North Carolina Economic Development Handbook, Fifth Edition, 2024

Published in partnership with the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA), this book is intended to introduce readers to the important topic of economic development. It will serve as an educational resource for public officials, policymakers, practitioners, community leaders, and interested citizens across the state who seek to better understand how the multifaceted process of economic development results in new private investment, job creation, increased wealth, and a higher standard of living for residents. 

This handbook provides essential information about how economic development works; the participants involved; and the various strategies, tools, and programs available to those involved in economic development efforts.

The fifth edition is revised and updated to reflect organizational, strategic, and policy changes that have occurred in North Carolina since the previous edition was published in 2016.