Dustin Jett
♦ Age: 39
♦ Address: North Oakwood Drive, Statesville
♦ Education: High School
♦ Professional Background: Telecommunications Worker
♦ Elected experience: Proud Rookie
♦ Volunteer/community service experience: City of Statesville Stormwater Commission; I-CARE Board of Directors; Iredell County Local Emergency Planning; ICATS Transportation Advisory Board; and Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council
Q&A
IFN: What motivated you to run for this office? If you are elected, what will your top three priorities be? What can the council do to move the needle in these areas?
JETT: I’m running for Statesville City Council because I believe our community deserves thoughtful leadership that listens, plans, and works for every resident. Over the past few years, I’ve seen firsthand both the challenges and opportunities that come with our city’s rapid growth. I’m motivated by a desire to make sure that growth benefits everyone — not just in the short term, but for the future of our neighborhoods, schools, and local economy.
If elected, my top three priorities will be: (1) ensuring growth is well-planned and supported by strong infrastructure, (2) strengthening community engagement and transparency in city government, and (3) supporting local businesses and workforce development to build a more resilient economy.
The City Council can move the needle by setting clear expectations for development that protect existing neighborhoods and improve public services. We can also make city government more accessible through regular communication and opportunities for residents to share their voices before key decisions are made. And by working closely with local businesses, schools, and organizations, we can attract investment that creates good jobs and keeps more of our talent here in Statesville.
I believe progress starts with collaboration, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving people — and that’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to City Hall.
IFN: Voters want their elected officials to understand their lived experiences as they consider policy/budget decisions. Tell us about your family (spouse/partner; children/children; parents/grandparents) and how your family’s experiences in Statesville have shaped your views on major issues where the city council can make a difference.
JETT: My family’s experiences in Statesville have shaped how I see the challenges and opportunities facing our community. My husband Tyler and I chose to make Statesville our home because we value its small-town character, strong sense of community, and potential for thoughtful growth. Like many families, we care deeply about safe neighborhoods, good schools, reliable infrastructure, and local opportunities that allow families to build their futures close to home.
Living here has shown me how important it is for city leaders to understand the real, everyday impacts of their decisions — from how traffic flows and new developments are planned, to how we support small businesses and maintain affordable housing. When roads are congested, when services fall short, or when development moves faster than infrastructure, it affects families like mine and so many others across Statesville.
These experiences have reinforced my belief that the Council must prioritize responsible growth, transparency, and collaboration. By listening to residents, planning, and investing wisely, we can protect what makes Statesville special while preparing for the future. My family’s experiences here remind me every day that decisions made in City Hall directly affect the quality of life for all our neighbors — and that’s the perspective I’ll bring to the job.
IFN: The City Council has or will soon approve the rezoning and annexation for the massive Compass Data Center project. This project will add an estimated $1 billion or more to the city’s tax base and generate millions of new tax dollars for the city. What will your priorities be for spending this money? As part of your plan, will you support a reduction in the property tax rate to give homeowners some relief?
JETT: The Compass Data Center project represents a major opportunity for Statesville — one that could significantly strengthen our city’s financial foundation for years to come. My priority will be to ensure that this new revenue is invested wisely, transparently, and with long-term community benefit in mind.
First, we must reinvest in our infrastructure — roads, water, sewer, and public safety — to make sure Statesville can manage future growth responsibly. Second, I want to see us strengthen our neighborhoods by improving parks, sidewalks, and housing options that make Statesville a great place to live for families at every income level. Third, we should dedicate funds to economic development and workforce initiatives that help residents and small businesses benefit from the growth this project brings.
When it comes to tax relief, I believe the Council should absolutely consider lowering the property tax rate if the city’s fiscal health allows it. Homeowners deserve to see direct benefits from this kind of economic development. However, any tax reduction must be balanced with maintaining the high-quality services our residents expect.
This project gives Statesville a chance to plan boldly and responsibly — to invest in both today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. My focus will be ensuring that every dollar spent reflects our community’s priorities and delivers real value to the people who call Statesville home.
IFN: The cost of housing, including monthly rent and purchase prices for starter homes, has increased dramatically in the last five years. As a council member, would you support the use of taxpayer dollars to help first-time homebuyers? If so, what is your vision for such a program? If not, do you have any ideas for helping residents struggling to pay rent or buy their first home?
JETT: Yes, I would support using taxpayer dollars to help first-time homebuyers — because housing stability strengthens our entire community. My vision is a practical, local program that makes homeownership more attainable for working families, teachers, and first responders who want to put down roots in Statesville.
This could include down payment assistance or low-interest loan programs, paired with financial education to ensure long-term success. I’d also like to explore partnerships with local banks and developers to create mixed-income housing developments that offer affordable entry points without compromising quality or neighborhood character.
At the same time, we need to address the broader issue of rising housing costs by streamlining permitting, supporting responsible infill development, and updating zoning to allow a wider range of housing types — such as townhomes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units.
Affordable housing isn’t just about buildings; it’s about opportunity. Helping residents move from renting to ownership builds stronger neighborhoods, increases civic engagement, and keeps Statesville a place where people can live, work, and raise families.
IFN: Iredell-Statesville Schools previously asked the City Council to help fund a pre-K classroom for low-income children to ensure that they are ready to begin kindergarten. The cost was in the neighborhood of $200,000. The council declined to provide funding. If elected, would you support such an initiative? Explain your decision.
JETT: Yes, I would support funding a pre-K classroom for low-income children. An investment in early childhood education is one of the most effective and lasting ways a community can strengthen its future. Research consistently shows that children who attend quality pre-K programs enter kindergarten more prepared, perform better academically, and are more likely to graduate high school — outcomes that benefit every resident of Statesville.
A $200,000 investment may seem significant in the short term, but the long-term return is far greater. By helping children build strong learning foundations early, we reduce future costs related to remedial education, social services, and even public safety. This is not simply an education issue; it’s an economic development and community well-being issue.
If elected, I would also work to ensure the city partners closely with Iredell-Statesville Schools, local nonprofits, and businesses to share resources and expand access to early learning opportunities. Collaboration can stretch taxpayer dollars further and create a sustainable model for years to come.
Supporting our youngest learners is supporting Statesville’s future — and I believe that’s a wise and responsible use of public funds.
IFN: There are six candidates running for two seats in this race. What makes you the best candidate to represent the interests of ALL Statesville residents during the next four years?
JETT: What sets me apart is my deep commitment to listening, collaboration, and practical problem-solving. I’m not running to represent one group or neighborhood — I’m running to serve all of Statesville. Our city is growing and changing, and that means we need leaders who can bring people together, find common ground, and focus on real results instead of politics.
My background in community involvement has taught me the importance of transparency, accountability, and communication. I believe residents deserve a council that listens, explains decisions clearly, and invites public input before those decisions are made.
If elected, I’ll focus on priorities that unite us: safe neighborhoods, thoughtful growth, affordable housing, good jobs, and a vibrant downtown. I’ll also work to strengthen partnerships between the city, schools, and local businesses — because when we collaborate, we all move forward.
Ultimately, I’m running because I believe in Statesville’s potential and its people. My goal is simple: to make sure every resident — no matter their background, income, or neighborhood — feels heard, valued, and proud to call Statesville home.