Question 14

[Charlotte Chamber]

What's the best way to embrace and leverage the growing diversity of our population?

[Will Leger]

Promote the cultural and religious diversity with city-wide events...maybe create an annual event outside during nice weather.

[Camilla M.]

This question can be combined with question #1 which talks about how to make this a strollable city. Having visited D.C., Baltimore, and Boston last week - the wide variety of ethnic markets, restaurants, and shops are a huge part of what make these three cities vibrant. Downtown areas of these major cities are saturated with these sorts of places to explore. Upscale boutiques, more drugstores, and chain restaurants don't get my vote of interest for a stroll downtown. Perhaps discussions can be generated through the various ethnic-based social organizations. Maybe there could be some sort of economic "break" given to mom and pop small businesses tucked into the street level shops planned for uptown business high-rises. Maybe a certain area can be set aside for such a thing.

[Spencer]

Urban development. Light rail & street cars.