Governor Josh Stein delivered his first NC Strong Update, providing information on state initiatives in artificial intelligence, economic development, public education, and disaster preparedness.
Stein announced the signing of an executive order on artificial intelligence, which creates an AI Accelerator within the Department of Information Technology and establishes the North Carolina AI Leadership Council. The Accelerator will act as a center for AI governance, research, partnership, and training in state government. The Council will advise both the Governor and state agencies to help North Carolina advance in AI literacy and deployment. Secretary of Information Technology Teena Piccione and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley will co-chair the council.
“North Carolina will be stronger if we are equipped to embrace the opportunities and take on the challenges that AI presents,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This council will modernize our state’s approach to using AI to enhance government operations, drive economic growth, and improve North Carolinians’ lives.”
“I am honored to chair this council dedicated to strategically harnessing the exponential potential of AI for the benefit of North Carolina’s people, businesses, and communities,” said NCDIT Secretary Teena Piccione, co-chair of the Council. “The AI Accelerator, along with our other initiatives, puts us in a strong position to implement swift and transformative solutions that will not only position North Carolina at the forefront of technological innovation but also uphold the latest standards of data privacy and security.”
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work and industry, and North Carolina has a unique opportunity to lead in this transformation,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, co-chair of the Council. “I’m honored to help guide the state’s AI strategy so we can unlock economic growth, attract innovation, and prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”
In recent economic developments, Stein participated in events marking Thermo Fisher Scientific’s new facility opening in Mebane and Genentech’s groundbreaking in Holly Springs. These projects are expected to bring over 500 jobs to the Triangle region. He also highlighted ongoing efforts related to a Strategic Economic Development Plan being developed by seeking input from residents across North Carolina.
“Companies choose to plant and grow their roots here in North Carolina – the top state for business – because of our world-class workforce, unmatched quality of life, and top-tier research institutions,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud of our state’s strength, especially in high-demand sectors like biotech and advanced manufacturing, and I look forward to hearing from North Carolinians as we chart our way forward economically.”
“North Carolina upholds its status as a top state for business as companies continue to expand their operations across our state,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “We are a hotbed for economic investment, and this new strategic plan will continue that momentum as more jobs, especially in high-growth, high-tech industries, come to our state.”
CNBC has ranked North Carolina as America’s leading state for business due partly to its business-friendly climate [https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/09/north-carolina-tops-americas-top-states-for-business-in-2024.html]. More than 840 life science firms operate within North Carolina employing over 225,000 people [https://www.ncbiotech.org/news/biotech-boom-north-carolinas-life-science-industry-reaches-new-heights]. Since January 2025 when Stein took office as governor he has announced upwards of $19 billion dollars in new investments alongside more than 25 thousand jobs created statewide [https://governor.nc.gov/news].
Stein also discussed progress made by public schools under a new Department of Public Instruction (DPI) strategic plan approved by the State Board of Education. This initiative aims for North Carolina’s public schools to be among America’s best by 2030.
“An investment in our students is an investment in our future, and we must build on the strength of our public schools,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This plan sets an ambitious yet achievable vision to make our public schools the best in our nation and set students up for success.”
“Being the best in the nation in public education is central to North Carolina’s strength as a state,” said North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green. “Our new strategic plan Achieving Educational Excellence is not just an investment in schools—it is an investment in our people. And it is our people—our students; our educators; and our communities—who make North Carolina strong.”
With school resuming statewide this fall season Stein called upon lawmakers within General Assembly chambers urging them toward passing comprehensive budget legislation including teacher pay increases plus support measures benefiting K-12 learning environments.
September was declared Preparedness Month through gubernatorial proclamation emphasizing readiness ahead before disasters occur.
“Being prepared can make all the difference for you and your family,” said Governor Josh Stein. “No matter the disaster I urge North Carolinians take necessary steps stay safe by remaining calm aware situation listening emergency officials having emergency kit ready.”
Stein continues requesting federal funding under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program so local governments can strengthen infrastructure against possible disasters.
