New Hanover County Fiveyear Plan Focuses On Economic Development, Health And Safety

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – New Hanover County's recently adopted five-year strategic plan emphasizes economic development, public safety and sustainable land use.

At a meeting Monday, July 17, commissioners approved the plan for the 2024-28 fiscal year.

In terms of employment and economic development, the county is committed to helping residents find education and high-skilled jobs, making the area's business-friendly environment.

"The goal is to make sure every resident has the tools to succeed by ensuring that community businesses are supported by a skilled workforce and reliable infrastructure," the county said in a statement.

For this, the district has three specific tasks:

• "To keep the unemployment rate of the state below 0.25%."
• To achieve an increase in the average salary by 1.5% higher than the state salary
• Keeping new business growth within 2.5% of the state
• State sales taxes rose 1% faster than states for the year
• Achieve a positive return on investment in infrastructure projects or financing within 15 years
• Regencies have higher per capita GDP growth than states."

In terms of community safety and well-being, the district said it wants to provide access to physical and mental health care, reduce health and safety risks and strive to make residents feel supported.

"The experience of the last five years confirms that healthy and safe communities are important to realizing the county's vision. Therefore, the newly adopted plan aims to ensure that citizens have access to essential services to maintain their health and minimize security risks."

The objectives set for this include:

• "Subtract the three leading causes of death (under 75) for:
  • Cancer and heart disease - 2% per year, 10% within 5 years
  • Accident - 1% per year, 5% for 5 years
• Achieve a mental health provider ratio of 140 residents/providers
• 90% of calls to 911 are made within 90 seconds
• 90% of firefighting activities are carried out on time and within official emergency parameters
• Residents report that there are opportunities for meaningful connections and community development."

With a focus on sound land use and environmental protection, the county strives to protect natural areas and cultural sites while planning for growth to ensure people have access to what they need.

"The county continues to strive to find the right balance between preserving the unique qualities of our community and fostering a growing and thriving community."

Objectives for sustainable land use and environmental management:

• “95% of the units are within a 10-minute drive of medical facilities, childcare facilities, grocery stores and pharmacies.
• Increasing the supply of housing to the level of one housing unit for every two residents
• Reducing the number of new residential developments being built in areas at particular risk of flooding in unincorporated areas
• Reduction of bacterial pollution of the rivers of the district
• Expanding participation in the district's cultural and recreational facilities
• Residents report that their culture is valued in New Hanover County.

The District Plan focuses on effective district governance, strong financial performance and good governance in line with the motto of the Good Governance Model. The objectives set for this purpose include:

• "75% of respondents said they were satisfied with the level of service in the county and that the New Hanover County team treated them fairly
• 75% of all indicators of areas of interest showed positive progress
• 75% of respondents said they understand the district's decisions
• <5% of controllable losses during the financial year are for high performing companies
• The assessment of organizational diversity corresponds to the population of our region within 5%.
• All KPE of the department have been met with 90%.
• 80% of local officials declare that they have received or are being trained/professionally trained
• Reduce your carbon footprint by 25% across all our properties and fleet
• Reduction of demand and consumption in new enterprises by 30%"

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New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Meeting - July 17, 2023