Jan 28 2025 2 mins
North Carolina is ushering in significant changes in 2025, spanning government, business, and environmental sectors.
Incoming Governor Josh Stein is taking over from Roy Cooper, who was term-limited after eight years in office, and incoming House Speaker Destin Hall replaces Tim Moore, who led his chamber of the General Assembly since 2015[2]. This transition is expected to bring stylistic differences and potentially bend the state government’s direction, with key issues like hurricane recovery, housing, and childcare commanding legislative attention.
A contentious law, Senate Bill 382, has taken effect, stripping power from Governor Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and State Superintendent Maurice Green. Despite Governor Cooper’s veto, the bill was overridden by the NC GOP supermajority[1].
On the economic front, North Carolina has been ranked as the best state for entrepreneurs in 2025 by B2B Reviews, citing excellent business growth and survival rates, a strong economy, competitive tax environment, and a top-tier workforce[3].
In education, concerns have been raised about Project 2025, a plan that could dismantle the federal education department and gut civil rights protections, potentially phasing out Title I funding and eliminating thousands of teaching positions in North Carolina[4].
Environmental challenges remain pressing, with climate experts warning of the need for major emissions reductions to limit global warming. North Carolina is experiencing rising sea levels, more violent weather, and infrastructure damage, emphasizing the urgency for action[5].
Looking ahead, the state is awaiting massive federal aid to help western North Carolina cope with Hurricane Helene, with state lawmakers earmarking about $1 billion in state money for relief efforts[2]. The new legislative session starting on Jan. 8 will likely see debates on hurricane recovery, housing, and childcare, setting the stage for a dynamic year in North Carolina politics and policy.
Incoming Governor Josh Stein is taking over from Roy Cooper, who was term-limited after eight years in office, and incoming House Speaker Destin Hall replaces Tim Moore, who led his chamber of the General Assembly since 2015[2]. This transition is expected to bring stylistic differences and potentially bend the state government’s direction, with key issues like hurricane recovery, housing, and childcare commanding legislative attention.
A contentious law, Senate Bill 382, has taken effect, stripping power from Governor Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and State Superintendent Maurice Green. Despite Governor Cooper’s veto, the bill was overridden by the NC GOP supermajority[1].
On the economic front, North Carolina has been ranked as the best state for entrepreneurs in 2025 by B2B Reviews, citing excellent business growth and survival rates, a strong economy, competitive tax environment, and a top-tier workforce[3].
In education, concerns have been raised about Project 2025, a plan that could dismantle the federal education department and gut civil rights protections, potentially phasing out Title I funding and eliminating thousands of teaching positions in North Carolina[4].
Environmental challenges remain pressing, with climate experts warning of the need for major emissions reductions to limit global warming. North Carolina is experiencing rising sea levels, more violent weather, and infrastructure damage, emphasizing the urgency for action[5].
Looking ahead, the state is awaiting massive federal aid to help western North Carolina cope with Hurricane Helene, with state lawmakers earmarking about $1 billion in state money for relief efforts[2]. The new legislative session starting on Jan. 8 will likely see debates on hurricane recovery, housing, and childcare, setting the stage for a dynamic year in North Carolina politics and policy.