Charlotte’s Discovery Place celebrated a groundbreaking of a new environmental education center and nature museum in Freedom Park. The new center will replace the old nature museum that was built in the 50s.

“The original building that housed Charlotte’s nature museum opened more than 70 years ago,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place President & CEO. “Our city has grown exponentially in a way that most cities can only dream about since that time, and we are thrilled to have finally broken ground on what will be a true cultural amenity and destination for Charlotte residents and visitors alike.”

The new nature museum aims to be an engaging environmental education center for guests of all ages. It will provide opportunities to explore the outdoors and learn sustainability practices. Specifically, the museum will feature a North American River Otter habitat, a naturalist lab, a native animal collection, and a tree canopy walk. Furthermore, the design prioritizes accessibility and integration with Freedom Park through public gardens and community spaces.

Since launching the Welcome Program in 2015, Discovery Place has emphasized accessibility. This program offers $3 museum admission to families receiving WIC or EBT benefits in North or South Carolina. Nearly 450,000 guests have already used the program. Consequently, Discovery Place expects 13% of the new nature museum’s first-year attendees to come through the Welcome Program.

Construction for the new museum in Freedom Park will begin in the coming weeks. Officials anticipate completion by Fall 2025. The museum’s opening date will be announced later.

You can find out more about the new museum at nature.discoveryplace.org.

North Carolina has just announced a new plan to spend over $253 million for drinking water projects and wastewater infrastructure projects. The new construction grants will specifically go to 70 projects in 30 counties across our state.

Most of the plan will focus on addresses emerging contaminants (PFAS) and lead service line replacements.

“Strong water and wastewater systems are vital for safe drinking water and economic development,” said Governor Cooper in a press release. “Thanks to federal funding from the Biden-Harris Administration and state appropriations we’ve made historic investments to rebuild and replace aging systems, especially in rural communities, which will make our state stronger.”

Key projects include:

• Fayetteville Public Works Commission: $30 million for a PFAS treatment facility.
• Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority: $2.16 million for PFAS treatment.
• Town of Beech Mountain: $10 million for water system improvements.
• Junaluska Sanitary District: $9.5 million for water line rehabilitation.
• City of Asheboro: $500,000 for a PFAS planning study.
• City of Sanford: $5 million for sewer rehabilitation.
• Town of Ayden: $1.4 million for sewer improvements.
• City of Eden: $7.2 million for basin repairs.
• Gates County: $4.1 million for wastewater improvements.
• Orange Water and Sewer Authority: $3.25 million for lead service line replacements.

Designated distressed communities like Creswell and Denton will also receive grants for asset inventory and assessment to ensure future viability.

Over seven million Americans are late on credit payments or have delayed them.

Today, the financial site WalletHub released its 2024 rankings for states with the most people in financial distress. The rankings highlight where financial troubles are most severe in the U.S.

States with the Most People in Financial Distress

Note: *No. 1 = Most Distressed

Building on the momentum of the Civic Impact Academy launch, Civility Localized is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with the Charlotte Museum of History, just as the academy opens its month-long application period on the first of July.

The Charlotte Museum of History has committed to fostering civic education by offering its venue, expertise, and strategic collaboration with Civic Impact Academy. The Museum provides a prestigious and inspiring space for the 2024 inaugural cohort, as well as expert insights into Charlotte’s history.

This partnership elevates the Academy by offering a diverse learning environment for government officials (gaining inclusive outreach skills) and community leaders (navigating civic systems) as they tackle critical topics like advocacy, power dynamics, and media relations. The program culminates in a real-world community design challenge.

Christine Edwards, MPA, founder of Civility Localized and the civic firebrand behind the Civic Impact Academy, welcomes the Museum’s involvement. “We are honored to have Charlotte’s namesake Museum join us on this journey,” says Edwards. “Their expertise and commitment to Charlotte’s rich history align perfectly with our mission to empower every community to grow with dignity.”

Applications Open July 1st. Community members and government employees are encouraged to fill out a brief, free application to participate in the inaugural cohort. Acceptance letters and enrollment materials to be sent out in August after applications close.

Scholarships and Sponsorship Opportunities Available

The Civic Impact Academy prioritizes inclusion with scholarships for community members, and welcomes corporate sponsors dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and civic engagement.

Visit www.CivicImpactAcademy.com for details about the program, curriculum highlights, and to apply.