Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition

09/18/2026

Much of REBIC's work takes place behind the scenes but has a large impact on the industry. Many of our efforts focus directly on keeping the Charlotte region's Real Estate Market strong.

To find a more in depth view of our four areas of impact, visit rebic.com/impact

09/17/2026

The current birthrate trend in the U.S. shows a continued decline, reaching a historic low in 2023. The number of births and the general fertility rate have both decreased, with the fertility rate dropping to 54.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44. This decline has been ongoing, with the number of births falling 17% since 2007 and the fertility rate declining 21%.

But why does it matter? Because birthrate is an incredibly important planning metric. Birthrate is used to estimate future population totals, and therefore, inform the infrastructure development (schools, roads, services etc.) needed to support growth. However, a birthrate that has fallen below replacement levels, poses a significant risk not just in being able to plan for the future, but in being able to maintain the infrastructure and services we rely on today. That's why growth, intelligently embraced, is crucial to achieving an economic balance that will support future generations.

09/16/2026

Monday, September 14, during the Action Preview section of its regularly scheduled business meeting, the Charlotte City Council received a presentation from Staff regarding the proposed I-77 enhancement project.

A historical timeline of the project was delivered by Deputy City Manager Rebecca Hefner, while City Attorney Andrea Leslie-Fite discussed the impact of S.L. 2026-41 (NC State Budget Legislation). Following the presentation, each council member spoke about the project.

REBIC's Executive Director, Rob Nanfelt, shares his take, "It appears there may be a majority on council who would like to get back to the bargaining table which is a good thing. That’s all we’ve been asking all along. A crucial meeting and vote will take place next Monday, September 21st where council has the opportunity to do just that, continue the discussion. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in joining our effort to show up next Monday. It could be the last opportunity to revive the project. Otherwise, we’ll likely be waiting many years before a solution can even be considered."

See the full story by subscribing to 2 For Tuesday or visiting rebic.com/news

09/14/2026

Find the full calendar of events at rebic.com/events

09/11/2026

Lowe’s Foundation has announced a Critical Workforce Development Grant. And now, we are asking for YOU to get involved. Why? Because our workforce needs your help. By the numbers:

2.1M - number of skilled trades job gap by 2030 if we do not act
5:2 - the ratio that shows for every five skilled trades workers who retire, only two enter the workforce
$1T - the potential economic losses annually

Visit the Lowe's foundation website to learn more about how the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition is bringing together educators, businesses, workforce organizations, corporate leaders, industry vendors and stakeholders across the construction trades to help support our workforce. Link in bio.

09/09/2026

On September 8, the Charlotte City Council Housing Committee met. During this session, REBIC was joined by several members of the Canopy Realtor® Association Government Affairs Committee. We thank them for their attendance.

Two items of discussion included updates to the City’s Affordable Housing Policy, and a proposed amendment to the minimum housing code which would require air conditioning in all housing units.

Housing affordability was a top concern during the housing policy discussion, with several committee members expressing the notion that affordable housing should to be easier and less costly to build than other housing types. REBIC supports the review of existing regulatory framework that is raising costs and slowing project timelines, which when corrected can have a direct impact in reducing the cost to build and develop our housing supply.

09/08/2026

There is plenty of dramatic data about the housing shortage in the United States:

- 4M to 4.7M: The number of housing units needed to alleviate the shortage of housing.
- 7.2M: The number of affordable rental homes needed to supply low income households with housing.
- 10M to 18M: An estimate of the number of people directly affected by the housing shortage.

But when we illustrate this data, we see how expansive the issue really is. If all 18 million people lacking access to housing stood in a chain, holding hands, it is estimated that it could span 27,000 kilometers, or 67% of the circumference of the Earth. That is no small problem, and it further illustrates the urgency needed to craft achievable solutions. Millions are counting on it.

09/07/2026

Check out the REBIC calendar to see this week's municipal meetings:

September 7 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Housing City Council Committee

September 7 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Economic Development and Workforce Committee City Council Committee

September 7 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Safety City Council Committee

September 7 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Budget, Governance and Intergovernmental Relations – City Council Committee

September 7 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Transportation, Planning & Development – City Council Committee

September 7 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
City of Belmont – City Council Meeting

September 7 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
City of Cornelius – Board of Commissioners Meeting

September 7 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Village of Marvin – Village Council Meeting

September 7 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Town of Mooresville – Board of Commissioners Meeting

September 7 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
City of Statesville – City Council Meeting

September 7 | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Town of Marshville – Town Council Meeting

September 8 | 6:00 pm
Town of Midland – Town Council Meeting

September 8 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Town of Davidson – Board of Commissioners Meeting

September 8 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
City of Monroe – City Council Meeting

September 8 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Town of Pineville – Town Council Meeting

September 8 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Town of Indian Trail – Town Council Meeting

September 8 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Town of Waxhaw – Board of Commissioners Meeting

September 10 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
City of Concord – City Council Meeting

September 10 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Town of Mint Hill – Board of Commissioners Meeting

September 10 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Town of Troutman – Town Council Meeting

More at

Events Archive - REBIC

09/04/2026

The Carolina Builder Conference September 1st Housing Summit Breakfast featured the well-respected Rob Dietz, NAHB’s Senior Economist who presented some sobering statistics on the state of the industry. Dietz pointed to stagnant interest rates, high inflation, and tariff policies as the main contributors to a difficult market. On a positive note, the Charlotte MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) has cracked the top ten list in terms of largest single-family markets in the nation. Unfortunately, the unit count for July 2026 vs. July 2025 shows a nearly 30% drop off in number of permits.

It was reported that the national annual growth rate of 2.1% was mediocre and pointed out that nearly 50% of that growth comes from data center investment and development. Material costs are up 7% in the last year with aluminum (40%) and copper (35%) leading the way. The regulatory cost of the average new home comes in at $131,734 or 26.4% of the total cost. -- This represents a staggering 40% gain from 2021. -- To put that in perspective, you would need an income of an extra $46,000 just to qualify for borrowing the additional $131,000!

We will post the presentation slides on REBIC.com they become available. Follow 2 For Tuesday so you never miss an update!

09/03/2026

Yesterday, REBIC hosted a booth at the 2026 Annual Canopy EXPO. In a room packed with exhibitors, A-list guest speakers, and real estate industry leaders, we were proud to share the role our advocacy plays in keeping the Charlotte Real Estate Industry strong. Much of the work being done is invisible, but the impact is real. We will continue to resolve important regulatory issues through the engagement and support of members that also believe prosperity is important. Thank you to the Canopy Realtor® Association, Canopy MLS, and Canopy Housing Foundation for a great 2026 EXPO.