Special to IFN

Matthew L. Pierce has been appointed downtown business & development manager for the City of Statesville.

His appointment was announced Wednesday by the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) and the City of Statesville. This position reflects a strengthened partnership between the City of Statesville and DSDC. The City Council voted in March to make this role as a full-time city employee dedicated to advancing downtown revitalization and economic development.

Pierce brings a wealth of experience in planning, economic development, and downtown engagement. He has served as assistant to the city manager since 2021, leading key downtown initiatives including serving as the city’s project manager for the $40 million public-private partnership for the Police Department expansion, new apartments, and public amenities. He also facilitated the city’s transition to a quasi-governmental partnership with DSDC.

“Matthew’s combination of strategic vision and local experience makes him the ideal leader for this role,” said City Manager Ron Smith. “He understands our community and is committed to making Downtown Statesville a thriving, welcoming destination.”

Trey Robertson, the incoming DSDC Board chair, called hiring Pierce for this role “one of the most impactful and forward-looking” decisions DSDC has made in the past 10 years. 

“Matthew has a wealth of experience in economic development, well-rooted relationships with downtown property owners and businesses, a productive working history with the City Council and staff, and a firm foundation of knowledge about the NC Main Street program,” Robertson said. “The next decade will be a time of great flourishing and vibrancy in downtown Statesville, and Matthew is the right choice to encourage and enable the next chapter in our city’s story.”

Prior to becoming an employee of the City of Statesville, Pierce was director of business retention & expansion at the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation. He also served as interim director of the Main Street program for the City of Kings Mountain. He holds a doctorate from Emory University and a master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

In his new role, Pierce will oversee the coordination of the DSDC Board and committees, manage implementation of the Main Street Program, and work closely with downtown stakeholders to promote economic vitality and historic preservation. The position also includes supervision of downtown beautification, marketing efforts, and small business support.

“I love this downtown and believe deeply in the power of a vibrant, walkable district to shape the heart of our community,” said Pierce. “I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place and work collaboratively to make downtown Statesville even better.”

LEARN MORE

For more information about the City of Statesville and Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, visit www.statesvillenc.net and www.downtownstatesville.com.