Charlotte, the Triangle and most metro areas in the Sun Belt saw rents decline again last year, as a building boom has flooded the market with new apartments.

Why it matters: Housing remains unaffordable for many, but the market's oversupply of new apartments continues to keep rents from rising.

Between the lines: Although median U.S. rent for new leases is down 1.5% from a year ago, it's still roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels, at $1,400 a month, per Apartment List.

Zoom in: Charlotte is among the top metros with the sharpest rent declines, while also ranking high for most multi-family permits. Properties are offering concessions or keeping renewals flat to compete for residents.

• Median rents in the Charlotte metro were down 2.3% between February 2026 and February 2025. They now stand at $1,302 on average.
• Median rents in the Raleigh metro were down 2.2%.

Where rents are falling (or rising) most

The Changebaker Place, a new café by local activist and entrepreneur Manuel Betancur, quietly opened earlier this year in east Charlotte next to Manolo's Bakery.

Why it matters: It expands Betancur's growing portfolio of community-focused businesses in Charlotte.

The vibe: The café is inside a former hair salon and serves as an extension of Manolo's Bakery. It includes cozy seating areas, laptop-friendly tables and meeting rooms.

• One meeting room features furniture that belonged to a Charlotte woman who self-deported to Colombia after living here for decades — items Betancur kept and later incorporated into the space, Michael Graff of The Charlotte Optimist reported.

Dig in: The café's menu features pastries, gelato, sandwiches, espresso and coffee drinks made with Colombian beans.

📍 4405 Central Ave.

What's next for Betancur

North Carolina colleges are spending big on football fireworks.

Why it matters: College football isn't just a game anymore — it's a business and a show. And across North Carolina, schools are paying up for the pyrotechnics to match.

By the numbers: Three North Carolina colleges spent more than $250,000 combined on fireworks during the 2025 season, per records obtained by investigative newsletter FOIAball.

• UNC Chapel Hill: $147,511
• East Carolina: $55,000
• UNC Charlotte: $54,900

Context: UNC's fireworks bill alone is about double the state's median household income of $73,958.

Yes, but: Football is by far the biggest moneymaker at schools like UNC and UNC Charlotte, and accordingly, schools invest heavily into all areas of the sport.

Keep reading

Renowned conductor James Meena has launched Charlotte Lyric Theatre, a new tuition-free training program and performance company.

Why it matters: The program addresses several financial challenges aspiring artists face, such as the cost of voice or acting lessons.

• "It's tough enough keeping life and limb together for these artists," Meena tells Axios.

How it works: Meena handpicked five artists for the inaugural program, which began in fall 2025 and will wrap up in spring 2026. The current class performed with Opera Carolina when Meena was director.

• The professional development program includes lessons on navigating auditions, new headshots and improving an artist's online presence.
• Participants are also paid for their performances with Charlotte Lyric Theatre, says Meena.

Read the full story

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Investor Relations & Business Development Manager at Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
2. Office Engagement Coordinator at Little.
3. All Back and Front of House Positions at Grey's Diner & Community Kitchen.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

🛩️ Despite conflict in the Middle East, Etihad Airways will launch its new route from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on March 20 as planned.

✈️ Avelo Airlines is adding flights to Indianapolis and Cleveland from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport starting June 18 and 19, respectively. One-way flights start at $39. (Axios)

🧑‍🍳 The Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group is transforming an old warehouse in South End into a market and commissary kitchen that'll support Leluia Hall, Supperland, Ever Andalo, Haberdish and Growlers Pourhouse with prep tasks like pasta production and steak butchering. (CBJ)

🏀 Queens has updated its watch party location for Friday's NCAA Tournament game vs. Purdue. The Royals will gather at Legion Brewing in SouthPark. (Queens)

🍣 Yume in South End is temporarily closed through March 22 for renovations. (Instagram)

News you can use from our partners.

• More space, no tradeoffs. The Townhomes at Bridlestone offer up to 2,700 square feet in popular Pineville — no mortgage or maintenance required. Plus, you can get six weeks free if you lease before Feb. 28. Book a tour.
• Head to Victoria Yards for Uptown Flea — a spring open-air market. Shop vintage items, local art, handmade goods and more on March 21 and 28 from 11-5pm. Plus, stop by The Market at 7th for a bite while you're there. Get the deets.

This weekend's events make it feel like spring is in full effect from the return of Camden Commons to the No Man's Land Festival. Other happenings include:

🥵 Tomorrow: Pull up in your swimsuit to a rave at Sauna House. | $60 | 8-11pm | Details

✌️ Saturday: Compete in a rock-paper-scissors tournament at Sugar Creek Brewing. | Free | 4pm | Details

🛍️ Sunday: Shop from an outdoor festival down Camden Road in South End. | Free | 11am-5pm | Details

Full weekender