Vision Plan

Connecting

People. Places. Nature.

University City will be a vibrant, people-oriented place that is urban in scale and design. Energized by light rail, it will be a popular and accessible destination for everyone. It will offer diverse and unique choices to LIVE, WORK, PLAY, LEARN and INVEST.

Currently, University City is a diverse ecosystem that, as the second largest employment center in the city, is a significant driver to Charlotte’s economy. The plan that follows is a road map to University City’s next 20 years of development. It is built on the foundation of four themes:
• An urban north-south axis focused on transit-oriented development
• An East-West Greenbelt for mobility and recreation
• Building Character and Culture
• Providing 21st Century mobility

How the Vision Plan Works with the Area Plan

University City is guided by two primary plans, the University City Area Plan and the University Research Park Plan. These plans serve as excellent guides to public investment and general land use policy, but the pace of change has been swift causing opportunities to come and go, which created gaps in our past development.

This Vision Plan seeks to consolidate those efforts and to update and add further details that will guide our community as it changes more than anywhere else in the City of Charlotte over the coming years–adapting from an auto-dominated suburban place to a walkable community served by transit and home to Charlotte’s local talent generator, UNC Charlotte.

How the Vision Plan will be Implemented

Outlined within the Implementation chapter of the University City Vision Plan are the recommendations, actions and partners needed to work towards meeting the goals listed in this Vision Plan. These strategies have been created as a part of our plan for work and aligned with our current four vision elements.

The matrix below identifies the strategies necessary for meeting each element of the Vision Plan. Additionally, the strategies align with one or more of the goals listed in the 2040 Charlotte Comprehensive Vision Plan, as the City of Charlotte’s vision goals guide much of the work planned for University City.

Program of Work
UNC Charlotte Research Plan

For more information on the University City Vision Plan, and to read the Executive Summary click here.
For more information and ways to contribute to our efforts:

News

Celebrating Growth, Community, and Creative Expression at the 2025 Juneteenth Art Fest

University City came alive on June 19, 2025, with over 9,500 attendees gathering at the Shoppes at University Place for the second annual Juneteenth Art Fest. This year’s celebration was nothing short of extraordinary—merging history, culture, and art in a vibrant,...

Sunshine & Trail Time: Your July Passport to Outdoor Joy

 – By Janelle Goodrich Step onto the Path… Close your eyes for a moment and picture this: you’re standing beneath a cathedral of oaks, patches of sunlight flickering across the trail like confetti. A hush settles over the woods, broken only by the chatter of...

Beyond the Balance Sheet: Marcus Smith, Our New Treasurer with Big-Block Vision

 – by Janelle Goodrich We’re kicking off our Meet the Board Series with Marcus Smith, Bank of America relationship manager, newly elected Treasurer, and incoming chair of the Finance Committee. Marcus isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s a growth architect who believes...

Culture Meets Commerce: Juneteenth Art Fest Sparks Economic Growth in University City

University City’s Juneteenth Art Fest was more than a commemoration of freedom—it was a powerful expression of economic empowerment and cultural pride. Held at University Place, the free festival drew thousands of residents and visitors from across the Charlotte metro...

Flournoy Development Strengthens Growth in University Research Park

University City Partners (UCP) proudly supports the Flournoy development in University Research Park—a thoughtfully designed multifamily residential community that advances the district’s vision for a connected, vibrant, and inclusive University City. Located along...

Public Safety, Clean Streets, and a Community That Cares

By Janelle Goodrich, Director of Operations, University City Partners After more than 25 years of living in the "suburbs" of University City and over 16 years working with University City Partners, I’ve seen our community grow in ways that still amaze me. I’ve...

Honoring Shane Hockensmith and Giant University Bikes – A Legacy of Movement in University City

For over 27 years, Giant University City has been more than a neighborhood bike shop—it has been a trusted resource and gathering place for University City’s active and diverse community. At the heart of it all has been Shane Hockensmith, a dedicated small business...

Building a Business Ecosystem: How UCP is Fueling Small Business Growth in University City

University City Partners (@UnivCityCLT) is more than a supporter of small businesses—it’s a strategic builder of a connected, thriving local business ecosystem. Through intentional funding, partnerships, and visibility campaigns, UCP is elevating entrepreneurs,...

University City Farmers Market Kicks Off the 2025 Season!

University City Farmers Market returns for another exciting season — bringing farm-fresh goods, artisan products, and vibrant community spirit to the heart of University City! Join us every Saturday from May through October, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, at NOVEL University...

Vanguard: Making a Difference

A new hub focused on financial empowerment has opened in Charlotte, offering residents in underserved communities, tools and support to help break the cycle of poverty. The Charlotte Area Fund in southeast Charlotte has been selected as the city's first site for a...