Press Releases

In 2025, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, along with its Rural Economic Development Division and the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority, awarded rural communities across North Carolina $136.3 million in grants to revitalize housing in local neighborhoods, install and upgrade industrial infrastructure, upfit older buildings to attract businesses, and advance projects in downtown districts.

Today Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update to

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 99 counties in December 2025 and increased in one. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.4 percent while Stanly County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.8 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.4 percent.

North Carolina community and economic development leaders will convene in downtown New Bern for the 2026 North Carolina Main Street Conference March 10-12. Registration is now open for the 25th annual meeting where community leaders can gather inspiration, practical tools, and proven strategies to advance their local revitalization efforts.

Today in Enfield, Governor Stein visited the US 301 Industrial Site and highlighted North Carolina’s efforts to prepare industrial sites for development through the Selectsite Readiness Program. For its efforts across the state, North Carolina was just named the 2025 State of the Year by Business Facilities Magazine.

North Carolina has been named 2025 State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine, recognizing the state’s strong business climate and continued success in attracting investment and creating jobs in communities statewide.The designation reflects North Carolina’s performance across key economic development indicators, including workforce and education, infrastructure, business incentives, quality of life, and business attraction and retention.

Today Governor Josh Stein joined North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and local partners to unveil the state’s 2026 schedule of premier events supported by the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund. The lineup features crowd-pleasers that create jobs, support local businesses, boost tourism, and reinforce the reasons North Carolina consistently ranks as a top state for business, workforce development, and travel.

The state’s seasonally adjusted December 2025 unemployment rate was 3.9 percent, unchanged from November’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 9,802 over the month to 5,104,078 and increased 14,611 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 683 over the month to 204,751 and increased 8,543 over the year.

Today Governor Stein visited Bethel to discuss a new grant awarded to the Pitt County town to support sustainable housing reconstruction. Bethel was one of four towns – including Elm City, La Grange, and Nashville – to receive $950,000 in Community Development Block Grants to improve housing and public spaces, helping families build stability and supporting long-term economic growth.

Today, Renew NC, North Carolina’s disaster recovery program, is reminding homeowners in western North Carolina that the deadline to apply for housing recovery assistance through the Single-Family Housing Program is fast approaching. Applications must be submitted to Renew NC by January 31 and can be completed online, in person, or over the phone.