2023-03-16 Budget Work Session & Agenda Review
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 681
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Budget Work Session and Agenda Review on
Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 3:06 p.m. in the Harrell Conference Room at the New Hanover County Government
Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present: Chair Bill Rivenbark; Vice-Chair LeAnn Pierce; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.;
Commissioner Deb Hays; and Commissioner Rob Zapple.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
Chair Rivenbark called the Budget Work Session meeting to order and announced that the purpose of the
meeting is to discuss Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget priorities and the March 20, 2023 Regular Meeting agenda.
FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2023-2024 BUDGET WORK SESSION: REVENUE STABILIZATION, MENTAL HEALTH AND
SUBSTANCE USE, AND OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle, Budget Officer Michelle Daniels, and Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer Rigby
shared the following information:
FY 2023-2024 Budget Work Session: Revenue Stabilization, Mental Health and Substance Use, And
Opioid Settlement Funds:
Market Update:
Banking Industry:
Many banks invested in long term bonds when interest rates were low
Sharp rise in interest rates led to high unrealized losses in those bonds (led to loss of
confidence at Silicon Valley Bank)
NC Municipal Bank Deposits Collateralized through Treasurer
NC Management Trust comprised of US Govt Securities < 60 days in duration
Review of Escrows:
Revenue Stabilization Fund:
Asset Composition:
Maturity Schedule:
In response to Board questions regarding the revenue stabilization fund maturity schedule, Mr. Credle
confirmed that the schedule includes everything but the $13 million in liquid assets. The rest of the revenue
stabilization fund is invested in bonds. If the Board wanted to use a significant amount of those funds it would have
to sell bonds that would in turn create other losses if cashed in before reaching maturity.
Investment Income:
Accumulated investment earnings from inception to February 2023: $5.2 million
Projected accumulated investment earnings as of June 30, 2023: $7.0 million
FY 2024 projected investment earnings: $5.5 million
Funds Committed in FY23:
Brief discussion ensued regarding the School Transportation Presence initiative. County Manager Coudriet
explained that it is separate from the afterschool transportation which is covered by the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) funds. Regarding the ARPA funds, some of that money has been returned because it has not been spent. The
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 682
funds being returned still have the ARPA restrictions and the County has until December 31, 2024 to spend or
encumber the funds for contracted services. Ms. Daniels explained that not all the revenue stabilization funds (RSF)
that have been committed for the current fiscal year will be spent. County Manager Coudriet added that funds not
spent as part of the RSF spending plan, will revert to the RSF, not the general fund.
FY24 Estimated Spending Plan:
A brief discussion ensued regarding the non-profit capacity building. County Manager Coudriet stated that
when the Board approved the spending plan it also appropriated an additional $1.2 million to help the non-profit
community go further in its work. There is a cycle of grants being done now as part of the current budget and those
dollars are intended to repeat again next year. He does not believe the grants have been executed yet. Assistant
County Manager Tufanna Bradley stated that 37 applications have been received and there is a committee that has
been put together to review them. The County has partnered with United Way to distribute the funds and they
report back to the County. Final decisions on the grant applications will be made on March 28,2023. Although some
non-profits will also be applying for grants to the Non-County Agency Funding Committee, the grants would not be
for the same set of services.
In response to Board questions about dipping into the principle of the RSF , Mr. Credle stated that if the
Board must use any of the principal it will be very little. The projected accrued interest is $12.2 million, and the
current need is $13.5 million. To appropriate interest, a simple majority of the Board must vote in favor. To
appropriate principal, a super majority of the Board must vote in favor. County Manager Coudriet stated that the
spending plan was not managed to avoid using principal, it was managed to be consistent with the plan that was
adopted by the Board.
Other Community Building Initiatives:
FY2024 Estimated Spending Plan: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds/Fund Balance:
Mental Health and Substance Use Fund:
Asset Composition:
Maturity Schedule:
Investment Interest:
Accumulated investment earnings from inception to February 2023: $0.9 million
Projected accumulated investment earnings as of June 30, 2023: $1.2 million
FY 2024 projected investment earnings: $0.9 million
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 683
FY 2024 Estimated Spending Plan:
Discussion was held about how the clinicians embedded with the 911 Employee Assistance Program would
be to help the 911 operators deescalate the situation with a caller on the line. It will eventually lead to assistance
with mental health crisis on the ground to assist first responders, particularly law enforcement. Regarding the Robin
Hood Road renovations, the amount is just for the cost of the renovation, which for the County is $3.7 million.
