Laurel Street Founder Dionne Nelson: Named 2023 Charlotte Woman of the Year, Transforming Affordable Housing and Economic Mobility in Charlotte and Beyond

Dionne Nelson, a distinguished thought leader in the affordable housing sector and founder of Laurel Street, is making significant strides in enhancing economic mobility for residents in Charlotte and across the Southeast. As the founder of Laurel Street, the largest Black woman-owned affordable housing development firm in the U.S., Nelson has led the company to remarkable success since its inception in 2011. Under her leadership, Laurel Street has built a development and acquisition portfolio valued at over $1 billion, encompassing more than 5,500 units across 55 communities, each incorporating an affordability component.

Among her recent impactful projects are Gilfield Park, an 80-unit senior housing community developed in collaboration with the community development corporation (CDC) affiliate of The Park Church, and Varick on 7th, a 105-unit mixed-income community in Uptown created in partnership with the CDC affiliate of Little Rock AME Zion Church. These developments are critical in addressing affordability issues in areas undergoing rapid gentrification or suffering from a severe shortage of affordable housing options.

In 2023, recognizing the need to enhance the support provided to residents and employees of Laurel Street communities, Nelson established LSA Management, a property management firm dedicated to overseeing the portfolio developed by Laurel Street. This move aims to ensure the continued success and effective management of the properties, further solidifying her commitment to improving housing stability.

Beyond her work with Laurel Street, Nelson contributes her expertise to the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, where she offers valuable insights into addressing housing inequity. Her role on Charlotte’s local Advisory Board of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has also been instrumental in guiding the foundation’s $11 million investments in the Historic West End, highlighting her significant impact on shaping community development strategies in Charlotte. Nelson’s efforts continue to drive meaningful change, making a lasting impact on the lives of many residents and shaping the future of affordable housing.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership, Dionne Nelson was named the 2023 Charlotte Woman of the Year, along with Laura Belcher, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region.