Volume 14.2 Economic Development in North Carolina (1988)

North Carolina stands at a crossroads. As its cities experience continued economic growth, its rural areas lag far behind. Decisionmakers face profound choices concerning the allocation of resources among education, industrial recruitment, and infrastructure improvements. Should the state concentrate its resources on developing a “World Class Region” in the Research Triangle or should it reallocate them to bring renewed life into its rural counties?

In this issue, Carolina Planning focuses on the direction of economic development in North Carolina. The unique perspectives of both planners and politicians show a state working to meet the needs of its extremes. Jesse White’s keynote address explores the growing disparity between “two Souths”: one rural and poor; the other urban and wealthy. Representative Josephus Mavretic highlights this juxtaposition in his critique of North Carolina’s policy of “balanced growth”, calling for a more equitable distribution of the state’s infrastructure resources.

Editors: Lynn Favour, Heidi Walter Powell, Paul Kron, and Elizabeth Morton

A digital version of this issue is available here.

THE FUTURE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH: ADDRESSING THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR PAST

White, Jesse L, Jr.

This keynote address, by the Executive Director of the Southern Growth Policies Board, explores the disparity between “two Souths”: one rural and poor; the other urban and wealthy.

THE MYTH OF BALANCED GROWTH: REDISTRIBUTING NORTH CAROLINA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS

Mavretic, Josephus

Representative Josephus Mavretic highlights the juxtaposition between the “two Souths” in his critique of North Carolina’s policy of “balanced growth”, calling for more equitable distribution of the state’s infrastructure resources.

ENCOURAGING BUSINESS START-UPS IN NORTH CAROLINA: AN INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR DICK LEVIN

Powell, Heidi Walter

In an interview with a Carolina Planning editor, Professor Dick Levin describes the role of small enterprises in the future of state economic development.

SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATORS: A TOOL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Atkinson, Robert D.

The author examines the value of incubators as one tool for small business creation.

“FORESIGHT”: CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA PLANNING ITS ECONOMIC FUTURE

Lundy, Thomas

The author documents Catawba County’s development efforts in strategic planning.