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Johnston County Launches Public Sessions to Gather Feedback on Land Use and Zoning Rules
ohnston County is in the process of rewriting its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and we want to hear from you! Drop by any of the upcoming public input sessions below to share your thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about how the UDO will guide future growth in the County. A Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, is a set of rules that helps guide how land is used and developed in a county or city. It combines rules for zoning, building, signs, and land use into one easy-to-follow
Cracking the Code: How to Turn Local Intel into Business Strategy
You’re sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it. Right outside your storefront, in the coffee shops and laundromats and food trucks humming a block away, are patterns, habits, and whispers that—if read right—can tell you exactly what your next move should be. Strategy isn’t just spreadsheets and quarterly forecasts, it’s how well you can read the room, especially when the room is your zip code. It’s not glamorous, but that’s the point. What works in Midtown won’t fly in Midtown South, and your biggest
Triangle East Chamber Names Sarah Moore as New Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Moore as the new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, effective immediately. In her new role, Sarah will lead the Chamber’s strategic marketing initiatives, oversee digital and print communications, and elevate the Chamber’s visibility throughout the region. She brings a unique blend of creative vision and strategic insight, with of experience in promotions, event planning, and community engagement. Sarah previously
The Big Tariff Burden on Small Businesses
Of the 242,515 total importers in the U.S., 97%—or 236,045—are small businesses, according to a Commerce Department report released this year. Small businesses were responsible for a third of the total value of goods imported, highlighting the significant role they play in U.S. international trade. Why it matters: For many of these companies, even a small increase in tariffs can have a profound effect on their bottom line. ‌ These businesses typically operate with tight profit margins and limited
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Johnston County Manager Presents Proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget Summary
Johnston County Manager Rick Hester presented the following budget summary to the Board of Commissioners during the May 19, 2025 Board meeting: Johnston County's proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund budget is presented at $402 million with a three cent property tax rate reduction from 67 cents per $100 value to 64 cents. Since Fiscal Year 2019-2020, the property tax rate has been reduced 11 cents (78 cents to 67 cents). This proposed budget reflects the Board of Commissioners' six priorities,
Signs of Stability in Smithfield Real Estate Market
The housing market in Smithfield and Johnston County is displaying encouraging signs of consistent growth as we progress through 2025. While the year began with less momentum than anticipated, April's data suggests that the market is stabilizing and, in several aspects, becoming stronger. According to the year over year home sales data in Smithfield, NC: Closed sales rose by 31.7% year-over-year, totaling 54 transactions for April. This is a solid indicator of improving buyer confidence. New listings
JCVB Conducting A Resident Survey
We want to hear from you! The Johnston County Visitors Bureau (JCVB) is conducting a short 5-minute resident sentiment survey. This survey aims to educate residents on the impacts of tourism while highlighting its role in community vitality. By gathering your insights on quality of life, economic development, and natural preservation, the survey will aid in balancing residential needs with the interests of visitors and businesses. Upon completing the form at the end of the survey, you’ll be entered for
Calculate How Your Business Would Be Impacted If Tax Cuts Expire
This year, lawmakers have the opportunity to advance smart, pro-growth tax policies and avoid the largest tax increase in American history, which will otherwise occur when key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of 2025. In 2017, Congress permanently lowered the corporate income tax rate by 14 percentage points—from 35% to 21%—as part of the TCJA. To ensure that pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations would not be placed at a
The Case to Establish NC's State Infrastructure Bank
North Carolina’s population and industrial growth are driving increased demand for infrastructure, with projections estimating a population of up to 11.7 million by 2030. This growth calls for innovative infrastructure funding strategies and mechanisms to keep pace and maintain the state’s competitive position as a top state for business. Sustainable resources to support North Carolina’s broad range of infrastructure are challenged by declining traditional revenue streams, inflation, and significant
US Chamber Releases The State of Housing in America
US Chamber Releases Report on Housing in America Housing has long been a cornerstone of the American dream and a vital component of the nation’s economy. Yet, the U.S. housing market is in crisis, driven by a fundamental imbalance between supply and demand. A severe shortage of over 4.5 million homes has created cascading economic and social challenges, from skyrocketing prices to reduced workforce mobility. This deficit, rooted in a decade of underbuilding following the Great Recession and
Town of Wilson's Mills Residents Can Now Use Wilson's Mills on Mail
Wilson's Mills Announces Address Change Wilson’s Mills has experienced a large influx of growth over the past several years and the confusion regarding property owners’ mailing and physical addresses within the town limits has grown substantially. Unless residents purchase a post office box in Wilson’s Mills, the mailing and physical addresses inside Wilson’s Mills have either a Smithfield or Clayton address due to the required delivery from one of those post offices. This has created confusion not only
New Report Details Significant Housing Supply Gap in North Carolina
A new statewide report released on February 5, 2025 shows that North Carolina faces a significant housing inventory gap across all income levels and geographic areas in the state. The gap is expected to increase with projected job and population growth, and if addressed, could generate $489 billion in economic activity and nearly 2.2 million jobs. The research, commissioned by the NC Chamber Foundation, North Carolina Home Builders Association, and NC REALTORS®, quantifies the extent to which current
Smithfield, NC Businesses: News Regarding the CTA, BOI and FinCEN
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Duke Energy Secures Offshore Wind Lease for Carolina Long Bay
Duke Energy Renewables Wind, LLC, a nonregulated subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), has been named a provisional winner of OCS-A 0546 lease area in the Carolina Long Bay offshore wind auction. The lease was one of two awarded as part of an Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf renewable energy auction held by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). “Securing this lease creates optionality for future offshore wind if the North Carolina Utilities Commission determines it’s part of the least cost path
