Data Conference

The City of Charlotte proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Data Conference earlier this February, bringing together leaders, innovators, and community partners from across the region to explore how data drives smarter decisions and stronger communities. Our 2026 theme, Smarter Data. Smarter Communities., set the tone for a full day of learning and collaboration. The event began with networking and vendor showcases, followed by opening remarks from Ashley Brown of Slalom and Charlitta Hatch, Chief Data & Analytics Officer for the City of Charlotte, who shared the City’s vision for data strategy.

Keynote speaker Rebecca Hefner, Director of Housing & Neighborhood Services, highlighted how resident data informs programs that strengthen neighborhoods. Later, Liz Morrell, Director of Public Policy Research at UNC Charlotte, discussed incorporating community voices into data governance and showcased tools like the Quality of Life Explorer and Regional Explorer as engagement resources. A dynamic panel featuring experts from Charlotte Water, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and City Planning demonstrated how innovation and data are shaping infrastructure and service delivery across the city.

Attendees then participated in breakout sessions, choosing from ten diverse topics ranging from equity-centered data governance and integrated data systems for healthy communities to AI-driven networking and security for smarter cities. Other sessions explored community-led research addressing gaps in marginalized neighborhoods and data-driven STEM workforce development. The day concluded with inspiring remarks from Ronnie Bryant, CIO of the Charlotte Hornets, and a community raffle.

This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, Slalom, Salesforce via Carahsoft, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, T-Mobile, AWS, and Jabian, as well as the dedication of our City of Charlotte volunteers. We are excited to continue this tradition and look forward to welcoming you to the 2027 Charlotte Data Conference!