Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced on May 20 the launch of the “First in Opportunity” Strategic Economic Development Plan, a statewide roadmap intended to guide North Carolina’s next phase of economic growth and expand opportunity across all regions.
The plan aims to keep North Carolina competitive while ensuring that economic benefits reach every part of the state. Governor Stein said, “The ‘First in Opportunity’ Plan is about ensuring North Carolina remains competitive while creating opportunity in every corner of the state. As our state continues to grow, we must invest in our public schools and workforce development efforts, attract and sustain thriving businesses, and drive economic success for all our people.”
This week, Secretary Lee Lilley and Assistant Secretary Reginald Speight visited Wilson with local leaders to showcase how investments in rural communities are helping drive growth. Lilley said, “Every region of North Carolina must have the tools and resources to foster economic opportunity and drive generational prosperity. The ‘First in Opportunity’ Plan challenges us to develop a dynamic and durable workforce, strengthen infrastructure, spur innovation and entrepreneurship, and invest in critical economic foundations like housing, child care, and health care so communities across North Carolina can compete, grow, and thrive.”
The plan builds on previous strategies by broadening its focus beyond talent development to address evolving priorities such as infrastructure modernization, innovation ecosystems support, community well-being enhancements—including housing access—and workforce readiness. Christopher Chung of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina said: “Economic development is increasingly competitive… The ‘First in Opportunity’ Plan reinforces North Carolina’s commitment to workforce readiness, infrastructure, innovation, and quality-of-life investments – all of which are critical to attracting new investment and supporting existing businesses across the state.”
According to stakeholder input collected through listening sessions led by UNC Chapel Hill’s ncIMPACT Initiative—engaging participants from 91 counties—the plan addresses barriers like affordable housing availability and child care access. Anita Brown-Graham from ncIMPACT Initiative said: “Participants repeatedly prioritized a plan that addressed community barriers… It is gratifying to see that these priorities played a key role in shaping this plan.”
Several projects highlighted during recent visits were supported through state rural programs aimed at downtown revitalization or business expansion grants; for example an $850k grant awarded for Wilson’s Barnes Street Rehabilitation project will create connected spaces including a visitor center.
Wilson County has emerged as a life sciences hub due partly to long-term industrial investments attracting major employers such as Johnson & Johnson according to local leaders. Mayor Carlton L. Stevens commented: “Wilson’s growth is the result of years of intentional investment… We’re proud of partnerships that have helped transform our community…” Assistant Secretary Speight added: “Wilson is an example of what successful rural economic development looks like… That is exactly the kind of sustainable…growth the ‘First in Opportunity’ Plan is designed to support across North Carolina.”
The Office of the Governor serves as chief executive for all residents statewide; it executes laws passed by lawmakers; directs budget decisions; appoints executive officials; holds pardon authority; leads policy direction; oversees National Guard activities—all according to the official website.
