Charlotte hires Lincoln Harris executive to lead economic development team

The city of Charlotte has hired Tracy Dodson, a Lincoln Harris executive, to lead the city's economic development efforts.

City Manager Marcus Jones created a new position for Dodson at the assistant city manager level. She will earn $224,300, making her one of the highest-paid city employees.

Earlier this year, Jones shifted Pat Mumford from his position as director of Neighborhood & Business Services, a department that handled economic development. Mumford's new job is "executive team leader."

Dodson will oversee Kevin Dick, the city's economic development director.

Her first day is May 7. One of her first challenges will be leading the city's efforts to redevelop the Eastland Mall site, which has been stalled for six years. The city has received four proposals for the site, two of which were by national development teams.

The city must decide which developer should redevelop the site. Dodson will also have to negotiate with the developer about how much tax dollars the city is willing to contribute.

Charlotte-based Lincoln Harris is currently building Legacy Union at the intersection of South Tryon and Stonewall streets, on the site of the old Charlotte Observer building. Dodson is a senior vice president for brokerage and development.

Before joining Lincoln Harris, she worked at Center City Partners and for the city. At the city, she focused on bringing development to areas near transit stations.

This story was originally published April 10, 2018 at 3:58 PM with the headline "Charlotte hires Lincoln Harris executive to lead economic development team."