News & Media

WCED Blog

Our blog discusses everything from economic trends in the area to the assets that make our community so great. If you want a more in-depth look into our community, here's where to find it. 

Blog

Wake Tech’s Growth and Commitment for 2025

Higher Education: Wake Technical Community College  Dr. Scott Ralls President, Wake Tech Community College  As enrollment continues to increase, Wake Tech has never been more committed to the role we play in the lives of our students and the strength of our workforce. We’r… Read more >

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Meredith College’s Growth in 2025 Focused on Access, Academics and Partnerships

Higher Education: Meredith College  Dr. Aimee Sapp President, Meredith College  In 2024, Meredith College welcomed Aimee Sapp as its new president. In 2025, President Sapp will lead Meredith as it focuses on initiatives to grow enrollment, expand academic offerings, and bui… Read more >

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Higher Education: Shaping the Future of Innovation and Growth

Higher Education: North Carolina State University  By Dr. Randy Woodson Chancellor, North Carolina State University  Serving our communities, state and region is inherent in NC State’s land-grant mission. Our university remains committed to driving groundbreaking disc… Read more >

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Cautious Optimism for 2025’s Economic Landscape

Cautious Optimism in 2025 By Ted Abernathy  Managing Partner, Economic Leadership LLC  The past year may be remembered as a period of transition - or maybe even a national reset. Daily life seems to have turned a corner toward normalcy, albeit a “new normal” that bri… Read more >

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2024 Economic Growth and What to Expect in 2025 for the U.S. and North Carolina

2025 Economic Forecast   By Dr. Michael L. Walden, Ph.D  William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University  Growth in the economy continued in 2024. Part of the reason was a change in policy from the nation’s central bank &… Read more >

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Transforming the impact of Racial Equity Efforts in Raleigh-Cary through Data

By Christal E. Carmichael, LCMHC  Division of Race Equity  Program Manager, Wake County Government In a perfect world, we could pinpoint exactly what is needed to address the inequities in our community. We could call out the systems in place and provide a roadmap for targeted ac… Read more >

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Economic Mobility Index and the City of Raleigh’s Disparity Study

By Lekesha R. Shaw MWBE Program Manager, City of Raleigh The City of Raleigh’s Disparity Study, completed in 2023 by Miller 3 Consulting, Inc., had an established purpose to determine if there is evidence showing disparities among ready, willing, and able Minority and Women Owned bus… Read more >

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A Review of the Economic Mobility Index by Raleigh Economic Development

By: Kyle Touchstone Director, Raleigh Economic Development The economic mobility study is a crucial benchmark for Raleigh Economic Development's ongoing efforts. It helps us understand the community's opportunities and challenges, enabling us to take proactive steps toward smart and inclus… Read more >

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Economic Mobility Index and Economic Leadership LLC

By Skylar Elliott Casey Lead Analyst, Economic Leadership LLC When the Raleigh Chamber approached our firm, Economic Leadership LLC, to create a way to measure the Raleigh metro’s performance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) compared to other metropolitan areas in the countr… Read more >

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Understanding the Economic Mobility Index: An Introduction

By Torri Staton, PhD Director of Equitable Economic Development, Wake County Economic Development Vice President of of Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity, Greater Raleigh Chamber In 2023, the Triangle DEI Alliance and Wake County Economic Development, programs of the Greater Rale… Read more >