Public Conversations

At WFAE's Public Conversation on "What's In Our Water," reporter Ben Bradford opened the community forum by presenting an overview of the Catawba River Basin including the lakes that provide Charlotte's drinking water supply, threats to the regions water quality, and the water treatment process.

Thousands of Charlotte-area residents live in neighborhoods that have a local Homeowner Association. HOAs are often praised for keeping communities cleaner, safer and more livable. But some homeowners complain that HOA boards can be too rigid and arbitrary in enforcing covenants and restrictions, infringing on homeowners’ rights. This WFAE Public Conversation explored the pros and cons of living in an HOA community, along with the rights and responsibilities of HOA residents and boards.

We’ve all heard the horror stories about an authority that tells you what’s allowed, what’s required, and what you can’t do regarding your property. No, it's not the government, or even Charlotte's tree police. We’re talking about private authorities empowered by the government known as Homeowners Associations. HOAs are the focus of WFAE’s Public Conversations forum Thursday at 7 p.m. at Davidson Day School. The program is called: Your HOA and You: Who Rules The Neighborhood? (To register, click

Arts and cultural organizations in Charlotte are struggling financially in the wake of the recession and cutbacks in community funding and donations. Many of these non-profits have had to reduce staff and cut costs and services. A few organizations have suspended all or parts of their operations, and others say they have little or no cash reserves to sustain them through any future financial droughts. This WFAE Public Conversation explored the challenges faced by these organizations, how they

WFAE’s Public Conversation on the local film industry provided insights into how movies, television shows and commercials are cast, shot and produced in the Charlotte area. Panelists and audience members also discussed how the film industry impacts the region’s economy. And the forum explored contrasting views on North Carolina’s financial incentives for the film industry.

A community forum to highlight and explore the ways in which food brings people together – from food festivals to holiday meals. Panelists and audience members shared experiences and observations on how gatherings around food impact families, neighborhoods, workplaces, churches and other community institutions. The Public Conversation explored the role of food in creating cultural identities, facilitating conversation, and marking key life events. Discussion also addressed how the ‘Gathering

Charlotte needs to find new ways to increase its tax base. In the past, annexation provided low-hanging fruit. But there's almost no more space to annex. Today, south Charlotte property taxes provide half the city’s revenue. Policymakers have presented initiatives and projects, such as affordable housing and the street car, but what do neighborhood residents want?

WFAE's Public Conversations Series examined the current debate on guns and gun violence in America. Panelists and audience members discussed recent proposals designed to reduce gun violence. Moderated by WFAE's Ben Bradford, the forum also addressed Second Amendment issues, enforcement of gun laws, underlying causes of gun violence, and the politics of the gun control debate.

This community forum explored what many people see as a widespread culture of disrespect permeating our society and communities today. Panelists and audience members discussed the causes and effects of this apparent breakdown in common respect. The forum also examined the roles of parents, schools, public figures, the media and other groups in fostering an atmosphere of respect, or disrespect, in the local community.