Equitable Economic Development

What is Equitable Economic Development?

Equitable economic development unlocks the full potential of the local economy by dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities for lower-income citizens and communities of emphasis. Wake County Economic Development has worked closely with Wake County Government to better understand Wake County’s most vulnerable communities and how to support and promote economic mobility for these targeted growth areas. WCED has recognized that as Wake County continues to grow in terms of population and wealth, there are areas within the county that are not experiencing the benefits of this growth.

Targeted Growth Areas Map

In collaboration with Wake County leaders and RTI International, WCED worked to identify portions of the county as “targeted areas for economic growth.” These communities were identified by using an index provided by the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey that measures poverty, unemployment, demographics, housing, and education. Once the communities were identified, WCED expanded its scope to focus on community sustainability and place/people-based strategies within those communities.

Explore the Map

Program of Work

Equitable economic development is a necessary strategy to have in place as the surrounding community grows at a fast pace. All citizens must be given the opportunity to thrive as a result of growth, new jobs, and investment. A comprehensive program of work has been created to act as the foundation for WCED’s focus on equitable economic development. The program of work efforts include:

As a result of this ongoing strategy for equitable economic development, on Oct. 1, 2018, Wake County Commissioners voted to amend the Wake County Business Investment Grant policy. With this vote, the county has added a new tier to the existing incentive policy focused on “Targeted Growth Areas.” This amendment further promotes and addresses equitable economic development in Wake County’s most vulnerable communities and looks to support development, job growth, and investment in these targeted growth areas.

Learn More About Incentives

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Opportunity Zones

Economic Mobility Index

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Please Contact Dr. Torri A. Staton

Director of Equitable Economic Development, Wake County Economic Development
Vice President, Economic Mobility and Inclusivity, Greater Raleigh Chamber
tstaton@raleighchamber.org

Email Torri