Trillium and Leading Into New Communities (LINC) will be contributing a combined $2.4 million. Regarding housing
support for individuals in treatment and recovery, it will be like LINC’s program and The Tides program where
housing and wrap around services are provided for those coming out of treatment. As for a long-term inpatient
mental health facility, Ms. Rigby stated that is something that is on the horizon. The plan being presented is really
for the first year and there is also a need for a youth facility.
Opioid Settlement Fund: Program Review and Joint Elected Sub-Committee Approval:
Program/Initiative: D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education):
Recommending Organization: New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
Funding Request: $60,000 (one-time)
Description: D.A.R.E. has created a comprehensive K-12 Opioid abuse prevention
program. A School Resource Officer (SRO) teaches children from kindergarten through
th
12grade how to live productive drug free lives.
Outcome: Funding request includes training for 65 SROs and four Wilmington Police
Department (WPD) School Liaison Officers (SLO) for a total of 69 Officers and some
materials.
Program/Initiative: Medication-Assisted Treatment (Detention Center):
Recommending Organization: New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office/Coastal Horizons
Funding Request: $182,000 recurring for a total of $910,000 (five years)
Description: Currently providing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals
already on MAT. This is the second phase, which allows for inmates to choose to begin
MAT treatment plan through an induction process in detention facilities. Eligibility is
determined by the Program Administration (Coastal Horizons) based on an intake
questionnaire administered by Wellpath.
Outcome: Individuals impacted by the justice system have pathways to treatment
options. Currently serving 29 inmates. This would add five inmates/week and the Sheriff’s
Office estimates supporting 300 inmates/year.
Program/Initiative: Medication-Assisted Treatment (EMS):
Recommending Organization: New Hanover County Fire Rescue and Novant Health
Funding Request: $520,000 initial and $292,000 recurring for a total $1,688,000
Description: The EMS MAT Program offers an individual the opportunity to begin a MAT
program by offering buprenorphine after an opioid overdose event, and then uses
community paramedics and post overdose response teams to follow up and continue to
provide medication and support until the person can be placed in long-term substance
use disorder (SUD) treatment.
Outcome: The goals of this program to provide a pathway to treatment for individuals at
the time of overdose to reduce opioid deaths and Emergency Department visits in New
Hanover County. This project will increase access to evidence-based SUD treatment to
individuals who may not have access to treatment options.
Program/Initiative: Post-Overdose Response Team/QRT:
Recommending Organization: Coastal Horizons
Funding Request: $250,000 (years 2 – 5) for a total $1,000,000
Description: Post-overdose response teams (PORTs; also called Quick Response Teams,
Rapid Response, Community Response Teams, etc.) are an emerging strategy to follow up
with patients who have experienced an overdose within 24-72 hours. Teams seek to link
the patient with appropriate care ranging from harm reduction services to treatment to
recovery supports.
Outcome: Provides stable funding for an existing grant program and increases the
capacity by an additional 100 people would receive service.
Program/Initiative: Employment Related Services for People in Treatment and Recovery:
Recommending Organization: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Stakeholders
Funding Request: $40,000 recurring for a total $200,000 (five years)
Description: Program offers employment support services to people in treatment or
recovery such as job training, job skills, job placement, interview coaching, resume
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 684
review, professional attire, relevant courses at community colleges or vocational schools,
transportation services or transportation vouchers to facilitate any of these activities, or
similar services or supports.
Outcome: This new program will require a partner and will assist individuals in recovery
to find and maintain a job.
Program/Initiative: Recovery Housing Support for People in Treatment and Recovery:
Recommending Organization: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Stakeholders
Funding Request: $250,000 recurring for a total $1,250,000 (five years)
Description: Short-term recovery housing provides wrap around services characterized by
opioid-free living settings, which involves peer support and other addiction recovery aids.
Provides clinically managed low-intensity residential services for adults diagnosed with a
substance use disorder and require daily supervision.
Outcome: Stable housing for individuals recovering from a substance use disorder crisis.
