A message from Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio
My job, as Mecklenburg County Manager, gives me purpose. I began my career in local government 31 years ago and developed a passion for the work. Here’s why:
Continue ReadingDo you have an awesome idea that you could possibly turn into a business serving the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County community? Or are you relocating to the area and need to re-establish your business here locally? I’m here to tell you that the business community here is ready to welcome you with open arms. You just need to know where to find the right people with the tools to get you going. Read on for three simple tips small businesses can adopt when they’re just getting off the ground here in Mecklenburg County.
Continue Reading
Comments Off on 3 Tips for Small Business Owners Just Starting Out
Historic St. Mary’s Chapel, that is, since we’re in Mecklenburg County.
Okay, we know what you’re probably thinking…“What are they getting at here?” Let us back track a little bit.
You likely know that Park and Recreation manages our parks and greenways, but truth be told, their department is responsible for so much more than that. Yes, even weddings are on the list of events they handle! If you’ve got a wedding to plan (or maybe you have a friend or family member who’s looking for a venue), may we suggest a few places to say “I do?”
Continue Reading
Comments Off on Going to the Chapel and We’re Gonna Get Married
The birds are chirping, the sky is blue, and the sun is bright and warm. If you’re like me, that means any excuse to be outside. Scratch the gym, I’m going for a run! Want to meet me for dinner? As long as it has a patio, I’m in.
It’s nice to pretend that the winter weather is over, but we know that even as we inch closer to spring, there’s always a chance it can come back. The good news: it doesn’t matter the weather or the season – our parks and greenways are there to help you enjoy the outdoors year-round. But, you may notice a few features are unavailable until the temperatures rise for good.
Continue Reading
Comments Off on Better to Burst Your Bubble Than Our Pipes
That’s how Jeanne Williams summed up her 12-year (and counting) career with the County’s Public Health Department. “It’s a commitment – to myself, my colleagues and my community – to improve people’s lives every day.”
Continue Reading
Comments Off on It’s Not Just a Job, It’s a Commitment
If you asked a government employee what industry they’re in, you might get an answer like “I work in the public sector.” But here in Mecklenburg County, we like to say something a little different. For us, we see ourselves as being in the “people business,” meaning that everything we do revolves around finding ways to improve the lives of the people who live and work here.
One group of people that our Community Support Services (CSS) staff works with on a daily basis is the homeless population. During our annual Point-in-Time Count in 2018, we found that 1,668 people were experiencing homelessness on the night of the count. And while the number of homeless persons has decreased by 16 percent from 2010 to 2018, there’s still a lot of work to do.
Take a look at some of the programs that our Homeless Services Division is involved in.
Continue Reading
Comments Off on We All Need Somebody to Lean On: How We Help Our Homeless (and How You Can Too)
Not only is it sweater weather, it’s jacket, gloves and hat weather too. Let’s face it folks, it’s cold outside. But hey, it’s winter, it’s supposed to be that way!
However, if you’re not a fan of temperatures struggling to get above 55 (this is the south, that’s cold!), wind gusts that could possibly knock you down on your way to your car, or the constant chance of freezing rain or snow, don’t worry, I have you covered.
From sports to the arts and everything in between, Mecklenburg County offers many fun things that you can do INDOORS either solo or with friends and family. Here are eight great activities.
Continue Reading
Comments Off on Putting the Cold on Hold: 8 Things to Do Indoors on a Winter Day
“Remember… Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”
The sound of Smokey Bear’s voice declaring this memorable message of fire prevention still conjures a sense of responsibility in me. Can you hear it? Visualize his furry finger pointing right at YOU? The wildfire prevention campaign began in 1944 and is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history (and is based on a real-life bear)!
Thanks to Smokey, we all know the devastation that fire can bring to any natural area. But, did you know that prescribed fire is an important part of maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems? Believe it or not, they’re a tool we use right here in Mecklenburg County and I got to tag along for one at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve.
Comments Off on We Didn’t Start the Fire… or Did We?