North Carolina Economic Development Board
The North Carolina Economic Development Board oversees state economic development research and planning and makes policy recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce, the Governor and the General Assembly. The 37-member Board is composed of State government officials; citizens representing non-profits, economic development organizations and private industry appointed by the Governor; and four members each from the North Carolina House of Representatives and Senate.
Board Duties
To provide economic and community development planning for the state; recommend economic development policy to the Secretary of Commerce, the General Assembly and the Governor; recommend annually to the Governor biennial and annual appropriations for economic development programs; develop and update annually a comprehensive strategic economic development plan as provided in G.S. 143B -434.1
Board Tasks
Consistent with its statutory duties, the Governor has assigned the following tasks to the Board: Act as the Board of Directors for economic development in the State, including providing guidance to the regional partnerships and the Department Secretaries of Commerce, Revenue, Environment and Natural Resources and Transportation. Develop a comprehensive economic development plan including recruitment strategies and incentives; prioritization and coordination of economic development investments; workforce development; collaboration with education and research institutions; coordination of agencies, foundations and boards involved in economic development; and development of future technologies.
Board Members' Responsibilities
Board members are asked to attend at least 50% of all Board and committee meetings. Each board member should regularly attend and participate in the work of their assigned committee. Each committee decides how often to meet in order to make progress on its part of the Board's economic development strategy for North Carolina. Board members should also advocate for the Board's recommendations by meeting with General Assembly members or explaining the Board's position to local civic organizations.