Heather Horton

The 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) of the State of North Carolina outlines the funding strategy for several significant programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). The state has three basic goals: To provide decent and affordable housing, to provide a suitable living environment and to expand economic opportunity. Additionally, NC identified eight priorities in the five-year NC Consolidated Plan are: (1) provide housing for non-homeless persons with special needs, (2) Housing for household under 30% area median income (AMI), (3) housing for households 31-60% AMI, (4) housing for households 61-80% AMI (5) housing for persons experiencing homelessness, (6) assist with neighborhood stabilization, (7) respond to COVID-19, and (8) address non-housing community development needs. The priorities will be addressed through the identified activities for programs designed to address needs and meet priorities.

The strategic economic development plan for the State of North Carolina, titled "First in Talent," focuses on preparing the state's workforce and businesses for success in the new economic landscape. The plan outlines three primary goals: preparing the workforce for career and entrepreneurial success, preparing businesses for success by growing and attracting a talented workforce, and preparing communities to be more competitive in attracting talent and businesses. Key areas of focus include increasing access to high-quality early childhood education, leading in work-based learning engagement, increasing attainment of high-quality credentials, and enhancing workforce system support for populations with barriers to employment. The plan aims to ensure North Carolina becomes the premier state for talent by addressing fundamental issues such as affordable housing, healthcare, broadband, mobility, and childcare resources.

The North Carolina Taskforce for Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies (NCTOWERS) business session included a thank you to Brian Clark for a tour of the Port of Wilmington. New members were welcomed, and the meeting covered updates on the North Carolina ports, including infrastructure improvements, cargo handling, and economic impact. Discussion also included the port's role in supporting global markets, reducing costs for consumers and producers, and the importance of efficient truck turn times and crane productivity. New services such as the Wilmington Midwest Express were highlighted, along with the importance of serving inland markets and the competitive advantages of the port's facilities.

The inaugural meeting of the North Carolina Taskforce for Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies (NC TOWERS) focused on expert advice for Governor Roy Cooper and state policymakers on advancing offshore wind energy projects in North Carolina, emphasizing economic development and job creation. The meeting included welcoming remarks from the Secretary and Governor, highlighting the economic potential of offshore wind energy and the state's commitment to clean energy initiatives. Introductions of task force members were also a key part of the meeting.

This Innovation Framework for North Carolina addresses the challenge of competing and prospering in the interconnected global economy. It defines the innovation challenge, assesses North Carolina's innovation performance (revealing that the state ranks at or below the U.S. average on several innovation indicators and that innovation assets are geographically concentrated), and recommends a framework to leverage the state's strengths and address its challenges. The framework emphasizes strategic, collaborative relationships with the private sector to identify impediments to innovation and opportunities for coordination. Ten guiding principles are outlined, focusing on leveraging existing organizations, maintaining communication with the private sector, targeting new activities, using a diverse toolkit, and acknowledging the inherent risks of innovation. Five roles for public leaders are defined: champion and communicator, convener and facilitator, funder and policymaker, recruiter and retainer, and evaluator and advisor. Three institutions are identified for leadership and coordination: the Board of Science and Technology, the State Science Advisor, and the General Assembly. Four core innovation drivers are highlighted: research and development, commercialization, high-tech economic activity, and human capital resources, each with specific recommendations for implementation.