This episode is sponsored by AC Creative Collective. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and founded by sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, AC Creative Collective specializes in end-to-end marketing and learning and development services. They are dedicated to helping businesses and organizations streamline their operations and achieve their goals with creativity and precision. From social media strategies to workshops and brand launches, they’ve got you covered. Visit www.accreativecollective.com to learn more.
The Charlotte region is in the middle of a population boom, adding tens of thousands of new residents each year. That growth is fueling opportunity and energy, but it’s also straining roads, schools, housing and infrastructure in ways that demand new solutions.
At this year’s Canopy Realtor® Association EXPO, Charlotte Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia moderated a panel of regional leaders who dug into what growth means for communities across the Carolinas — and how local chambers and business alliances are responding.
The panel featured Kit Cramer of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Dodson of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Dean Faile of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce. The panel discussed:
Why 157 people a day are moving into the Charlotte region — and who they are
How migration patterns from New York, Florida, California and beyond are reshaping communities
The strain growth is putting on infrastructure, from roads to schools to utilities
The role of local government, policy changes and public–private partnerships in expanding housing affordability
The tension between community pushback (NIMBYism) and the urgent need for more housing stock
Strategies to strengthen regional cooperation across counties and state lines
The outlook for jobs, workforce development and innovation in the next 5–10 years
This episode is a recording from the economy and economic development panel at the Canopy EXPO at the Charlotte Convention Center on Sept. 9, 2025.
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.
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