re blessed with a solid foundation that’s helped us both weather the storm and remain positioned to emerge even stronger. There’s evidence of this all around us, including our burgeoning employment rate, and the DNC’s selection of Charlotte for its 2012 National Convention.

Though this positive outlook is encouraging, there’s still much work to do. That’s why we need to support the job recruitment efforts of valued partners like the the Charlotte Chamber, the Regional Partnership, CRVA and Center City Partners to speed our economic recovery. We must also reassure the leaders of Charlotte’s dominant industries – banking, healthcare, goods distribution, motorsports, and defense services – of our commitment to their long-term success.

On the educational front, we must support efforts to teach and bolster the skill sets of our workforce. Well-educated individuals are more adaptable and flexible, which makes them more employable. That’s why we have to recruit colleges and universities that can provide advanced degree opportunities for those who work and live in our communities.

As for future business opportunities, we must support and growCharlotte’s “new economy,” which will be more knowledge-, information- and services-oriented. To accomplish this, we have to pursue innovative industries like alternative energy, bio-tech, and research-related companies. We can also incentivize and encourage our own citizens to develop small businesses in emerging industries.