In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis sits down with Patrick Woodie, president of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, to discuss the state’s growing population, economic shifts, and the evolving role of rural communities in North Carolina. With over 11 million residents, North Carolina has seen a major transformation, especially in its rural areas, and Woodie sheds light on how these changes impact economic development, infrastructure, and workforce challenges.
North Carolina’s Rural Growth and the Changing Landscape
Woodie provides historical context about North Carolina’s shifting demographics. When the Rural Center was established in 1987, the state had 6.5 million people, and 56 percent of them lived in rural areas. Today, only about 36 percent of the population resides in rural communities, a dramatic shift driven by urban and suburban expansion.
The Piedmont Crescent—an area spanning from Charlotte to the Triangle region—has been the focal point of much of the state’s development. Other metropolitan areas like Greenville, Wilmington, and Asheville have also seen substantial growth. However, Woodie emphasizes that many rural counties have started to see positive population trends in the post-COVID era, reversing decades of decline.
The Role of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center
Founded to support economic development in rural areas, the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center focuses on fostering local leadership, helping small businesses, and ensuring that rural communities have the resources they need to thrive. Woodie notes that rural communities are closer than ever to economic hubs, which presents opportunities for growth, but challenges remain.
One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the accessibility of broadband internet. With 3.5 billion dollars allocated for rural broadband expansion, North Carolina has deployed 1.5 billion dollars so far, making significant progress in connecting rural areas. However, Woodie acknowledges there is still work to be done to ensure every home and business has high-speed, affordable broadband.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
Woodie highlights that while some rural counties are experiencing strong growth, others still struggle with economic stagnation and population decline. He discusses the importance of infrastructure investments, particularly in water and sewer systems, which were built decades ago and are now in desperate need of upgrades.
Additionally, the conversation touches on the impact of natural disasters on rural economies. Recent hurricanes and floods, particularly in Western North Carolina, have left a lasting impact on communities, requiring substantial investments in disaster recovery and infrastructure rebuilding. Woodie compares the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene to Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the long road to recovery for affected communities.
The Importance of Small Businesses and Local Industry
Small businesses are the backbone of rural economies, and Woodie stresses the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in these areas. He notes that community development financial institutions have become increasingly important in providing small business loans, particularly after the Great Recession of 2008 made it harder for traditional banks to lend to small businesses.
Woodie also discusses regional economic collaboration, urging rural counties to work together to create economic development zones. He cites the success of mega sites in attracting large employers but emphasizes the need to develop smaller sites and buildings to attract mid-sized industries that can create sustainable, local job growth.
Education, Workforce Development, and Housing Challenges
Workforce development remains a top priority, and Woodie praises the North Carolina Community College System for playing a crucial role in training workers for in-demand jobs. With 58 community colleges strategically located across the state, rural residents have access to job training programs that help them secure employment in growing industries.
Housing is another critical issue. Many rural counties face shortages of quality, affordable housing, exacerbated by an aging housing stock and the challenges of securing financing for new developments. Woodie highlights efforts to expand single-family and multifamily housing projects, particularly in areas that are experiencing economic revitalization.
Looking Ahead: Legislative Priorities and Future Plans
As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Woodie outlines four major policy areas that the Rural Center is focusing on:
- Education and workforce development, supporting the new community college funding model, ensuring education dollars are effectively spent, and addressing workforce shortages in key industries.
- Economic development and small business support, strengthening community development financial institutions to provide more small business loans and expanding regional economic initiatives.
- Infrastructure investments, expanding broadband, improving roads, modernizing water and sewer systems, and increasing affordable housing.
- Healthcare access, addressing medical professional shortages in rural areas and ensuring the success of Medicaid expansion, which now provides coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians.
Final Thoughts
Woodie remains optimistic about the future of rural North Carolina, citing the resilience of its people, the state’s strong economic growth, and new opportunities for development. While challenges remain, initiatives in broadband, infrastructure, small business support, and education are helping to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities.
