ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the dimensions of civic culture and assesses whether cultural dynamics form an enduring philosophy that may influence public policies in Charlotte. Civic culture may be thought of as an antecedent to the development of existing political, social and economic systems that characterize a community, that is, certain systems cannot form unless specific cultures are present to cultivate and nourish them. Most issues are approached in a manner representative of the public-private cooperative atmosphere in Charlotte. An assessment of the civic culture in Charlotte is based on interviews conducted during 2004 with political and community leaders about policy and politics. The community power system in Charlotte is characterized by cooperation and compromise among prevalent groups. The city of Charlotte is known for its public and private cooperation; in fact, Patrick Cannon, who at the time was the Mayor Pro-Tem, described these relations as 'positive, collaborative, sharing and cooperative'.
