The North Carolina Department of Commerce has announced a series of public listening sessions beginning August 27, inviting residents to share their ideas and concerns about the state’s economic future. These sessions are part of the process for developing North Carolina’s next Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan.
The events will be held in each of the state’s eight Prosperity Zones as well as in a virtual format. The University of North Carolina School of Government’s ncIMPACT Initiative will facilitate the sessions. Input from these meetings will help guide a steering committee made up of leaders from both public and private sectors as they work on a plan aimed at strengthening communities and growing the economy.
“North Carolina’s economic success is a product of strategic investments in our people, our places, and our partnerships, and these sessions will help us shape a plan that makes us more competitive and prosperous,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, who chairs the steering committee. “We need the voices of people from around the state to help us build a plan that works for all regions of North Carolina.”
Residents are encouraged to attend, including community members and leaders from local, state, regional, and tribal governments; community-based organizations; nonprofits; education; healthcare; and business sectors. Registration is free and available online at commerce.nc.gov/StrategicPlan.
Listening session dates include stops in Durham (Aug. 27), Kernersville (Aug. 28), Charlotte (Sept. 8), Pembroke (Sept. 12), Sylva (Sept. 18), Lenoir (Sept. 19), Edenton (Sept. 23), Jacksonville (Sept. 24), with a virtual session on Sept. 30.
The Department’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division is conducting an economic analysis to provide data-driven support for setting priorities within the new plan.
“North Carolina’s economic future is best shaped by those who live and work in our communities every day,” said Anita Brown-Graham, director of the ncIMPACT Initiative at the UNC School of Government. “We want to hear their stories, ideas, and perspectives so the plan reflects the full range of opportunities and challenges across our state.”
State law requires that this comprehensive plan be updated every four years to align partners across government, industry, education, and communities statewide so all residents have access to opportunity regardless of location or background.
The finalized plan is scheduled for publication in spring 2026 as guidance for statewide action through 2030.
