News LandCon Charlotte: Advancing Smarter Development Through Collaboration

WithersRavenel’s latest LandCon Charlotte event brought together land use professionals, developers, and policy advocates. They engaged in a timely, solutions-driven conversation on reducing barriers and timelines in permitting and land use entitlement.

Hosted at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten in Charlotte, the panel featured Shannon Frye. She is the Executive Director of the CLT Development Center and UDO Administrator for the City of Charlotte. Additionally, Patrick Quinn, PE, Managing Partner at Stillwater Development & Stillwater Engineers, was featured. Also present was Rob Nanfelt, Executive Director of the Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition (REBIC). Each offered valuable insights into the Charlotte region’s evolving development landscape.

The Charlotte metropolitan area, “Metrolina,” has long been seen as a favorable environment for growth. This is supported by strategic community investments that have expanded the tax base and improved public services. However, as the panel noted, recent years have posed new challenges. These prompted a renewed focus on streamlining processes and embracing transparency in land use decisions.

Among the key points discussed at LandCon:

• There’s a “new day” ahead for Charlotte’s development community, with an emphasis on rebuilding momentum through collaboration.

• Land use is inherently political; industry stakeholders must advocate not only for their needs but also for candidates and policies that promote affordability, livability, and long-term economic health.

• Growth resistance has consequences. Without forward-thinking development, communities risk stagnation and decline.

• High design and construction standards must be supported by clear, transparent processes. Clarity, not just simplicity, is essential.

LandCon continues to serve as a vital platform. It allows professionals involved in land acquisition and development to share knowledge, make connections, and move the industry forward.

Thank you to our panelists and attendees for making this event a success. If you’re interested in joining a future LandCon event, we’d love to hear from you!