Program/Initiative: Wrap-Around Support Services for People Transitioning form Opioid
Treatment:
Recommending Organization: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Stakeholders
Funding Request: $250,000 recurring for a total $1,250,000 (five years)
Description: Wrap-around services are any services that are not treatment, but instead
are services that “wrap around” individuals and help them get into treatment, stay in
recovery, or prevent opioid use. Examples include childcare, legal help, peer support,
transportation, or education support.
Outcome: Stable Wrap around services for individuals recovering from a substance use
disorder crisis.
Program/Initiative: Treatment and Medication for Uninsured:
Recommending Organization: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Stakeholders
Funding Request: $125,000 recurring for a total $625,000 (five years)
Description: Provides funding for treatment and medication for underinsured and
uninsured patients who cannot afford them.
Outcome: Treatment and medications for underinsured and uninsured can intervene and
save unnecessary trips to the Emergency Department and reduce overdoses.
Opioid Settlement Funds (Partial Funding):
Additional Programs for Consideration:
Opioid Prevention Public Service Announcements: $25,000 recurring for a total of
$125,000 (five years)
Opioid (SUD) Outreach and Education: $20,000 recurring for a total of $100,000 (five
years)
Totals:
Cash Projection – Opioid Settlement:
In response to Board questions regarding the Post-Overdose Response Team, it would expand the contract
the County currently has with Coastal Horizons. It would allow an additional 100 people per year to receive the
service.
Funding Considerations for Subsequent Years:
Getting Home Program
Pharmacy Prescription Lockboxes and Drop boxes
UNCW Nurse Practitioner Program endowed professorship
Peer Support Living Room
General Fund – Revenue Projections and Continuation Expenditures:
The impact of inflation will be considered while continuing to work through budget development.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 685
Next Steps:
th
March 30 Budget Work Session: New Hanover County Schools and preliminary Enterprise Fund
data
April Work Sessions: Ensure budget allocations align with Board priorities
th
May 15: Manager’s recommendation including Non-County Agency Funding Committee
recommendation
th
June 5: Public hearing
th
By June 19: Budget adoption
A brief discussion ensued regarding a budget workbook with comparisons between the current year
expenditures and what is budgeted for FY2023-24. County Manager Coudriet stated that the Board will get that
detail when the recommended budget is presented on May 15,2023. In response to Board questions about average
daily membership (ADM) for schools, Ms. Daniels stated that the number has not been nailed down yet. The ADM is
paid the same on traditional and charter schools. There is a reduction in ADM paid for virtual charter schools. As for
school transportation, that appropriation comes from the state.
DISCUSSION OF MARCH 20, 2023 AGENDA ITEMS
The Board reviewed and discussed the agenda items for the March 20, 2023 Regular Meeting as noted:
Consent Agenda Items. No items were discussed.
Regular Item #8: Consideration of Resolution Authorizing the Negotiation of an Amendment to an
Installment Financing Contract Directing the Publication of Notice with Respect Thereto, Declaring the Intent of
the County to Reimburse Itself for Capital Expenditures From Proceeds Thereof, and Providing for Certain Other
Related Matters Thereto Not to Exceed $25 Million. In response to Board questions, Mr. Credle stated that the
matter is a standard debt issuance of limited obligation bonds (LOBs) and for the most part is for funds already spent.
STAFF UPDATES
Update on the Western Bank Study. Planning and Land Use Director Rebekah Roth provided the following
update:
Western Bank Planning Update:
Update Components:
When discussing the western bank, the reference is to the area on the western side of the
Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers across from downtown Wilmington between the
Isabel Holmes Bridge (IHB) to the north and Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (CFMB) to the south.
The area is made up of two separate sections, the northern bank, which is north of the
confluence of the two rivers, and the southern portion, the area of Eagle’s Island within New
Hanover County. It is comprised of ten parcels, under nine separate owners. Historically, the
area has been used and zoned for a variety of working waterfront heavy-commercial and
industrial uses.
