As we close out 2023, Change.org has compiled a list of the cities with the most active changemakers and their respective petitions. While cities across the U.S. contributed significantly to the tapestry of change, Charlotte lands in the top ten – with the tenth most petitions created in 2023. 

Below, you can find a list of ten standout petitions that focused on Charlotte, as well as the full list of our top change-making cities of 2023. The petitions below demonstrate inspiring stories of resilience and courage, and the power of local advocacy to shape a community. 

TOP TEN STANDOUT PETITIONS FROM CHARLOTTE:

1. Critically Endangered Red Wolves Are Dying On Our Roads – Demand wildlife crossings –This petition by Aspen Stevanovski calls for urgent measures to protect red wolves in Eastern North Carolina, particularly along Highway 64, following the tragic vehicle strike death of red wolf 2323M, the breeding male of the Milltail pack. More than 30,600 people have signed the petition that urges collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to implement wildlife crossings and enhanced safety measures to prevent further red wolf fatalities due to vehicle collisions.
2. Enact No Chase Policy in North Carolina – Save Innocent Lives – Elizabeth Fox started a petition that seeks to establish a strong statewide No Chase Policy in North Carolina after a tragic incident in which her daughter, a 38-year-old woman and her grandson, a 12-year-old, were killed in a high-speed police pursuit. Elizabeth and her 25,000 petition signers emphasize the need for stricter policies to prevent high-speed chases for non-violent crimes and infractions, citing the dangers and statistics associated with pursuit-related collisions. 
3. Save The Eagles Request Charlotte City Council VOTE NO on Rea Road Rezoning – Chip Starr started this petition that urges Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and the City Council to reject the proposed rezoning of the Gillespie Property in South Charlotte. The developer, RK Investments Charlotte, LLC, seeks to change the zoning from single-family detached to multifamily rental, allowing for the construction of over 1,100 rental units and six-story apartment buildings. The petition argues this construction would strain infrastructure, disrupt the neighborhood’s continuity, and endanger local wildlife, including a pair of American Bald Eagles and a rookery of Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons. Over 17,500 people have signed the petition. 
4. Allow NCHSAA Athletes Taking AP Classes To Play Despite Not Meeting Credit Requirements – Ian Macfarlane started a petition that calls for a waiver for student-athletes in North Carolina who are deemed ineligible by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association due to credit requirements, specifically highlighting the delay in counting AP credits until the end of the year. More than 5,300 people have signed the petition, advocating for granting a waiver to eligible student-athletes to prevent them from missing out on their final high school sports season as a result of academic excellence.
5. Petition for the opening of a Colombian Consulate in Charlotte, North Carolina – This petition, signed by 4,200 people, urges the establishment of a Colombian Consulate in Charlotte, North Carolina, supported by various Colombian non-profit organizations in the region. Highlighting the significant Colombian population in North and South Carolina, the petition argues that a consulate in Charlotte would enhance accessibility for consular services, reduce the burden on the Consulate General in Atlanta, and serve the economic and business-related consular needs of the region.
6. Make Wake County Schools Safe – Protect Our Children NOW – 2,200 people have signed a petition that calls for the implementation of weapons detection systems in Wake County schools, prompted by the increase in instances of guns being brought to local schools. The petition argues that other districts, similar in size, have successfully implemented such systems, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect students and prevent tragic incidents.
7. Time to Shut Down North Carolina’s Coyote and Fox Pens – Melissa Bahleda started a petition that calls for the permanent emergency closure of coyote and fox pens in North Carolina, highlighting the cruelty and dangers associated with these facilities. It emphasizes the risks of disease spread, illegal dog fighting, and the impact on wildlife, farmed animals, companion animals, and humans, urging the state to follow the example of other states that have outlawed such pens. More than 1,800 people have signed her petition. 
8. Support NoDa Street Vendors — Let Them Work – Michael Roessler started a petition that successfully opposed the potential ban on street vendors in NoDa, Charlotte’s arts district. The NoDa Neighborhood & Business Association withdrew its request to immediately ban street vendors, opting instead to convene a task force for a collaborative conversation involving community members, business owners, residents, and street vendors to determine the best course of action. More than 1,600 people were part of signing this victorious petition. 
9. Ban of the Release of Helium Balloons in North Carolina to North Carolina State House – Debbie Swick started a petition that calls for the banning of intentional helium balloon releases, citing the environmental harm caused by balloons taking over 100 years to decompose and traveling long distances. More than 1,400 people signed the petition and are advocating for requiring weighted items on helium balloon tethers and prohibiting the sale of helium balloons for release in North Carolina to protect endangered species and the environment. 
10. North Carolina Mandatory FREE, Microchip, Collar ID, Spay and Neuter law – This petition, with more than 1,200 signatures, advocates for the implementation of a law in North Carolina to address the increasing number of lost and stray dogs. The petitioner calls for mandatory free microchipping, vet checks for pets without microchips, and free pet registration with collar tags to hold owners accountable, prevent euthanasia, and improve the state’s ranking in pet euthanasia rates.

You can find a list of ten petitions here. Our top ten change-making cities in order are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, Dallas, and Charlotte. 

This list was compiled by Christina Martin, Change.org’s Senior Local Media Specialist. Are you a member of the press who would like to write about a Change.org petition? Christina can help. Email cmartin@change.org with your inquiry.