Governor Josh Stein has reflected on his first year in office by sharing a series of events and milestones that marked 2025. He began the year with his inauguration as North Carolina’s 76th Governor, where he committed to upholding the Constitution and outlined his vision for the state.
Early in his term, Stein focused on recovery efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. He met with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Senator Thom Tillis to discuss restoring Interstate 40 and assisting affected communities.
In February, Stein honored Black entrepreneurship during Black History Month in Raleigh. The following month, he signed his first bill into law—the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1—which allocated over $500 million to support farmers, small businesses, homeowners, and others impacted by disasters in western North Carolina.
Environmental conservation was highlighted in April when Stein visited Eno River State Park for Earth Day alongside state officials. He also attended J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival with his son Adam to recognize the music industry’s economic impact on the Triangle region.
Stein continued supporting small businesses in May with visits to local shops such as Flow Handmade Adornment: BODY + HOME in Marshall. He also visited Hillcrest Elementary School in Alamance County to emphasize efforts to raise teacher pay and modernize school facilities.
June saw celebrations at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for its 50th anniversary. That month, Stein announced JetZero Inc.’s investment of more than $4.7 billion and the creation of over 14,560 jobs in Guilford County—part of a record-breaking year that ended with more than 35,000 new jobs and $24 billion invested statewide.
During July, Stein promoted tourism and local business in western North Carolina with First Lady Anna Stein through activities like white water rafting on the Nantahala River and hiking at Catawba Falls Trail. After Tropical Storm Chantal, he surveyed damage at Lake Michael Park and thanked first responders.
As schools reopened in August, Stein greeted students at Washington Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh.
September marked one year since Hurricane Helene; Stein presented Ms. Sherry Logan with keys to her new home through the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program—a program noted for its rapid launch after a major hurricane.
In October, Governor Stein and Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai introduced a Medical Debt Relief Program that eliminated over $6.5 billion in medical debt for more than 2.5 million residents. The month also included community events such as attending the NC State Fair and hosting Halloween festivities at the Executive Mansion.
November activities included volunteering at MANNA FoodBank during a federal government shutdown and presenting state funds to support their work. At Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, he joined airmen for Friendsgiving meals as an expression of gratitude for their service.
December concluded with job growth celebrations at Pennsylvania Transformer Technology LLC’s groundbreaking event in Hoke County—highlighting North Carolina’s role in clean energy development—and family holiday observances including Hanukkah celebrations at the Executive Mansion and the annual State Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Capitol Building.
Throughout these events, Governor Stein emphasized economic development, disaster recovery efforts, education improvements, environmental stewardship, healthcare relief initiatives, community engagement, and holiday traditions across North Carolina.
