North Charlotte Today

Applications are now open for the 2025 Placemaking Grants and Creative Pool, led by the Charlotte Urban Design Center. Residents can apply until March 7 at 5 p.m. The Urban Design Center has updated its Placemaking Hub to provide tools for enhancing communities. Projects not selected for a grant can still be pursued using resources from the hub and a new guidebook.

The Placemaking Grant Program, in its sixth year, offers neighborhoods, individuals, and businesses a chance to transform their communities with projects of their own design. The program has $150,000 available, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. More details are available in the Placemaking Grant Guide.

The Creative Pool Program connects local creatives with project opportunities in Charlotte. Project managers can choose specific artists from the pool or artists can apply based on their skills and capacity. The application page provides further information.

Alyson Craig, director of the Planning, Design & Development Department, stated: “The Placemaking Grant Program and Creative Pool led by our Urban Design Center are shining examples of connecting residents to the resources and opportunities needed to build a more vibrant Charlotte while preserving the character of our great city.”

Types of projects eligible for grants include wall murals, street furniture, bus stop improvements, community agriculture initiatives, and more. Interested applicants can attend an in-person Q&A session on February 13 or a virtual session on February 20.

Launched in 2018 by the UDC, the Placemaking Program aims to revitalize underutilized public spaces through urban design. More information is available at the Placemaking Hub online resource center.

To apply or learn more about these programs, visit their respective web pages. Updates from UDC are accessible via their newsletter and social media @clturbandesign.