Equal opportunity in housing is a right, not a privilege.  The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing due to:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Handicap/disability
• Familial status

As the local enforcement agency for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Community Relations Committee (CRC) provides protective services for renters and homebuyers as well as landlords and other housing industry professionals.  Services include complaint investigation, hearings, fair housing testing and compliance training, and assistance in filing a HUD-regulated complaint. 

For more information, contact the CRC at 704-336-5160.

Don't miss the opportunity to join neighbors from throughout the city for a day of community building at the 11th Annual Neighborhood Symposium:

Saturday, April 22
8 am – 4 pm
Charlotte Marriott City Center, 100 West Trade St.
Theme:  Showcasing Model Neighborhoods

The Neighborhood Symposium provides opportunities for neighborhood leaders and residents to explore resources, share ideas and network.  The registration deadline is Friday, April 7.

For more information, call 704-336-2061 or email neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us. 

Join Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) for a presentation and discussion on the proposed North Corridor Commuter Rail Project:

Thursday, April 6 at 6 pm
Charles Mack Citizen Center
215 N. Main Street, Mooresville

For more information, call 704-336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.   

Tired of sitting in traffic during your daily commute?  Now there's a way to access traffic information before heading out the door. 

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's online Traffic Accident Information System provides "real time" information for traffic crashes and traffic related obstructions on area roads.

The online information system helps drivers avoid heavy traffic areas.  To access the system, visit http://maps.cmpdweb.org/trafficaccidents.

Transit customers in Huntersville soon will have a new place to catch the bus, vanpool or carpool.  Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is constructing a permanent park and ride facility on Northcross Drive off of Exit 25.

The Huntersville-Northcross Park and Ride will include 326 spaces, passenger shelters, secure bicycle parking, schedule information, on-site video surveillance, rain gardens and integrated public art.

The new facility will replace the current location at the Target at Exit 25, and is scheduled to open late spring 2006.

For more information, call 704-336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.

Solid Waste Services currently is working to update its website.  The goal is to provide all customers with essential solid waste information in an engaging and educational format.

Take a tour of the website and complete a brief survey to share your thoughts.  Your feedback is important, and will be used to give you more than what's already offered.  The survey deadline is Friday, April 7.

Make plans to celebrate the environment during Earth Day Charlotte:

Saturday, April 29
10 am - 4 pm
Marshall Park

The event will provide a broad range of educational opportunities, hands-on activities, demonstrations and entertainment resulting in a greater number of residents taking personal action to protect our natural environment.

For more information, including volunteer opportunities, call 704-336-3631 or visit http://earthday.charmeck.org.

The Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Academic Internship Program (AIP) are sponsoring a:

Summer High School Fire Training Internship
July 17 – 21
Fire Training Academy, Shopton Rd.

Any rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grader with an interest in a fire protection career is encouraged to apply.  Students must complete the CFD and AIP applications by April 30. 

For more information, contact Sarah Price at 980-343-2642 or Captain JD Thomas at 704-432-1706.  

Tune in to The Government Channel – Cable 16 for the latest government news and information.

City Source – Thursday, April 6 at 5:30 pm
Get an inside look at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Crime Lab - one of the most advanced in the country.  Also, find out results from a public survey of the City's short and long-term transportation needs.

To learn more about The Government Channel, visit http://govchannel.charmeck.org.