2026 Legislative Priorities

NCEDA’s legislative priorities for the current session focus on product development, workforce innovation, and keeping North Carolina’s competitive posture strong.

Product Development and Site Readiness

Appropriate $25 million for the Selectsite Readiness Program managed by EDPNC for the improvement of sites in the program and to allow for subsequent rounds of statewide applications for additional sites seeking to be included in the program.

Workforce Innovation

  • Support the North Carolina Community College System’s Propel NC initiative, which realigns program funding by prioritizing courses that support high-demand, highwage fields.
  • Encourage state funding to enhance accessible, affordable childcare, which will enable parents to remain in the workforce, reduce turnover, and promote a stable talent pipeline.
  • Enhance funding to eliminate the skills gap through mentorships and apprenticeships that will provide hands-on experience, foster career development, and improve job retention.
  • Support state appropriations for completion assistance grants that will facilitate program and credential completion and result in a better educated, more skilled workforce.

Enhancing Our Competitive Posture

  • Support Western North Carolina recovery and resiliency efforts.
  • Provide additional funds for EDPNC to finance their operations, re-start business marketing and continue tourism marketing campaigns, and to improve sites in the Selectsite program.
  • Seek state appropriations to fund grants for investments in infrastructure to create additional capacity for new businesses and existing business expansions. This investment will ensure the state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

Need Help?

Contact Liz Dobbins-Smith with any questions:
liz@nceda.org or 888.246.2332.