Who is Wil Russell, Democratic Charlotte City Council District 4 candidate?
Name: Wil Russell
Political party: Democratic
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
Charlotte City Council District 4
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 45
Campaign website: wilrussell.com
Occupation: Senior construction manager
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Building Construction
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held):
I have run for Charlotte City Council District 4 in 2013 and 2017. I have not previously held an elected office.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
2010
Incentive Based Inclusionary Housing Citizens Advisory Committee
2013
Member of City of Charlotte Neighborhood Matching Grants Fund
Member of Charlotte Business Advisory Committee
2014
Sustain Charlotte Board of Directors
Immigrant Integration Task Force
2015
Prosperity Village Area Association Lead collaborator Prosperity Hucks Area Plan
2019
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Advisory Committee
2021
Appointed to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission
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?
I support the option that will provide a place where east side residents can have a gathering place to enjoy themselves. Eastland Mall was the long standing activity center for the east side. Since its closing that side of town does not have an activity center for families to gather. We need to move forward with an option that will be open the community for entertainment and enrichment.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
I believe, as a minimum commitment to the Carolina Panthers, that the city should lobby the General Assembly to extend the food and beverage taxes and hotel/motel taxes until 2060. The current taxes expire in 2031. When elected I plan to learn about each stadium renovation proposal on the table. That will help me better assess the maximum commitment resident tax dollars should be earmarked for stadium. I love the Panthers, and I want to find an option that works for both residents and the team.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
It is my belief that the Democratic Party should invest more time, talent and treasure in down-ballot races. Investing in state and local races would allow the party to learn about what governance and policies work or don’t work in certain areas. Those state and local elected officials could then become a deep bench of candidates that could run for higher level offices, while bringing their local experiences to bear as they rise.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
What separates me from my opponents is the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in zoning, housing and construction. I’ve also proven the ability to work with neighbors and developers in implementing smart growth policies. I will also provide leadership and advocacy for district priorities.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
The Green at Prosperity Village. I was lead collaborator on the Prosperity Hucks Area Plan which brought additional homes; a high degree of connectivity for cars, bikes and pedestrians; more retail and dining options and more jobs. This plan also included The Green at Prosperity Village, the very first parklet created by the City of Charlotte in over 40 years.
This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
