I strategically leverage public infrastructure investments that open economic development opportunities for the City of Charlotte. Deploying over $90 million through capital investment plan and tax increment grant financing, which serve as catalysts for more than $4 billion of transformative real estate development projects over the next 20 years for the City, therefore increasing the overall tax base and assets in the community.

Jason Lawrence joined the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in 2000 and for the past 22 years has built a reputation of collaboration across the Charlotte region. Early in his career he oversaw bus service planning, implemented the Sprinter Airport Enhanced Bus Service, and was lead planner on environmental impact statements. Beginning in 2015 he led a comprehensive update of CATS 2030 Transit System Plan. Through a proactive public and stakeholder outreach program the update achieved a broad base of regional support that will guide CATS transit efforts over the next 20 years. In 2019 the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) adopted the study recommendations of a 27 mile LYNX Silver Line Light Rail project from Gaston County through the City of Charlotte to the Town of Matthews, a 30-mile Bus Rapid Transit project from the Town of Mooresville to the City of Charlotte, and a 5-mile southern extension of the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail service to the Town of Pineville and the Ballantyne Community. In 2020 Jason in partnership with the Centralina Regional Council began the development of a regional transit vision across 12 counties in North and South Carolina through a regional mobility initiative called CONNECT Beyond. The effort was endorsed by the MTC in 2021 and will serve as the foundation for transit mobility across the Charlotte region. In addition to long range planning efforts he also directs bus route planning and scheduling. Through Jason's strategic leadership his team is conducting a bus priority study that when complete in early 2022 will include a comprehensive capital and operating program to improve bus service speed and reliability, a microtransit strategy, and a framework to expand bus stop amenities.

James LaBar is the Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Charlotte Center City Partners. He is focused on retaining, expanding and attracting businesses, talent and investment in Uptown, South End and Midtown. James collaborates with the entire economic development ecosystem to help ensure economic development for Charlotte’s urban core is robust, shared and continuous. Prior to joining Charlotte Center City Partners, James served as the Regional Solutions Director and Policy Advisor for Housing, Economy and Jobs for Oregon Governor Kate Brown. He also worked for the Salt River Project, an award-winning utility in Phoenix, Arizona, as the Manager of Strategic Engagement – State and Local Government Relations. James earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree from the University of West Florida and completed Ph.D. coursework at Arizona State University. James and his wife, Janet, live in Charlotte with their three children.

Chris Thomas is a Partner at Childress Klein Properties and leads their retail development, marketing and leasing practice. In this role, he focuses on market analysis, site acquisition, negotiating major tenant and specialty tenant leases, property disposition, implementing marketing plans and third-party owner relationships. Chris has extensive experience in shopping center development, retail site selection, tenant representation, as well as structuring and negotiating transactions. Sought after for his leadership skills, Chris inspires his clients and team members to seek opportunities where we can positively impact people’s well-being, health and attitude towards their environment.