Biden Administration Visits to Champion Housing and Transportation

Published on June 07, 2024

On Thursday, June 6, the City of Charlotte hosted Senior Advisor to President Biden and the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Tom Perez. During his visit, Perez convened with Mayor Vi Lyles to discuss Charlotte's investment in affordable housing and the Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP), which increases access to electric vehicles and reduces EV adoption barriers, especially in the Corridors of Opportunity.

"President Biden and his administration have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to increasing sustainable infrastructure and mobility in Charlotte and throughout our country,” said Mayor Lyles. “Investing in affordable housing and programs like AMP bridge the mobility gap, address deep-rooted inequities and ensure transportation is accessible and fair for everyone.

Perez was given a tour of Peppertree Apartments, which received $8 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for acquisition and rehabilitation of 292 affordable housing units. The rehabilitation also includes energy efficiency upgrades such as HVAC, water heater and appliance replacements as well as roof, window and door improvements.

“This investment is a demonstration of meeting people where they are, said Tom Perez, senior advisor and assistant to the President and director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. “We are working together to build opportunity. The City of Charlotte has taken these resources and used it such a remarkably catalytic way and I know there is much more to come.”

Peppertree, located in the Albemarle/Central Corridor, is also one of the five affordable housing communities selected for the AMP, an EV carshare program. Charlotte is one of 10 cities nationwide selected for this program and the only city in the Southeast. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the program represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and providing affordable, eco-friendly transportation options.

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives. The City of Charlotte is dedicated to being a model of collaboration that can be replicated across the country.

To learn more about AMP, visit the Forth Mobility Community Carsharing webpage.