Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations

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Community Relations History
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Community Relations Committee
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News and Events
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Annual MLK Celebration
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Police-Community Relations Awards
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Trainings and Resources

"Empower. Collaborate. Engage."

We bring people together because building a strong sense of community is our purpose.

Charlotte's strength is rooted in its rich diversity -a vibrant mix of people from many places, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Together, we create a more inclusive and connected community, fostering collaboration and engaging everyone in shaping a brighter future. At the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Department, we empower and celebrate the individuals and groups whose dedication to fairness, equity and dignity uplifts us all.

At the heart of our department's work is a commitment to action and progress. We build bridges by listening to the needs of our community and creating opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that create meningful change. The community relations department team understands the value of strong partnerships. We work closely with other city departments, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee (CRC), faith-based groups, nonprofits and the community as we continually strive for positive outcomes when challenges arise.

Our Department

Within our department, there are five divisions that serve as a collective force working diligently to address the most pressing needs of our community. Administration, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, community affairs, the dispute settlement program and fair housing all focus on providing impactful resources and programs for individuals and groups. Through conflict resolution training, mediation services, youth programs, housing advocacy, accessibility services, police-community relations and partnerships, we continue our commitment to making Charlotte-Mecklenburg a stronger, more unified community.

Dive into our divisions to learn how we're making a difference every day:

icon of person in wheelchair ADA Program

Our city is a place where everyone belongs. The ADA program champions accessibility by breaking down barriers and creating pathways for all residents to participate in public life. Whether it’s modifying city-owned buildings and sidewalks, improving programs, or raising awareness, we work to ensure Charlotte remains a city where people of all abilities can blossom.

icon of a group of people Community Affairs

The community affairs division takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of our entire community. The team leads initiatives that build relationships, empower youth to be civic leaders, encourage impactful dialogue, provide tools for effective conflict resolution, and strengthen police-community relations.

icon of a handshake Dispute Settlement

Conflict is a part of life, but resolution is where progress happens. The dispute settlement program creates safe spaces for open dialogue, helping residents find common ground and positive outcomes. Whether facilitating a private mediation, community town halls or leading large-group trainings, we are dedicated to maintaining peace and advancing understanding across Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

icon of a house Fair Housing

Where you live impacts how you live –and we are here to ensure fair access for everyone. Our fair housing team safeguards residents’ rights to choose their homes freely, without fear of discrimination. Through investigations, enforcement, outreach and education, we work to build a community where diversity is celebrated and everyone can find a place to call home.

Additional Resources

documents icon Nondiscrimination Ordinance

The City of Charlotte has a Human Relations Ordinance that expands protections to include familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy and natural hairstyle under the city code. These protections apply to public accommodations, passenger vehicles for hire, and procurement, ensuring fair treatment for all residents. The ordinance emphasizes the city’s commitment to having an inclusive community.

money icon Source of Income Protection

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are committed to ensuring equitable access to housing for all residents. The Source of Income Protections team investigates complaints and determines if a violation has occurred. We’re here to ensure all residents are treated fairly, building a community where everyone can live and flourish.

Allegation of Police Misconduct

Alleged violations of the following rules: use of force, unbecoming conduct, arrest, search and seizure, and arbitrary profiling.

Report a Police Misconduct

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Grievance

This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"). It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City of Charlotte.

Submit an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Grievance

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Community Relations Awards

Recognizes officers and work teams from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department who have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of police-community relations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Citizens from neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, businesses and civic institutions nominate officers, and CRC members review the nominations.

Citizens Review Board Appeal Form

The appeal process for citizens who has filed a complaint on dispositions imposed by the Chief of Police or his designee relating to allegations of misconduct against a sworn police officer.

Submit a Citizens Review Board Appeal

Dispute Resolution Referral Form

The courtroom isn't always the best place to solve a problem. Mediation can be a quicker and more thorough way to reach a resolution without the expense and formality of the courtroom.

Submit a Dispute Resolution Referral

Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

It is a violation of the Federal Fair Housing Act, the Charlotte Fair Housing Ordinance (Chapter 12, Article V of the Code of the City of Charlotte), or the Mecklenburg County Fair Housing Ordinance to deny you housing rights for any of the following protected classes: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status (being pregnant or having children under 18 years old).

Submit a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Landlord-Tenant Dispute Referral Form

Offers opportunities for tenants and landlords to eliminate communication barriers and work together to solve problems involving damaged property, security deposits, living conditions, financial assistance for repairs or miscellaneous conflicts stemming from the landlord-tenant relationship.

Submit Landlord-Tenant Dispute Referral

MLK Growing the Dream Nomination

Recognizes Mecklenburg's unsung heroes, including grassroots leaders who work behind-the-scenes for the betterment of our neighborhoods.

MLK Jr. Medallion Award Nomination

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion Award is presented each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day during the National Day of Celebration. It is given to individuals in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community who exemplify the ideals of Dr. King.

Public Accommodations/Employment Discrimination Complaint - NDO

The City of Charlotte amended its Human Relations Ordinance to include familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy, and natural hairstyle as classes protected against discrimination for the city code governing public accommodations, passenger vehicles for hire and procurement. Additionally, the ordinance now provides Employment Protections for all new and existing protected classes.

Submit a Public Accommodations/Employment Discrimination

Source of Income Protection- SOIP

A housing provider will be in violation of the City of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County Source of Income Protections (SOIP) in City or County Supported Housing Policies if a residential tenant in a city or county supported development is disqualified from renting a housing unit based on a refusal by the housing provider to consider a lawful source of income.

Submit a Source of Income Protection Complaint

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