As discussed in a previous post, local governments in North Carolina have a range of options for working together to provide water and wastewater services. At one end of this spectrum is the ability to create a separate legal entity … Read more

Imagine the following public construction projects: A municipality is undertaking improvements in its downtown business corridor to expand the width of roadways and sidewalks, which will require several downtown businesses to relocate permanently. A housing authority plans to renovate existing … Read more

Many local governments in North Carolina own and manage water and wastewater utilities as public enterprises. These services are costly to keep running, and smaller systems often have difficulty setting rates that generate enough revenue to cover both operating expenses … Read more

A new state law (Session Law 2025-16) enacted this summer will soon require all counties and cities in North Carolina to subject all applicants for positions that require working with children in any way to criminal history record checks conducted … Read more

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has a long history of supporting disaster recovery activities. Most recently, the agency made $1.45 billion available through its 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program (DSGP) to assist communities impacted by federally declared disasters in … Read more

I am excited to share a new resource for governing boards of local public health agencies in North Carolina! Local Boards of Health in North Carolina provides local board of health members with the information that they need to understand … Read more

My colleague Kirsten Leloudis and I are pleased to announce the publication of Consolidated Human Services Boards in North Carolina, a new book now available from the School of Government. Since the enactment of Session Law 2012-126 thirteen years ago, … Read more

The Town of Tamperville, NC disconnects a customer’s water service for nonpayment. Two weeks later, a staff member reviewing usage data notices something unusual. Water is being used at the property, even though service has not been restored. A technician … Read more

The law surrounding property tax exemption applications, already confusing, was made even murkier under a bill recently signed by the governor.  Session Law 2025-20 (HB91) allows for retroactive exemption applications, but only for the religious exemption and only for the … Read more

Beginning December 1, 2025, a new North Carolina law will provide enhanced protections for employees, agents, and contractors who work for utility and communications providers—including those employed by local governments and public authorities. Under an amendment to G.S. 14-33(b), a … Read more