Alumna Named to Critical Charlotte Economic Development Role

April 25, 2018
Categories: Alumni & Friends, College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences
Dodson with city skyline behind her headshot

UNC Charlotte alumna Tracy Dodson recently was named assistant city manager for economic development by City Manager Marcus Jones. Dodson will leave her position as a senior vice president in the Charlotte-based real estate and development firm Lincoln Harris and begin the newly expanded city post on May 7.

“Tracy is a well-known, strategic economic development leader in the Charlotte market,” Jones said. “She has impressive business insights and a relentless drive for success, in addition to her established city-wide relationships with members of the city’s economic development community.”

Dodson earned bachelor’s degrees in architecture and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also holds a Master of Design Studies degree in Real Estate and Urban Development from Harvard University.

With more than 20 years of economic development and real estate experience in Charlotte, she will be responsible for:

  • Advocating for innovation and strategic change, and promoting the development of a diverse and engaged workforce.
  • Working collaboratively with regional and state partners and organizations to attract, retain and develop businesses, drive investment, and grow the city and regional economy.
  • Applying an innovative, entrepreneurial lens to address challenges related to economic downturns, industry shifts and workforce changes.
  • Evaluating and understanding economic and policy trends related to the housing and rental market, workforce development, economic expansion and other critical matters.

“Accepting this new role feels like a homecoming for me,” said Dodson, who previously worked at the City of Charlotte as the transit station area development coordinator. “I’m thrilled to return to city government and continue establishing Charlotte as a leader in creating economic opportunity and planned growth.”

Dodson previously served as the director of economic development for Charlotte Center City Partners from 2009-2013. In 2015, Gov. Pat McCrory appointed Dodson to the North Carolina Board of Transportation for a four-year term. She is described as a development professional who possesses knowledge of quality design, financial feasibility and regionalism.