Governor Josh Stein

For the 6th straight year, North Carolina ranks in the top 2 of CNBC’s Top States for Business. In 2026, we’re the #2 state for business, the #1 state for economy, and the #3 state for workforce.

We have a good thing going in North Carolina. Other states want what we have, and we’ve got to keep investing to build strong infrastructure, double down on our high quality of life, and make North Carolina more affordable to live, work, and raise a family. The budget I signed this week is a launch pad, not a landing place. Let’s keep pushing to lower people’s cost of living so we can build a safer, stronger, and healthier North Carolina.