The City of Charlotte houses information relating to Federal Stimulus Programs in which the City is participating on the City's Electronic Newsroom, http://newsroom.charmeck.org. The information is updated to keep citizens informed of projects and programs available to the Charlotte community. Currently, the City is working to ensure timely responses to at least 27 different stimulus funding categories. One specific example is the $6.7 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Funding for this initiative will come in three phases within 18 months.

Potholes can occur anywhere on Charlotte's 2,300 miles of streets. The recent snow, ice and rain have contributed to an increase in potholes throughout the City. Since July 1, 2008, Charlotte Department of Transportation crews have repaired approximately 270 potholes.

The City's goal is to repair dangerous potholes, those that create property damage, within 24 hours and repair all other potholes within 10 days of identification. What should you do if you want to report a pothole? Contact 311.

However, many Charlotte area roads are the responsibility of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Typically these are state numbered routes and include Independence Boulevard (NC-74), North and South Tryon Street (NC-49) and Albemarle Road (NC 24-27). Potholes on state roads can be reported directly to NCDOT at 704-596-6900.

If you are not sure if it is a City or state maintained road, call 311 to have your report routed to the appropriate agency. The more specific location information, the easier it is for repair crews to find and fill the pothole. The road name and block number as well as the nearest cross street make it easier to locate the pothole.

Do your part to help our environment by taking the Pledge to Improve Our Environment. These simple suggestions are ways that you and your family can have a positive impact on our region's environment, both at home and work. You can take the pledge and also sign up to receive the City's new quarterly environmental newsletter by going to www.charlottenc.gov. Once there, click on Focus On Environment. You'll learn about Charlotte's latest environmental initiatives and how you can help our community go green.

The CMPD HOPE Foundation is hosting the 14th Annual Burnette Nobles Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of Officers John Burnette and Andy Nobles. Tournament proceeds benefit the CMPD HOPE Foundation, which provides emergency assistance for CMPD employees in crisis, and the Burnette Nobles Memorial Fund, which provides programs and activities for disadvantaged youth and seniors and assistance for youth Christmas projects.

Mark your calendar for Monday, April 20 and come out to the Renaissance Park Golf Course (1525 W. Tyvola Drive) at noon for the BBQ lunch and silent auction.

Register today for Community University. CU is a neighborhood capacity building program dedicated to providing high quality training to Charlotte residents to improve the strength and vitality of neighborhood organizations and the overall quality of community life. Courses are intended to engage, inform and equip participants with the training and assistance necessary to help improve and maintain their communities.

West Boulevard Library
2157 West Boulevard
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 16 – Technology Tools for Your Neighborhood
Tuesday, April 21 – Fun with Neighborhood Fundraising

All workshops are free and open to Charlotte residents.  To register, visit neighborhoods.charmeck.org and click on the CU icon or e-mail neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The Government Channel brings you the latest City Source episode on Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. The week's episode highlights the partnership between Animal Care & Control and the Second Harvest Food Bank which will provide food to pet owners so they won't have to surrender their pets. Police Chief Rodney Monroe and Councilman Anthony Foxx sit down to discuss how to prevent violence and crime among children and other initiatives at work in Charlotte. For your convenience, you can view episodes of City Source online at www.charmeck.org by clicking on The Government Channel logo.