Governor Josh Stein led a rural listening session with business leaders and local officials in Clinton on March 25 as part of his administration’s ongoing Rural Listening Tour. The event aimed to gather input from residents of eastern North Carolina about their concerns and priorities as the state government seeks to expand opportunities across all regions.
The listening sessions are intended to help guide the state’s efforts and investments in economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, and health care for rural communities. “Rural communities are the backbone of North Carolina, and it’s important that we hear directly from people across our state, including here in eastern North Carolina, about how state government can better serve them and their neighbors to help them succeed,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These listening sessions help us focus our efforts and make smart investments in economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, and health care.”
Stein highlighted several recent initiatives benefiting rural areas. In 2025 alone, more than $12.5 billion was invested with nearly 5,000 jobs created in these communities. The Selectsite Readiness Program prepared industrial sites for development, earning North Carolina the title of 2025 State of the Year by Business Facilities Magazine. Over $136 million was distributed through state grants for housing revitalization and business development projects last year.
Infrastructure upgrades have also been a priority; last month over $472 million was allocated for drinking water and wastewater improvements in two-thirds of counties statewide. Additionally, more than $300 million is being directed toward high-speed internet expansion through federal Broadband Equity funding.
Education remains central to Stein’s agenda due to challenges such as teacher shortages—some districts lose over 20 percent of staff annually—and high poverty rates among students. His Critical Needs Budget proposes raising starting teacher pay regionally while supporting programs like NC Career Launch that connect students with job opportunities.
Public safety measures include proposals totaling $1.4 billion for staffing law enforcement agencies alongside continued use of opioid settlement funds secured during Stein’s time as Attorney General—more than $50 billion nationally—to support addiction treatment services at the local level.
Health care access is another area receiving attention; recently secured federal funding will provide $213 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen facilities serving rural populations.
The Office of the Governor serves all residents throughout North Carolina according to its official website. As chief executive officer, Governor Stein leads execution of state laws while heading the Council of State according to its official website. He has served as North Carolina’s seventy-sixth governor according to its official website, directing policy by managing budgets and granting pardons according to its official website. The governor also serves as commander-in-chief of the National Guard with authority over key appointments according to its official website.
Looking ahead, additional rural listening sessions are planned so that community voices continue shaping future policies.
