Stories

Five Ways You Can Influence Digital Inclusion in Charlotte

What if you woke up and didn’t have your smartphone to check the latest Charlotte Agenda post, didn’t have Alexa to check the weather, didn’t have your laptop to finish a last-minute resume update or homework assignment. These are daily […]

A celebration of digital inclusion forecasts the future

Forty community leaders met in early June to brainstorm critical issues in digital inclusion, celebrate successes, and predict the future.

How Druid Hills builds a stronger neighborhood

Investment in communication helps ensure that Druid Hills residents build relationships with neighbors and stay informed about new development.

Google Fiber hosts Queens students for celebration of community service

As 15 seniors in Queens’ Knight School of Communication prepared recently for capstone presentations on service projects in Mecklenburg County, they realized the experience had been transactional in a way they hadn’t expected. More than the usual give something, get something.

The 5 most connected cities in North Carolina

The five most connected cities in North Carolina are Cary, Huntersville, Holly Springs, Indian Trail, and Apex, according to 2017 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

Rob Phocas of Charlotte at Smart Cities Forum in Philadelphia, September 2018

Charlotte sends 12 to smart cities conference in Philadelphia

Eleven Charlotte community planners and digital strategists participated this week in a smart cities conference in Philadelphia.

How online reaction to Charlotte’s women’s march triggered a discussion of race

Jasmine Hines describes the digital divide in an especially painful way. It’s evidence of continued racism and white supremacy in Charlotte.

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services

Low-cost internet is a potential lifeline for Charlotte’s neediest residents. But few know about it.

A team of student journalists from Queens University found weak awareness about low-cost internet access plans across Mecklenburg County among low-income residents and some of the agencies that work with them.

University City library takes digital literacy on the road

A group of staff members and volunteers organized by the University City branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is taking digital literacy classes on the road, and has already educated and certified 100 seniors in six classes throughout north Charlotte. […]

Five lessons from the launch of Charlotte’s digital library

Two years ago, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library launched a new digital branch for $10,000. Beyond the cost savings, the library’s digital strategy manager says the project delivered at least five key lessons.

On Beatties Ford Road, a grassroots trade school needs tech support

A West Charlotte community leader is translating a construction labor shortage into opportunities for African American men who are unemployed, underemployed, or re-entering the community after incarceration. The challenge is that she needs more support.

‘The Nest’ nurtures a smarter city, starting in the North End

For Charlotte residents who want to learn more about Smart Cities, the North End Smart District is a good first stop. Rob Phocas will guide the way. On May 8, the city and at least 15 other organizations banded together […]

Latin American Coalition opens Charlotte’s first center for day laborers

The Latin American Coalition describes three goals for the first center in Charlotte to support day laborers: advocating for fair pay and treatment for day laborers, building community, and providing educational, development, and family resources.