Organizational History
Founding (2002-2003)
In October 2002 a task force composed of interested stakeholders came together on behalf of an invitation from the City of Charlotte. The mission (approved by the group on 1/9/03) was stated as follows:
The mission of The Eastland Area Organization Task Force was to:
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Develop an inclusive community organization that works with all sectors interested in revitalizing the Eastland area
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Select an initial project for the community organization.
Founding (2002-2004)
In October 2002 a task force composed of interested stakeholders came together on behalf of an invitation from the City of Charlotte. The mission (approved by the group on 1/9/03) was stated as follows:
The mission of The Eastland Area Organization Task Force was to:
-
Develop an inclusive community organization that works with all sectors interested in revitalizing the Eastland area
-
Select an initial project for the community organization.
The Taskforce was charged with designing the new community organization-its goals, membership, and first tasks. Specifically, the Taskforce agreed that the goals of the new group would be:
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Provide, market and increase the visibility of the Eastland area and an "agreed upon" vision for revitalization.
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Organize business owners, residents, property owners, and houses of worship to work together to achieve revitalization goals.
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Undertake a market analysis and other studies to support Eastland Development decisions.
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Serve as a liaison to local government to monitor, advocate and provide input.
Birth of the New Organization: On October 22nd, 2003 the first meeting of the new Eastland Area Economic Development organization was held. The representation on the new board will provide the necessary leadership for this group to move forward.
Founding (2002-2003)
In October 2002 a task force composed of interested stakeholders came together on behalf of an invitation from the City of Charlotte. The mission (approved by the group on 1/9/03) was stated as follows:
The mission of The Eastland Area Organization Task Force was to:
-
Develop an inclusive community organization that works with all sectors interested in revitalizing the Eastland area
-
Select an initial project for the community organization.
Taste of the World (2005-2018)
For a large chunk of our history, the annual Taste of the World international culinary tour was our primary organizational focus. The event - which at its peak saw 300 attendees, incorporated 30 stops, and utilized 75 volunteers - featured buses that would move participants around East Charlotte, highlighting our area's history and cultural diversity that began burgeoning in the 1990s. In 2004, Nancy Plummer and Dr. Nini Bautista worked diligently to make the first Taste of the World happen. The tour was one of the earliest accomplishments of the newly formed organization, known then as the Eastland Area Strategies Team (E.A.S.T.). The organization earned its 501(c)3 designation in 2015.
Founding (2002-2003)
In October 2002 a task force composed of interested stakeholders came together on behalf of an invitation from the City of Charlotte. The mission (approved by the group on 1/9/03) was stated as follows:
The mission of The Eastland Area Organization Task Force was to:
-
Develop an inclusive community organization that works with all sectors interested in revitalizing the Eastland area
-
Select an initial project for the community organization.
CharlotteEAST 2018 - Present
In 2018, the Eastland Area Strategies Team moved on from Taste of the World and rebranded as CharlotteEAST (the capitalized EAST a nod to the former organizational name). The organization renewed its full-time focus on public advocacy related to education, economic development, neighborhoods, and transportation in East Charlotte.
In 2023, the rewards of this advocacy paid off in big ways - $55 million in bond money was allocated to Garinger High School for targeted program improvements recommended by the CharlotteEAST Education Committee; $30 million in public funds was secured for the redevelopment of Eastland; and CharlotteEAST-backed developers were selected by the City to revitalize the eastern 30 acres of the Eastland property.
In 2024, CharlotteEAST hired Greg Asciutto to serve as the first executive director in organizational history. Thanks in large part to the support of the United Way of Greater Charlotte, the nonprofit has adopted a more people-centered, upward-mobility lens to advocacy.
Logo 2020
2021 rebrand
