Envision Charlotte’s journey into the circular economy began with a transformative trip to the European Union, where a delegation of Charlotte city leaders explored how leading cities manage waste sustainably and innovatively. During this trip, we connected with Metabolic, a Netherlands-based systems-thinking organization, who introduced the concept of a circular economy—not just as an environmental solution, but as a pathway to job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. This collaboration led to the release of the 2018 Charlotte Circular Economy Report, making Charlotte the first city in the United States to adopt a formal circular economy strategy. Building on that momentum, we launched a comprehensive effort focused on four key material streams: plastics, organics, textiles, and construction & demolition debris. This work culminated in the creation of the Innovation Barn, the first innovation hub in the U.S. dedicated entirely to circular economy solutions, serving as a living laboratory for community engagement, education, and entrepreneurial development.

As cities around the world face increasing challenges related to climate change, population growth, and economic disparity, Envision Charlotte serves as a model for how innovation and collaboration can address these issues effectively. By uniting stakeholders and prioritizing measurable outcomes, we ensure a brighter, more resilient future for Charlotte and beyond.