FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance Launches Resident-Led Economic Mobility Hub and Housing Initiative with Nearly $2 Million in Philanthropic Support
The Initiatives Will Train More Than 200 Residents in Housing Construction, Small-scale Manufacturing Skills and Cooperative Business Models
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 20, 2026 — Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance (LNA) today announced the launch of two resident-led initiatives, the Economic Mobility Hub and Lakeview Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Partnership Program, aimed at expanding economic mobility and housing stability in Charlotte’s historic West Side. The initiatives are supported by $1.95 million in new, combined philanthropic support from JPMorganChase and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
The announcement builds on years of resident-driven work, including community cleanups and design sessions, to advance a shared vision rooted in ownership, stability and opportunity.
“At Lakeview, this work has always been driven by residents,” said Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance Executive Director Jamaal Kinard. “This is what it looks like when a community chooses itself, when neighbors become architects of their own future, and when development reflects identity, dignity and collective power.”
The Economic Mobility Hub (E-Hub) is an adaptive reuse project that will transform a decommissioned school into a cooperative manufacturing, workforce training and entrepreneurship space. With $700,000 in support from JPMorganChase, LNA will advance planning, feasibility and financial modeling to move the project toward implementation.
“JPMorganChase is proud to support the E-Hub, a community-led vision that brings partners together to redevelop commercial corridors, strengthen small businesses, and expand pathways to inclusive growth through small-scale manufacturing,” said Suganthi Simon, Global Philanthropy Program Officer at JPMorganChase. “By helping advance a model that pairs shared ownership with long-term affordability, this work can turn underutilized public infrastructure into a generational asset for Charlotte’s Historic West End and create a replicable approach to community-centered development that helps residents and local entrepreneurs thrive.”
The E-Hub is part of a broader effort to build a neighborhood-based economic ecosystem, including community-owned ventures such as a multifaceted event space and small-scale production opportunities. LNA is also working in partnership with the West Side Community Land Trust to support long-term affordability and community control of land.
Complementing this effort, the Wells Fargo Foundation has committed a $1.25 million grant to support both the E-Hub and the Lakeview ADU Partnership Program, which aims to expand attainable housing options while strengthening existing homes. The program includes the development of 15 affordable accessory dwelling units, home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades that help residents remain in their homes.
Through the ADU program, LNA will also provide homeowner coaching, financing guidance and peer learning opportunities to help residents lead and sustain development efforts.
“Locally led approaches are critical to strong, resilient communities,” said Rod Banks, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance is advancing solutions that link housing stability and workforce opportunity while supporting long-term growth in West Charlotte.”
Together, the LNA initiatives will support workforce development by training more than 200 residents in housing construction, small scale manufacturing skills and cooperative business models, with the E-Hub serving as a central site for training and production.
The combined effort reflects a community-driven approach to development that connects land stewardship, cooperative economics and small-scale production to build intergenerational wealth without displacement.
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About Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance
Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance is a resident-led organization working to become the healthiest and happiest neighborhood in Mecklenburg County, where residents believe that they are better off because of their community, not despite it. Efforts include advancing equitable development, attainable housing and economic mobility in Charlotte’s historic West Side. Through community-driven planning and partnerships, LNA is building a model for neighborhood stability and intergenerational wealth creation rooted in local leadership.
Media contact:
Azania Herron
aherron@zajapr.com
(980) 272-1804