Charlotte, NC, February 13, 2026
Cushman & Wakefield has reinforced its leadership in Charlotte’s multifamily sector with the return of veteran executive Jordan McCarley. His expertise is set to enhance client engagement and strategic investments in the thriving North Carolina market. As Charlotte continues to attract talent and capital, McCarley’s role highlights the confidence in the city’s economic momentum and the importance of experienced professionals in driving growth in commercial real estate.
Charlotte, NC –
Experienced Real Estate Leader Returns to Boost Charlotte’s Multifamily Market
A seasoned commercial real estate executive has rejoined Cushman & Wakefield in Charlotte, reinforcing the firm’s leadership in the rapidly evolving multifamily sector. This strategic move highlights the importance of experienced professionals in driving private investment and fostering economic growth within the thriving North Carolina market.
Charlotte continues to be a magnet for both talent and capital, demonstrating robust economic diversification and a dynamic business environment. The return of a key figure in commercial real estate underscores the confidence in the region’s future and the power of entrepreneurial leadership to navigate complex markets. Such developments are crucial for sustaining the momentum of Charlotte’s economy, which benefits significantly from strategic investments and the resilience of its business community.
A Strategic Return to Strengthen Multifamily Leadership
Jordan McCarley has rejoined Cushman & Wakefield in Charlotte, taking on the role of Executive Vice Chair in its Carolinas Institutional Multifamily Advisory team and becoming part of the broader Sunbelt Multifamily Advisory Group. McCarley brings nearly two decades of experience in multifamily investment advisory services, having been involved in hundreds of transactions valued at billions of dollars. His expertise covers institutional and private-capital investors and developers across the Carolinas. This return is seen as instrumental in enhancing client engagement, business development, and platform-wide collaboration for the firm as it focuses on transforming its multifamily capital markets platform.
The decision to bring back a leader of McCarley’s caliber reflects a strategic commitment to growing the multifamily advisory business within the Sunbelt region, an area vital for real estate investment. His leadership is expected to strengthen the firm’s ability to provide tailored client services in a complex capital markets environment, leveraging an analytical and collaborative approach alongside strong industry relationships.
Charlotte’s Thriving Commercial Real Estate Landscape
Charlotte is consistently recognized as a vibrant market for commercial real estate investment, rising to the 5th spot among U.S. metros in a 2026 North America Investor Intentions Survey. Investors are increasingly targeting high-growth Sun Belt markets, with Charlotte standing out due to sustained job creation and population inflows supporting improving fundamentals. This stability continues to attract capital to the region and maintain investor interest, with 95% of investors planning to buy more or the same amount of commercial real estate assets in 2026 as they did the previous year.
The city’s commercial rental market outlook for 2025 shows continued diversification across property types, fueled by growth in technology, healthcare, logistics, and financial services. Industrial properties remain the strongest performers with tightening vacancy rates and rising rental rates driven by distribution demand. Class A office spaces are experiencing a rebound in leasing activity, particularly in Midtown and South End, while retail thrives with high tenant demand in mixed-use projects. Charlotte’s strategic location along major interstate corridors also reinforces its position as a logistics and distribution hub.
Fueling Economic Expansion through Expertise and Investment
The return of experienced professionals like Jordan McCarley underscores a broader theme of private investment driving economic expansion in Charlotte and across North Carolina. The region’s strong job and economic growth make the Carolinas a top destination for multifamily development and investment. North Carolina has been recognized for five consecutive years as one of the leading states for business, attributed to its transformed regulatory climate, welcoming environment for major employers, and overall repositioning for long-term prosperity.
This success is built on a foundation of diverse opportunities, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, aviation, and fintech services, all of which contribute to the state’s economic vitality. Stable pro-growth public policy and conservative leadership have played a role in maintaining North Carolina’s strong economic fundamentals, attracting both national and international talent and investment.
The Power of Local Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Charlotte’s economic strength is further bolstered by a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and a strong culture of innovation. The city has evolved into a center for enterprise growth beyond its traditional financial services dominance, fostering everything from tech startups to manufacturing. Organizations and academic institutions, such as UNC Charlotte’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, play a critical role in supporting nascent entrepreneurs and established corporate leaders.
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC Charlotte focuses on integrating educational and outreach efforts, providing resources, networking opportunities, and experiential learning to advance entrepreneurial journeys. This collaborative environment, including various incubators, accelerators, and support organizations, contributes significantly to job creation and business success, attracting a steady pipeline of new ideas and creativity to the region.
Fostering Growth with Smart Policy
A key factor in North Carolina’s sustained economic competitiveness is its approach to policy, particularly concerning regulation. Research suggests that excessive regulation can hinder economic activity by increasing compliance costs, misallocating resources, and discouraging innovation and investment. Conversely, actively cutting red tape can reverse these effects, leading to slower economic growth when regulations consistently accumulate.
Studies indicate that a freeze on regulation growth for a decade could boost the economy by approximately 1.8 percent, increase business investment by 7.8 percent, and reduce inflation annually by 0.6 percentage points. North Carolina’s Administrative Code contains a significant number of regulatory restrictions, ranking it as the 27th most regulated state in the nation. Thoughtful, proactive policymaking aimed at streamlining regulations can foster a more dynamic business environment, ultimately benefiting local enterprises and citizens alike.
Conclusion
The return of a distinguished real estate executive to Charlotte signals continued confidence in the city’s economic vitality and its standing as a hub for commercial activity and private investment. Combined with a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit and a policy environment that increasingly values streamlined regulations, Charlotte is well-positioned for sustained growth. As Charlotte NC business leaders and North Carolina entrepreneurs continue to innovate and invest, the city’s future remains bright. We encourage our readers to support local businesses and stay engaged in shaping Charlotte’s economic landscape, fostering an environment where achievement and prosperity can flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jordan McCarley’s new role at Cushman & Wakefield?
Jordan McCarley has rejoined Cushman & Wakefield in Charlotte as Executive Vice Chair of its Carolinas Institutional Multifamily Advisory team and is part of its larger Sunbelt Multifamily Advisory Group.
What is Charlotte’s ranking for commercial real estate investment?
Charlotte rose to the 5th spot among U.S. metros in a 2026 North America Investor Intentions Survey for commercial real estate investment.
How long has North Carolina been recognized as a leading state for business?
North Carolina has been recognized for five consecutive years as one of the leading states for business.
What are some key economic drivers in Charlotte?
Charlotte’s economy continues to diversify with growth in technology, healthcare, logistics, and financial services, fueling demand across commercial property types.
What are the potential economic benefits of reducing regulation?
Studies indicate that a freeze on regulation growth for a decade could boost the economy by approximately 1.8 percent, increase business investment by 7.8 percent, and reduce inflation annually by 0.6 percentage points.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Commercial Real Estate Market
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Ranking | Ranked #5 among U.S. metros for commercial real estate investment in a 2026 North America Investor Intentions Survey. | Nationwide |
| Economic Diversification | Growth in technology, healthcare, logistics, and financial services fueling demand across commercial property types. | Local |
| Industrial Sector Performance | Strongest performing sector with tightening vacancy rates and rising rental rates due to distribution demand. | Local |
| Office Market Activity | Class A spaces show the strongest performance, particularly in Midtown and South End. | Local |
| Retail Sector Trends | High tenant demand in mixed-use projects and lifestyle retail developments. | Local |
| Regulatory Landscape | North Carolina Administrative Code is the 27th largest in the US. | State-level |
| Entrepreneurial Ecosystem | Supported by organizations like UNC Charlotte’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. | Local |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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