CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the push continues across the country to increase sustainability and mobility, Charlotte leaders are seeking solutions to address inequities.
"Many residents here don’t have a car," Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to President Biden and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, said on Thursday in a visit to Peppertree Apartments to announce the new program.
During the visit, Perez spoke to Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles about Charlotte's investments in affordable housing and efforts to bridge the mobility gap.
"The Peppertree residents will have access to two electric vehicles and a charging station," Lyles said.
Peppertree is one of the five affordable housing communities selected for an affordable mobility platform, or an EV carshare program. It's another step towards increasing affordable and eco-friendly transportation options to low-income communities.
"You got to meet people where they are," Perez said.
The launch comes after recently upgrading more than 290 units at the Peppertree apartments.
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"With our partners in the federal government, we were able to invest $8 million to keep these apartments affordable for hundreds of Charlotte residents," Lyles said.
The renovations include upgrades to water heaters and appliance replacements, keeping some east Charlotte apartments affordable as rent prices continue to climb.
"We want to make sure we have equity in mind. We want to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind," Perez said.
Mayor Lyles echoed the power of collaboration, ensuring there is a lot more to come: "When we all work together we can make a difference in improving people's lives."
Lyles said this is only the beginning, their goal is to continue to increasing access to electric vehicles, specifically in the Corridors of Opportunity.
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