However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, new plans for northern downtown Wilmington
and development proposals for western bank properties spurred a new vision for this part of
the County. Commercial zoning designation was applied to the Eagle’s Island property south
of the Battleship, and the County worked with the City of Wilmington (City) to develop the
Riverfront Mixed Use District to allow for uses and form that would mirror the development
pattern of downtown Wilmington. This zoning designation was applied to one property on the
western bank just south of the Isabel Holmes Bridge.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 686
This vision was also incorporated into the 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Comprehensive
Plan), which designated these properties as Urban Mixed Use, the highest intensity
designation in the plan, which allows taller structures and a mix of commercial and higher
density residential uses.
Based on this context and policy document, developers moved forward with projects for both
the Eagle’s Island property and a northern bank property in the fall of 2021.
There had been longstanding public concerns regarding development scale, aesthetics, and
historic and cultural impacts of the use of this land due to its high visibility from downtown
Wilmington, but through this process additional concerns came to light.
The conditions for these properties had been changing since 2010 as indicated by both the
NOAA tide gauge located at the CFMB that had been measuring water levels for decades and
by observation, tidal flooding has been increasing in this area at a more accelerated rate than
would be anticipated by sea level rise models.
Staff Work to Date:
Last year, the Board held two work sessions to further consider appropriate development scale
and uses in this area, one last spring that focused on many of the environmental and cultural issues
brought up in citizen comments during the review process for the northern bank development,
and one this past summer that reviewed the potential benefits and concerns associated with a
spectrum of development policy options.
At the last meeting, the Board directed staff to identify and conduct a technical study that could
provide guidance for potential policy updates for this area.
Technical Study Options:
This past fall, the team explored a variety of technical study options related to environmental
impacts, likely brownfields status for the western bank properties, and area hydrology.
Staff research found that without site control or a development plan, the types of studies
generally undertaken for properties like those on the western bank would not provide much
more information beyond what had already been gathered during our work session research.
As has been highlighted in discussions over the past year and a half, technical studies in the
development process are generally geared toward determining the impact of a site-specific
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 687
proposal; they are not designed to provide policy direction. There is a path forward, however,
that is aligned with other work the planning department is currently conducting.
New Hanover County Recovery and Resiliency study:
First, for the past six months, upon the direction of the county manager, a team of staff from
the Planning and Land Use, Emergency Management, Engineering, Strategy, Diversity and
Equity, Finance, and Soil and Water departments have been engaged in a study regarding the
County’s recovery, mitigation, and resiliency efforts.
An equity assessment of past recovery efforts conducted last summer highlighted an
opportunity to better coordinate the role each of our departments play in preparing for future
disruptive events such as major storms and working toward long term resiliency for the
community.
Staff is looking to finalize their report and recommended priorities for ongoing activities and
future steps this summer, and one potential long-term study that has been identified during
conversations related to the western bank could provide ongoing monitoring of the changing
conditions related to riverine flooding that would help identify when there may be a need to
reconsider land use policies for areas affected by that risk.
In addition, the western bank discussion is only one of several land use conversations that have
been occurring over the past few years that have pointed out the Comprehensive Plan is starting
to get some age on it. A lot has happened since the last plan was developed and adopted:
Hurricane Florence and its widespread flooding
Update of the County’s development regulations through the Unified Development Ordinance
or UDO Project
COVID pandemic
Loss of NCDOT revenue and delay of major transportation projects
Completion of the affordable housing study and survey
Examples: new work with CFPUA to extend water and sewer in the northern area of the
County.
All of this means it is time to start to take another look at the County’s policies for the western
bank and for other areas of the County, so staff has begun work in developing the foundational
information necessary to support the conversations that would be part of a plan update.
Next Steps:
Foundational Reports, Research, and Presentations:
This foundational work is anticipated to take place over the next year and a half, would be
aligned with ongoing projects, such as the Strategic Plan update, the Recovery and Resiliency
study, the update to the housing needs assessment that will be presented this spring, and the
refined flood studies that were included in the FY23 budget.
Reports will be developed on population and development trends, the current legal
framework for development, technical issues such as transportation and other infrastructure,
and closer looks at particular areas of the County, such as the western bank, major roadways
corridors (like Carolina Beach Road and Market Street), and the Sidbury Road area.
Reports will identify key pieces of information, implications for development, and
recommended considerations so all stakeholders who will be involved in plan update
conversations have the necessary common baseline of where we are and our options moving
forward, even if there are disagreements to be resolved as to next steps.
