Former City Manager Curt Walton's new gig

Former Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton has a new gig: interim head of University City Partners, the group charged with promoting the University City area. The group's board formally made the announcement via a press release this morning, after news reports Thursday said longtime executive director Mary Hopper had resigned.

The press release doesn't say why she left. She'd led the group since July 2003, and the press release, issued on behalf of the group's board of directors, credited her with helping promote the University City brand and leaving her imprint on local land use and transportation issues. The board "is grateful for Mary's service and contributions; her impact on the University Area will continue to benefit our residents and help attract business."

The board has contracted with LevRidge Resources for help during the transition, the release says, and through that agreement the board has retained Walton to serve as interim executive director while a search for a permanent head moves forward. The board expects to name someone before year's end.