Help improve Charlotte, win a share of $5 million

If you've got ideas for how to make Charlotte a more vibrant place to live and work, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation wants to hear from you. The foundation, which promotes civic engagement and quality journalism in 26 cities, today is kicking off its first Knight Cities Challenge. The foundation is seeking applications and ideas at KnightCities.org, with winners receiving a share of $5 million in prize money.

The challenge comes with two rules: submissions can come from anywhere, but they must benefit Charlotte or one of the other 25 Knight communities. And the idea should focus on one or more of these drivers of city success: attracting and keeping talented people, creating economic prospects and breaking down divides, and spurring civic involvement.

Anybody can throw their idea in the ring, the foundation says -- activists, artists, city planners, students, educators, architects, neighbors. The deadline closes Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

So if you've got a Big Idea, here's your chance. Care to give your idea (or your gripe) a test run? Hit us in the comments.