The City of Charlotte announced the appointment of Federico Rios as director of the new Office of International Relations, a department created by the City Council as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget.
The initiative, led by councilman Juan Diego Mazuera Arias, was first reported by Enlace Latino NC in the article “Charlotte will create an Office of International Relations”.
Ríos, with more than 20 years of experience in local governments, non-profit organizations and the philanthropic sector, will be in charge of this new municipal department, which seeks to strengthen the city's international ties and expand services to immigrant communities.
The designation comes at a time of growth in Charlotte's international population and an increased presence of foreign companies that have chosen the region to establish their offices, corporate headquarters, and business operations.
The new office will be responsible for strengthening relations with international communities, promoting access to services in different languages, supporting the integration of immigrants, and developing a long-term strategy to consolidate Charlotte's position as a city with global connections.
A new stage for Charlotte's international relations
Charlotte City Manager Marcus D. Jones emphasized the importance of having an office dedicated to coordinating the city government's international initiatives.
“As our international connections deepen, we need a dedicated role to help coordinate the city’s approach, build relationships with our international communities and partners, and ensure Charlotte is positioned to take full advantage of its growing global presence,” Jones said.
The official highlighted Ríos' experience in building alliances between the government, community organizations, and the business sector.
The Office of International Relations will work in collaboration with Charlotte's Department of Economic Development to design a strategy that responds to both economic growth international as well as the needs of an increasingly diverse population.
Federico Ríos returns to the municipal government
Ríos expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the municipal administration and assuming the direction of this new department as international relations officer.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to return to the City of Charlotte at such a pivotal time and in such an important role,” he said.
“I am excited to work alongside our community to develop a strategy that continues to build on our strengths and values,” he added.
His appointment marks a return to local government, where he previously served as deputy director of Charlotte's Office of Equity, Mobility and Immigrant Integration.
During that time, she participated in economic mobility initiatives, collaborated with the Mecklenburg County Health Department in the implementation of the Cure Violence domestic violence prevention model, and contributed to the design and administration of the SAFE Charlotte program.
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your trajectory
Ríos currently serves as interim chief executive of the Latin American Coalition, a position he will hold until Friday, October 9. He is also co-chair of the Governor's Advisory Council of North Carolina on Latino Affairs.
Prior to assuming these responsibilities, she served as senior vice president of Foundation for The Carolinas, where she advised philanthropic boards, managed community investment funds, and led cross-sector collaboration spaces through the Robinson Center for Civic Leadership.
Her experience also includes working directly with immigrant and refugee students. During her time at Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, she founded the Newcomer Services Program, designed to support students facing the challenges of adapting to a new country and education system.
What does this office mean for the immigrant community?
The creation of the Office of International Relations This opens a new chapter in how Charlotte seeks to engage with its growing international population.
Among its areas of work are the language accessIntegration services and community participation are especially relevant for immigrant families facing language barriers or difficulties accessing municipal information and resources.
However, the municipal announcement still does not detail what specific programs will be implemented, what resources will be available to community organizations, or how residents will be able to participate in the development of the international strategy.
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Where did the idea to create this office come from?
The appointment of Ríos gives continuity to the decision of the City Council to create a structure dedicated to international relations.
The proposal, presented by the councilor of District 5, Juan Diego Mazuera Arias, is part of the approved budget by the Charlotte City Council and comes after the city approved a $100,000 fund to help families affected by the migration operation carried out in Novemberwhich was unsuccessful due to the established requirements.
Mazuera Arias said during an interview with Enlace Latino NC The creation of this office aims to ensure that the city has better tools to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population and respond more effectively to future emergencies.
“I am hopeful that, with an office dedicated to international relations, the city will be better prepared in case a situation like the one we saw in November is repeated,” the councilman said.
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