In a collaborative effort with Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Commerce officially launched the state’s updated Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan on Monday (July 28). The initiative aims to gather insights from residents across North Carolina and is set to be finalized by spring 2026.
The first meeting of the Steering Committee for this development plan took place on the same day, convening public and private sector leaders and specialists. Their objective is to design a cooperative and progressive blueprint for the state’s economic trajectory. This new plan builds upon the 2021 First in Talent Strategic Plan and will address the changing demands of the workforce, regional strengths, and key industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, energy, aerospace, and food and beverage processing.
To promote widespread participation and community feedback, the development process will feature nine public forums held throughout the state—one in each of the eight Prosperity Zones and a virtual session available statewide. These events are scheduled for August and September 2025 and will be conducted in collaboration with the ncIMPACT Initiative at the University of North Carolina School of Government. The initiative is designed to amplify local perspectives, highlight regional priorities, and ensure the strategic plan accurately represents the varied needs and goals of North Carolina communities.
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Governor & Dept. Of Commerce Announces Kickoff Of State’s Strategic Economic Development Plan
On Monday (July 28) in partnership with Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced the official kickoff of the state’s next Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan, which will seek input from North Carolinians throughout the state and is expected to be published in spring 2026.
The inaugural meeting of the Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan Steering Committee was Monday, bringing together leaders and experts from across the public and private sectors to chart a collaborative, forward-looking roadmap for North Carolina’s economic future. The plan, which updates and succeeds the First in Talent Strategic Plan released in 2021, will reflect the state’s evolving workforce needs, regional assets, and priority industry clusters such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, energy, aerospace, and food and beverage processing.
To ensure broad engagement and community input, the planning process will include nine public listening sessions across the state — one in each of the eight Prosperity Zones, plus a statewide virtual webinar — held in August and September 2025. These sessions will be facilitated in partnership with the University of North Carolina School of Government’s ncIMPACT Initiative to elevate local voices, identify regional priorities, and ensure the strategic plan reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of communities across North Carolina.