About Wil
Wilbert “Wil” Russell, an affordable housing construction manager who has lived in Charlotte for 20 years, is running to represent District 4 on the Charlotte City Council. Wil builds affordable housing projects across the Southeast and understands the importance of giving families a safe and affordable place to live.
Wil and his wife Melanie live in District 4 with their 7-year old daughter Taylor and 2-year old son Zacahry. Wil and Melanie are proud members of First Missionary Baptist Church and are active in a number of ministries there.
Wil is running for Charlotte City Council to transform District 4 into a place where families can thrive.
Wil's history serving Charlotte
2023
2023
2023
Wil was apart of the construction team that assisted with Gilfield Park, an affordable senior living apartment complex, in partnership with The Park Church off Beatties Ford Road.
2022
2023
2023
Frustrated with the large amount of trucks parked on the side of the road, Wil developed a neighborhood committee. He made a strategic plan to remove tractor trailer trucks from Exit 26 near his neighborhood. He led the group to the successful removal of the trucks working in collaboration with the City of Charlotte.
2021
2023
2021
As a result of his service on the UDO committee, Wil pursued an appointment to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, where he currently serves advising Charlotte City Council and Mecklenburg Board of Commissioners on short and long range land use and design plans.
2019
2019
2021
The experiences in Prosperity Village allowed Wil to represent the community as a member of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Advisory Committee.
2015
2019
2015
Wil 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, was the very first parklet created by the City of Charlotte in over 40 years.
Wil’s project leadership led to the creation of a four acre park space across several developments in the heart of Prosperity Village.
2015
2019
2015
Wil’s commitment to his community in District 4 runs deeper, he and neighbors formed the Prosperity Village Area Association (PVAA) in 2015.
During his service with the PVAA, Wil guided area growth by collaborating with his community, city and county officials and private developers on several developments and rezonings.
2014
2014
2014
Wil was selected to join Sustain Charlotte’s Board of Directors to help advance local sustainability through smart growth.
The City Council formed the Immigrant Integration Task Force in 2014 to make Charlotte more immigrant-friendly and capitalize on immigrant entrepreneurs. As Economic Development subcommittee chair, Wil’s work led to an invitation to represent Charlotte at the Welcoming America Member Summit in 2015.
2013
2014
2014
Wil helped neighborhoods become better places to live, work and play as board member for City of Charlotte Neighborhood Matching Grants Fund.
In addition, Wil provided recommendations and advice to City Council on ways city dollars can support Charlotte businesses a s Business Advisory Board Board Member in 2013.
2013
2014
2013
Wil helped neighborhoods become better places to live, work and play as board member for City of Charlotte Neighborhood Matching Grants Fund.
In addition, Wil provided recommendations and advice to City Council on ways city dollars can support Charlotte businesses a s Business Advisory Board Board Member in 2013.
2010
2010
2013
Wil joined Charlotte’s Incentive Based Inclusionary Housing Citizens Advisory Committee in 2010 to address affordable housing using his construction experience.
MORE ABoUT WIL!
Will earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from Auburn University in 2003. Growing up, Wil’s mother was a Benefit Authorizer for Social Security Administration and his father was a High School Special Education teacher.
Upon graduation, Wil moved to Charlotte after securing a position with a local general contracting firm. During the early years of his career in the construction industry, Wil worked on several college campuses, managing projects with budgets up to $30 million. Wil discovered a passion for public service through his volunteerism and studying policy.
Professionally, Wil is able to combine his skills in construction with his penchant for affordable housing at Laurel Street. As Senior Construction Manager, Wil oversees the construction of multiple affordable housing projects in Georgia and North Carolina.
Wil in the community
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