Charlotte’s First Stormwater Sidewalk Mural to Debut Mid-June

Published on June 20, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 20, 2025) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will unveil the city’s first sidewalk mural focused on stormwater education, bringing public art and environmental awareness together in a vibrant new way.

The nearly 80-foot sidewalk mural, designed by Charlotte-based artist and educator Jamil Dyair Steele, is being installed June 13–21 along Beatties Ford Road near the Rosa Parks Place Community Transit Center, operated by CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System). 

The artwork highlights the connection between city streets and local streams, demonstrating how pollutants like litter, pet waste and chemicals travel through storm drains and into Charlotte’s waterways. The design also emphasizes practical steps the public can take to reduce pollution and protect local streams and lakes.

“This mural represents an innovative approach to public education,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services Municipal Stormwater Permit Supervisor Craig Miller. “It’s a powerful way to make environmental stewardship both visible and engaging in a high-traffic community space.”

Residents played a key role in shaping the final mural concept through two community surveys coordinated by the city’s Housing & Neighborhood Services Department. Their input helped inform the themes and visuals seen in the finished piece. The project is part of Charlotte’s Planning, Design, and Development Placemaking Hub Program, which empowers residents to use public art and design to enhance shared spaces across the city. 

“This is the first mural of its kind for Storm Water Services, and we’re excited to bring stormwater education to life in a creative and community-centered way,” Miller said.