Silver Line Transit-Oriented Communities

aerial view of the city'

The city was awarded a Federal Transit Administration grant from the Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning to develop a policy and implementation strategy for Transit-Oriented Communities along the proposed Silver Line. The study area includes station areas within the City of Charlotte, unincorporated Mecklenburg County, and the Town of Matthews.

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) provide all people, regardless of socioeconomic status, the opportunity to live near transit stations and experience the benefits of development and access. TOCs prioritize all community members in the decision-making process by:

  • Building the capacity of communities to support connected communities
  • Embedding equitable development principles into the municipal planning process
  • Making equitable development required, easier, and more predictable

The Silver Line Transit-Oriented Communities project will develop anti-displacement policies, programs, and pilot projects with marginalized community members to create economic mobility opportunities.

Final policy recommendations are planned for Summer 2026.

Vision and Goals

The vision and goals document sets the stage for the development of TOC policies and guides outcomes along the Silver Line. This document has been developed in collaboration with the Silver Line TOC Coalition, a community advisory committee that represents communities along the corridor and provides guidance as the project moves forward. By establishing a shared vision, stakeholders can align expectations that reflect the needs and aspirations of residents and small businesses with the realities of the transit system and local governments. The goals identified in the document prioritize equitable and sustainable growth, improved connectivity, and address the risks of displacement, aiming to create vibrant communities where all can benefit from enhanced transit access and economic opportunities.

Vision

Silver Line Transit-Oriented Communities prepare for a future where every neighborhood along the Silver Line benefits from transit-related investment–uplifting communities through the preservation of their stories, the celebration of cultural vibrancy, and the creation of equitable pathways to opportunity.

Goals

  • Increase access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, essential amenities, recreational spaces, and meaningful job opportunities.
  • Address the risk that transit station areas will become unaffordable and displace longtime residents through targeted support programs, meaningful community involvement, and intentional support and resources for local initiatives.
  • Improve economic and social mobility through access to transportation.
  • Promote environmental sustainability and improve public health.
  • Design small business resiliency strategies that uplift the local and longstanding small business community.
  • Create accountability in the decision-making process that allows diverse voices to participate.
  • Preserve and expand culturally significant structures that define the character and identity of the community.
  • Identify partnerships that will help deliver innovative approaches to Transit-Oriented Communities.

This document establishes the connection between TOCs and existing civic initiatives, highlights the key elements needed for success, and outlines a clear roadmap for developing both the policy framework and a comprehensive implementation strategy.

Read the Vision and Goals Document

 

 

Coalition Members

The following organizations have members serving on the Silver Line Transit-Oriented Communities Coalition:

  • Action NC
  • ASPIRE Community Capital
  • Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
  • DreamKey Partners
  • ECCON
  • Educated Hoodlums
  • EMBRACE All Latino Voices
  • Freedom Communities
  • Greater Charlotte Apartment Association
  • Leading on Opportunity
  • LISC Charlotte
  • Metrolina Association for the Blind
  • QC Family Tree
  • Roof Above
  • Sustain Charlotte
  • Vietnamese Association of Charlotte

Interested in coalition membership or want to know more about the project, please contact Monica Holmes at Monica.Holmes@charlottenc.gov

 

 


Sign up today to receive information on engagement opportunities and project updates. 

Stay Engaged