Who is Victoria Watlington, Democratic Charlotte City Council at-large candidate?
Name: Victoria Watlington
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
Charlotte City Council at-large
Age as of Nov. 8, 2023: 36
Campaign website: winwithwatlington.com
Occupation: Engineer
Education: PhD, Infrastructure & Environmental Systems, UNCC, Grad Certificate, Public Policy Research & Analysis, UNCC. MS Engineering Management, UNCC. BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held):
Yes, City Council District 3 representative since 2019
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
Note: please see winwithwatlington.com/issues/
The future of Eastland Yards still hangs in the balance, with two options on the table — an indoor sports complex and one that would include a soccer academy, esports hub and amphitheater. Which do you support, and why?
As I’ve indicated from the dais, I support an option that meets the desires of the community, is financially viable, and retains community involvement in the management and operations, given the significant investment. I am awaiting additional information on the options, and will consider these factors in decision-making.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
Without a financial analysis or feasibility analysis, any answer would be premature. Ultimately, this will depend on how this project impacts our ability to fund other tourism initiatives, and the overall return on investment to the community. As with all economic development projects, I’m interested in the real economic impact, livable wages, substantive opportunities for MWSBE participation in design, construction, and operations, and workforce development opportunities.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
I affirm the tenants of the Democratic Party. I would like to see us more strategic in how we execute policy/legislative initiatives. We are a big tent party, so are made up of people of various backgrounds and ideologies. At some point, we must agree on enough to coalesce around a passable bill. At times, our ideological purity test may be impractically high, resulting in an all-or-nothing stalemates.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
Progressive pragmatism. As an engineer and policy scholar whose PhD focused on economic mobility policy, I bring big-picture thinking, academic rigor, and practical problem-solving to my service as a neighborhood leader-turned-councilmember. I have been an advocate for the marginalized, a proud West Side resident, and a bridge builder between hardworking, honest neighbors who care about their community and the establishment. I am a firm believer that the people rule--not only those at the top.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of drafting the framework for the Safe Charlotte plan, and for championing the Corridors of Opportunity program, having led the development of the West Blvd Corridor Playbook as a board member of the West Blvd Neighborhood Coalition.
