Charlotte’s growth has made it one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. But what does the city look like through the eyes of the developers betting millions of dollars on its future?

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger's managing editor Ashley Fahey sits down with two industry leaders helping shape Charlotte’s next chapter: Adam McMichael of Republic Development Group and Paul Zarian of Hines. The conversation explores why their firms are investing heavily in Charlotte, how the city compares to other fast-growing Sun Belt markets and what opportunities they see as Charlotte continues to evolve. In this episode, they also discuss:

Why Hines and Republic Development chose to expand their presence in Charlotte
How Charlotte compares with peer markets like Raleigh, Nashville and other high-growth cities
The opportunities and challenges facing developers in today’s market
Why both firms are bullish on Charlotte despite economic headwinds
The role infrastructure and transportation play in supporting future growth
Why relationships and local partnerships matter in Charlotte’s development community
The neighborhoods and corridors they believe have the most potential over the next decade
Lessons Charlotte can learn from cities across the country
Development projects they admire, from South Carolina to California and beyond
Their picks for underrated cities worth visiting

This conversation was recorded as part of a partnership with the local chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program. Wondering what politicians are thinking but not saying? Watch PBS Charlotte Fridays at 8 p.m. as former Governor Pat McCrory delivers no-spin answers. Stream anytime on demand at wtvi.org/unspun.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.