GROW NC Subcommittee Prioritizes Workforce, Infrastructure and Housing

A state advisory subcommittee guiding long-term economic recovery in western North Carolina identified workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and housing stability as key priorities during a virtual meeting.

The Long-Term Economic Recovery Planning subcommittee operates under the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), established following Hurricane Helene to advise state leaders on rebuilding strategies.

Sharon Decker, senior advisor to GROW NC, told members that feedback on the recovery framework showed broad agreement with its overall direction, with recommendations focused on refinement rather than major changes. Input came from residents, private-sector partners and philanthropic organizations, she said, and highlighted early childhood education and stability as a possible addition to the framework’s priorities.

Workforce development emerged as a central theme throughout the discussion, with members linking it to challenges in education, health care and economic growth.

“Overwhelmingly, health care and education were the top two issues,” Decker said. “Then economic development, with a particular focus on workforce development.”

Infrastructure — including roads, water and sewer systems, broadband access and cellular connectivity — was also described as foundational for rural communities working to attract investment and recover from storm damage.

Housing remains among the most urgent challenges, particularly as temporary federal housing assistance programs near expiration at the end of March, Decker said. She noted that state officials are developing strategies to assist households participating in the Renew NC program and to support those currently receiving FEMA direct housing or rental assistance.

Emergency management officials have requested an extension of federal assistance, she said, but state leaders are preparing contingency plans should aid lapse. Decker said the state plans to coordinate with local governments through the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners to address housing needs at the community level.

Members also cited agriculture, manufacturing, arts and tourism as key economic drivers in the region and emphasized the importance of building on existing initiatives rather than duplicating programs already underway.

GROW NC advises Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, on addressing the needs of communities affected by Hurricane Helene, including housing, infrastructure, small business recovery and coordination of relief funding. The advisory committee launched with two initial subcommittees focused on long-term economic recovery and resilience, with the potential for additional groups addressing housing, behavioral health, or infrastructure as recovery continues.

The Long-Term Economic Recovery Planning subcommittee is co-chaired by David Jackson, president and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, and Laura Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. Its membership includes representatives from local government, education, health care, business, philanthropy and economic development organizations across western North Carolina.

The subcommittee is expected to continue refining recommendations in the coming months, with future discussions focusing on education, health care, and attracting private investment to the region. Another group, the resilience subcommittee, is scheduled to meet virtually Feb. 19.