NCEDA is the primary voice promoting and supporting the interests of economic development in our state. That includes the responsibility for advocating with elected officials, other state policymakers and key community and business organizations.
Through the Legislative Committee, NCEDA takes a proactive approach to working with the members of the North Carolina General Assembly and others within state government whose actions and decisions impact our state’s business climate and its ability to recruit new employers and help existing ones grow. We work with our partners to advocate for policies, initiatives and programs that promote job creation, encourage investment and result in economic prosperity throughout North Carolina. We also communicate regularly with our members to keep them informed about relevant legislation and other news.
Product Development and Site Readiness
- Appropriate $25 million for the Selectsite Readiness Program managed by EDPNC for
the improvement of sites in the program and to allow for subsequent rounds of
statewide applications for additional sites seeking to be included in the program.
Workforce Innovation
- Support the North Carolina Community College System’s Propel NC initiative, which
realigns program funding by prioritizing courses that support high-demand, highwage
fields.
- Encourage state funding to enhance accessible, affordable childcare, which will
enable parents to remain in the workforce, reduce turnover, and promote a stable
talent pipeline.
- Enhance funding to eliminate the skills gap through mentorships and
apprenticeships that will provide hands-on experience, foster career development,
and improve job retention.
- Support state appropriations for completion assistance grants that will facilitate
program and credential completion and result in a better educated, more skilled
workforce.
Enhancing Our Competitive Posture
- Support Western North Carolina recovery and resiliency efforts.
- Provide additional funds for EDPNC to finance their operations, re-start business
marketing and continue tourism marketing campaigns, and to improve sites in the
Selectsite program.
- Seek state appropriations to fund grants for investments in infrastructure to create
additional capacity for new businesses and existing business expansions. This
investment will ensure the state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINT READY COPY OF NCEDA’S 2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS FLIER
ADVOCACY RESOURCES
NCEDA created two informational flyers to help members better understand the NC General Assembly and the importance of building relationships with your legislators:
NCEDA’s advocacy and policy team hosted a ‘Legislative 101’ webinar, focusing on how to be an effective advocate and how you can make a difference for your community! The webinar highlights several important areas::
- The legislative process at the NC General Assembly
- Tips and tricks on how to build relationships with your legislators
- A deeper dive into the 2024 NCEDA Legislative Priorities
- Strategic opportunities to use your voice to strengthen North Carolina’s economic development community
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WEBINAR
NCEDA’s Legislative Committee encourages EDOs to host their legislators for coffee, an office visit or a site tour this spring. Building relationships with our legislators is an important part of the advocacy work we do! NCEDA President, Joanna Helms, recently hosted one of her legislators, Senator Sydney Batch, for a day in Apex!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO
NCEDA’s legislative educational video series, Driving Development, shares more information about the association’s legislative efforts and goals in an informal and entertaining way. All four episodes, plus our bloopers reel, are linked below!
