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Charlotte leaders vote in Marcus Jones as new city manager

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte city leaders have selected Marcus Jones as the new city manager.

Jones comes from Norfolk, Virginia, where he is city manager. The City Council unanimously approved him for the position Wednesday night.

Jones will have a $300,000 salary, along with a temporary housing and auto allowance.

PDF: Jones' resume

"I am honored to work with residents, staff and council as the new city manager of Charlotte," Jones said in a news release. "Charlotte is a growing, diverse and innovative city with a thriving future. I look forward to working in partnership with residents, the business community and city staff.  We will develop and create priorities that align with the city's vision for the future."

He will start the new job on Dec. 1.

What is the city manager's role?

The city manager supervises the day-to-day workings of the city government and fulfills the policy decisions made by the mayor and the city council. The manager also offers vision and leadership to government officials, according to the charlottenc.gov. 

"The city should be very pleased with the mayor and city council's decision to hire Marcus," Interim City Manager Ron Kimble said in a news release. "His experience in solid fiscal management, economic development and commitment to community engagement makes me confident the city will be in excellent hands with him. I feel proud to leave him with the most competent and dedicated city employees in local government."

Jones is the first African-American to be Charlotte's city manager.

The city solicited input from the community, received 33 applications for the city manager position and interviewed six candidates before selecting Jones.

Jones has been Norfolk's city manager since 2011. He was the Richmond, Virginia, deputy chief finance officer from 2009 until 2011, and the Norfolk budget director from 2004 to 2009.

Council members interviewed multiple people for the position, with questions about handling public relations challenges, community policing and their relationship with their town's fire department.

Jones interviewed behind closed doors with city leaders in Charlotte on the same day Keith Scott was shot by police. He was still in town the next day for one-on-one interviews with City Council members when rioting broke out uptown.

Council members Channel 9 has spoken with have called Jones a good pick to handle the challenges facing the city.

"I think he is up to them," said Councilwoman Claire Fallon. "I think he brings to the table that he listens and he's willing to work with you. He understands our problems. He wanted the job. We wanted him. I think it's a good fit."

Jones will be forced deal with the fallout from House Bill 2, police shootings and recent economic losses as soon as he takes office.

Councilmember John Autry says Jones' experience with legislatures was an attractive quality during the interview process and will be beneficial for Charlotte as the city continues to deal with the economic impact of HB2.

"I think he has lots of experience in working legislators and the types of personalities you encounter in the legislature," Autry said. "I think he is going to be a real asset for us in that endeavor."

Jones says he is familiar with HB2 and will work with the entire city to find the best way forward.

"I know about the issue. What I would like to do is have an opportunity to work with council, work with my staff and be as informed as I possibly can be," Jones said. "What we want to do is whatever we can do in the city that will benefit the city of Charlotte."

Charlotte's once-glowing crown has been tarnished of late with economic losses over HB2 as just one example.

Former City Councilman Michael Barnes said the demands on Jones will be substantial the moment his feet hit the ground in Charlotte.

"I think it's also going to be very important to have a manager who can not only reach out to our neighborhoods and communities, but understands some of the struggles happening in the business community because of things happening in Raleigh," Barnes said.

Jones dealt with a dozen police-involved shootings during his six years as Norfolk's city manager.

"We want to work on bringing our community together after some of the racial and economic divisions that we know are there," Mayor Jennifer Roberts said.

Jones says trust is important to him when it comes to his relationship with police departments. Jones says the protests and riots after the Keith Scott shooting didn't deter him during the interview process.

"I believe if anybody can solve the issues that have happened here and across the country, we can begin to solve them here," Jones said.

Several sources say another big issue for the new manager will be dealing with employee morale they describe as low.

Councilmember Kenny Smith says he believes Jones is the perfect fit to boost morale.

"I felt excited being on council so I am hoping throughout the organization they will feel more excited," Smith said. "He is a team builder, he is someone who works in the community. He has strong relationships in the corporate community, the philanthropic community and I think he is going to bring that to Charlotte."

Who is Marcus Jones: 

  • Jones served as Norfolk city manager from 2011 until being chosen by Charlotte to be its city manager in October 2016.
  • Prior to that, he served as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance and Administration for the City of Richmond, Virginia.
  • From 2004 – 2009, Jones served as Director of Budget and Grants Management and Assistant City Manager in Norfolk.
  • Prior to 2004, he was Deputy Secretary of Finance for Governors Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore.
  • Jones earned his Bachelor's degree in public administration from James Madison University.
  • He earned a Master's degree in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • Jones is married with two children.

Source: Norfolk.gov

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