The Pierce Playbook of Modern Day Citymaking

Over the past 12 months, York has emerged as the fourth fastest growing municipality in South Carolina, marking one of the most transformative periods in its history. Anchored by an approximate USD 60 million fiscal year budget, the city has reached new heights in recreation, public safety, and business ready infrastructure. At the helm this development is City Manager Dalton Pierce, whose strategic planning, state appropriations, and disciplined capital delivery have turned priorities into visible projects and operational strength that continues to compound.

Originally intending to study physical therapy at Catawba College, Pierce took an introductory course in American politics and discovered a deep interest in government and public service. This interest eventually led him to earn a degree in political science with a concentration in public administration and a minor in business.

His first hands on immersion in citymaking came as an intern with the Town of Mooresville, North Carolina, where he gained broad exposure to municipal functions, especially engineering and geographic information systems (GIS). This experience helped pace his journey to Indian Trail, North Carolina, where he started as an engineering technician and later advanced to become the contracts and bonds administrator.

Along the way, Pierce completed a Master of Public Administration at Valdosta State University and soon moved to South Carolina, where he served as the town administrator in Blacksburg. The trajectory continued at a consistent pace, finally reaching York in 2020.

Record Budgets to Visible Projects

Since then, Pierce has led with a clear philosophy that growth and preservation must coexist. He has blended modernization with history, pairing infrastructure reinvestment and smart development with targeted improvements in historic districts to ensure the city moves with the modern era while preserving its character. This vision earned York the Distinguished Budget Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for strategic investments in infrastructure, safety, and amenities.

Pierce has guided York to implement its largest operating budget, exceeding USD 61 million, which he has allocated among a few of the most notable projects the city has ever undertaken. A downtown hotel on South Congress Street, supported by county and local incentives to strengthen the urban core and boost tourism. The development of Lincoln Road Park, funded by a USD 300,000 Community Development Block Grant, will connect York High School to the historic downtown with new walkways. The transformation has been noticeable.

Currently, the city is advancing economic and industrial growth through a light industrial park in partnership with York Electric Cooperative, while prioritizing infrastructure upgrades. An USD 11 million expansion of the wastewater treatment facility is underway, and a comprehensive GIS database for water and sewer systems is being developed to enhance planning and long term resource management.

Building Trust, Delivering Results

As someone not born in York, Pierce has centered his leadership on trust built through consistent and transparent communication. He publishes a detailed monthly City Manager’s Report, an annual report, and hosts quarterly “Coffee with the Manager” sessions. Such forums, alongside engagement at council meetings, churches, and local business associations, promote open dialogue. Apart from that, partnerships with the York County Regional Chamber, Main Street South Carolina, and economic development groups strengthen collaboration, while internal performance metrics build accountability.

“Trust must be earned rather than taken for granted. It is important to be present regularly, listen intently, and respond purposefully,” says Pierce.

He visualizes York as a resilient, innovative, and inclusive government ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Recent advancements, such as automated meter intelligence (AMI) and upgraded financial systems, demonstrate the city’s commitment to embracing technology for enhanced efficiency and improved service delivery.

For aspiring city leaders, Pierce’s counsel is to lead with purpose, stay humble, focus on people, invest in teams, build lasting systems, and foster coalitions. With refreshed leadership, updated comprehensive and downtown plans, and ongoing infrastructure investments, he is positioning York as a community of choice across the Charlotte metropolitan region.