The North Carolina Department of Commerce, in partnership with Governor Josh Stein, has begun work on the state’s next Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan. The process will gather input from residents across the state and aims for publication in spring 2026.
“North Carolina has enjoyed a lot of success in recent years,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We want to keep the economy growing and make sure that Every North Carolinian – no matter where they live – has a fair shot at prosperity. That’s what this Steering Committee on North Carolina’s economic future is all about.”
The first meeting of the Steering Committee for the new plan was held on July 28. This committee brings together leaders from both public and private sectors to develop a roadmap for economic development through 2030. The updated plan follows the First in Talent Strategic Plan released in 2021 and will focus on workforce needs, regional strengths, and key industries including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, energy, aerospace, as well as food and beverage processing.
“North Carolina continues to be the top state for business, but lasting prosperity requires greater growth for all people in all regions of the state,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This new strategic plan will build on our momentum while aligning our people, policies, and places for widespread and resilient growth.”
To encourage broad participation, nine public listening sessions are scheduled across North Carolina during August and September 2025—one in each Prosperity Zone plus a statewide virtual webinar. These sessions are being organized with help from the University of North Carolina School of Government’s ncIMPACT Initiative.
“This process will be guided by the voices of North Carolinians — from rural communities to growing urban centers — and grounded in data that will show where we are and where we need to go,” said ncIMPACT Initiative Director Anita Brown-Graham. “We are committed to ensuring the voices heard are well-represented and every region has an opportunity to shape North Carolina’s economic future.”
Economic analysis conducted by the Commerce Department’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division (LEAD) will inform these sessions.
Secretary Lilley chairs the Steering Committee which includes representatives from business, education, workforce development, local government, and nonprofits. Their role is to advise on outreach efforts during listening sessions; review data; help identify main themes; provide guidance; and offer diverse perspectives for policy recommendations. A full list of committee members is available online.
This planning effort fulfills requirements under G.S. 143B-434.01 mandating a four-year economic development strategy that coordinates government agencies with industry partners and educational institutions so all residents have opportunities for success regardless of location or background.
The finalized plan is expected by spring 2026 as a guide for statewide action through 2030.
More information about engagement opportunities can be found at https://www.commerce.nc.gov/about-us/boards-commissions/nc-economic-development-strategic-plan.
