Charlotte Urban Design Center

Big news for the team!

Yesterday, .will received a award for civic engagement for his work designing our 3D City Building Game.

This is the second time this interactive tool has been recognized for its ability to transform how we talk about growth, design, and mobility. We’ve found that moving away from lectures and toward collaborative play allows for more authentic community input.

From long-time planning experts to students just beginning to think about the built environment, this tool is helping us build better cities together. 🏆

🚨 NEW HIRE ALERT!

The UDC is excited to welcome Karen Schultz as a Project Manager on our team. With a background in landscape architecture and nearly five years of experience in Charlotte’s private sector, Karen brings a passion for research-driven design and creating spaces that truly connect with the people who use them. When she's not designing, you can find her cheering on Charlotte FC. ⚽

🥳 Welcome to the team, Karen!

🌟South End is a goldmine of art, history, and design!

Join the Charlotte Urban Design Center and Artwalks for the South End Placemaking Walking Tour and explore how art and urban design are shaping one of Charlotte’s fastest‑growing neighborhoods. Whether you’re a local or new to the area, you’ll see South End in a whole new way!

📅 Thursday, May 21
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 1507 Camden Road
🎟️ This free community event is open to all. Register here at https://cltgov.me/UDCevents

Invite a friend and come walk with us! 🚶‍♀️‍➡️🚶‍➡️🚶‍♂️‍➡️

⏰ The clock is ticking, Charlotte!

There are only a few days left to apply for the 2026 Placemaking Grant. If you’ve been thinking about submitting your bold idea to transform a public space, now is the time!

Applications close May 1 at 5 PM — no extensions.

Bring your creativity. Bring your community. Bring your vision to life.

Apply TODAY! https://cltgov.me/PlacemakingApp

APPLY TODAY!

The 2026 Placemaking Grant is still accepting applications through May 1. Don’t miss your chance to bring a bold idea to life!

Whether it’s a mural, a pop‑up plaza, a community garden, or another creative vision for a public space, we want to see your ideas. 🌱🎨

Apply now using the link below and help shape a more vibrant, connected Charlotte!
https://cltgov.me/PlacemakingApp

⏰ Reminder: Our virtual Placemaking Grant Q&A session is happening this upcoming Tuesday!

If you’re planning to apply or just exploring the idea, join us online to walk through the application guide, learn about the process, and get your questions answered. Whether you’re curious about requirements or want feedback on your project concept, we’re here to help.

Attendance is recommended but not required, and the same content will be covered in Thursday’s in‑person workshop.

📅 Virtual Q&A: Tuesday, April 21
💻 Link will be emailed to registrants 24 hours beforehand
📩 Questions? Email [email protected]

We hope to see you there!

❗️ REMINDER: Our urban sketching workshop Inclusive Spaces is happening tomorrow!
 
We’re excited to bring you an evening of creativity, community, and fresh perspectives on inclusive design in our cities.
 
Before you arrive, take a moment to swipe through and meet the amazing local creatives leading our sketching groups. Their diverse backgrounds offer unique perspectives on the built environment, and their passion for teaching will give students of all levels the tools to improve their drawing skillset. 🖍
 
Bring your sketchbook, come as you are, and get ready to explore South End with us.
 
🎟️ Still need to get a ticket? Use the free RSVP link in our bio!

See you there! 👋

❓Have questions about the Placemaking Grant or the application process? We’ve got you covered!

Join us for one of our upcoming drop‑in Q&A sessions—come at any time, stay as long as you’d like, and get direct support from UDC staff. We’ll walk through examples, share resources, and answer all your placemaking and application questions.

Learn more about the sessions and sign up via our Eventbrite: https://cltgov.me/UDCevents
👥 In-person: April 16
💻 Virtual: April 21

See you there! 👋

Charlotte has always been a city shaped by movement — from ancient trading paths to streetcars to today’s evolving urban core.

Take a walk through time on Tryon Street, exploring how this iconic corridor became the vibrant heart of Uptown.

🕵️‍♂️Curious about the layers of history beneath our daily steps? Check out our latest blog post: https://people-make-cities.com/2026/03/26/from-trading-path-to-transit-mall-to-the-life-of-tryon-street/

✍ Join us in April for Inclusive Spaces, an urban sketching workshop for all levels!
Discover how drawing can help us see our city—and each other—through a more inclusive lens. We’ll explore South End with local creatives, sketch on-site, and come back together for conversation, community, and a light reception.
All skill levels welcome. Bring your sketchbook and come create with us!
📍 Urban Design Center, South End
📅 April 14, 5:30–7:30 PM
RSVP on Eventbrite! https://cltgov.me/UDCevents

✨ Placemaking Grant applications are OPEN! ✨

Charlotte, this is YOUR chance to bring creative, community-driven ideas to life and activate public spaces across our city.

From murals to parklets, pop‑up plazas, and more, we’re investing in projects that spark connection and transform underutilized spaces into vibrant places. 💡🌱🎨

📅 Apply by May 1 at 5 p.m.

Want to learn more before applying? Join a Q&A session:
• In-person: April 16, 5:30–7 p.m. (1507 Camden Rd)
• Virtual: April 21, 12–1:30 p.m.
Register for a session: https://cltgov.me/UDCevents

Ready to create something meaningful in your community? Visit the Placemaking Grant Program page to apply and explore resources. https://www.charlottenc.gov/Growth-and-Development/Planning-and-Development/Planning/Urban-Design/Placemaking-Program/Placemaking-Grant