Opinion
Why newcomers are choosing North Carolina
North Carolina is clearly doing something right in that environment, as evidenced by the National Taxpayer’s Union Foundation study.
News
Study: NC gains a new resident every 7 minutes
NC is the third most popular destination state in the country, behind Texas and Florida. South Carolina and Tennessee round out the top five.
News
Wilmington ranks No. 4 among small cities for women entrepreneurs
Wilmington’s ranking highlights an overall shift toward smaller metro areas becoming hubs for innovation and business growth.
Opinion
Remote work: Friend or foe
The Research Triangle area is proof that, when done right, remote work can be a net positive.
Opinion
Remote work yields benefits and costs
Remote work accounted for only 7% of work days in 2019. By 2023, the ratio was four times higher. The employment rate for disabled workers also shot up.
Opinion
Downtowns change, like it or not
Four years ago, communities in North Carolina and beyond were reeling from the COVID-induced Great Suppression. After spiking into double digits in April 2020, the state’s headline jobless rate was still a painful 7.3% by August, with some 376,000 fewer North Carolinians employed than on the eve of the pandemic. Central business districts of Raleigh,...
Opinion
NC housing boom: Which cities are leading the way?
While suburban areas across North Carolina are expanding at remarkable rates, reflecting a national trend toward increased suburban living, the state’s large cities are also thriving.
Opinion
Silver lining shines behind failed incentives deal
Allstate's failure to produce new jobs in Charlotte offers more than just bad news.
Opinion
To boost downtowns, make them safer
North Carolina continues to exhibit impressive economic performance. Last year, for example, only five states — Idaho, Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, and Texas — enjoyed faster growth in gross domestic product than we did. Our inflation-adjusted rate of 3.2% surpassed the national (2.1%) and regional (2.6%) averages. Now, it’s fair to point out that North Carolina’s...
Opinion
State ranks poorly on remote taxes
North Carolinians are by now accustomed to seeing our state score well on national rankings of economic performance, cost of living, quality of life, and other measures. But a new study from the foundation arm of the National Taxpayers Union ranks North Carolina a dismal 42nd. No, there was no overnight tax increase while you...
Opinion
Liberate markets to help workers succeed
I have two favorite quotes from Ronald Reagan about the world of work. The first one illustrates his mastery of an indispensable political tool: self-deprecating humor. “It’s true hard work never killed anybody,” he quipped, “but I figure, why take the chance?” My other favorite Reagan quote makes a serious point: “I believe the best...
Opinion
How can we slow the increase in house prices?
In 2020, the average house price rose 11%. In 2021 home prices jumped another 19%. And, if the price gains in early 2022 continued for the entire year, the price of the average home will increase by 28%. Including compounding, this would mean an astounding 69% rise in home prices over three years. Importantly, the...