If directed to proceed:
While staff will not start presenting these reports until the fall after the strategic plan is
finalized, the study of the western bank will be expedited and is expected to be finished this
summer.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 688
And while the plan update itself will not take place for at least a year to allow for the
completion of the reports and to better align it with the WMPO’s long range transportation
plan update, the Board will be able to move forward with updating policies for this area right
away through the plan amendment process outlined in the UDO, since staff does anticipate
recommending that the intensity and scale currently outlined for this area in the plan be
reduced.
The process for amending the Comprehensive Plan is similar to that for amending the
development code.
Once the report is complete, it will be presented to this Board and the Planning Board. If
immediate policy changes are recommended and the Board desires to proceed, staff will
develop a draft plan amendment, release it for public comment and review, and public
hearings will be held at the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings for inclusion
in the Comprehensive Plan.
Anticipated report components:
Identification of recommended uses: no residential use, limited non-residential uses, and
public and civic uses
Development form guidelines rescale and design
Additional information and studies required for development proposals
Comprehensive Plan amendment recommendations
Recommended UDO updates
Triggers for future policy reconsideration
Ms. Roth concluded the presentation stating that staff is looking for Board direction on whether to proceed
with this path forward. If the Board would like to proceed, the study and plan amendment process should be
complete this fall and any subsequent code amendments by early 2024.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential of acquiring the land on the western bank of the Cape Fear River
and using it for ecotourism, like what the County did with Airlie Gardens. County Manager Coudriet stated that
Unique Places to Save tried to acquire the land and received several acres under contract but was unable to secure
funding for the purchase. It was never clear how much if any, Unique Places to Save would have expected from the
County and the City on the New Hanover County side or what they would have expected from the Town of Leland
or Brunswick County on the Brunswick County side. There is an Eagle Island Coalition that has a vision for an
ecotourism destination in that area.
Discussion ensued regarding the parcels on the western bank. There are a small number of parcels that are
privately owned that fall into the County’s jurisdiction. What many see as the need for conservation is in Brunswick
County or is already under the control of the Soil and Water Conservation District. Ms. Roth confirmed that there
are about eight property owners in the New Hanover County jurisdiction. The zoning applied to those properties
except for the parcel just south of the IHB is industrial so there are still permitted uses for the area. If someone
would want to rezone any of those properties, they may have to wait to find out what happens with the policy
conversations before moving forward. County Manager Coudriet stated that if an applicant did come forward, staff
would either recommend denial, a continuance, or encourage the applicant to hold off until the policy discussions
are completed. As to the future land use map, Ms. Roth confirmed that south of the IHB was recommended to be
Urban Mixed Use which is the highest intensity use and everything north of the IHB was recommended as Commerce
zoning which is basically industrial except for conservation areas along the river.
In response to Board questions regarding next steps, Ms. Roth stated that any change in regulations would
be implemented in early 2024. Staff anticipates providing the Board with a report with their recommendations this
summer which would allow the Board to move forward with making those policy changes this fall. One of the
challenges is that there are not currently any zoning districts that have the mix of uses that is being looked at in the
subject area. Ms. Roth explained the potential for the Board to apply an overlay district to the area which would
have additional standards placed so that the private development owner may be able to choose the zoning district.
However, there will be guidelines and safeguards in place for scale, intensity, and information necessary if they were
to pursue a particular development proposal or use.
Discussion ensued regarding the condition of the properties on the western side of the Cape Fear River.
Brownfields cleanup is the responsibility of the property owner. If the properties are not kept up from a litter,
hazardous materials, or trash, the County can step in from a public health standpoint.
Based on Board discussion, staff will proceed with the study and plan amendment process. Chair Rivenbark
thanked Ms. Roth for the update.
Update on the Chamber’s Branding Study. Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Natalie
English and Chief Branding and Engagement Officer Megan Mullins provided the following update:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 689
Update on the Wilmington Chamber’s Community Talent Brand: Target Market Identification and
Talent Research:
New Hanover County Economic Mobility 2022:
Goals: increase tax base, align target business sectors to existing economic conditions, and
promote higher wage jobs while regrowing middle income opportunities
Key findings/analysis:
Unbalanced economy:
Workers and wages concentrated in higher and lower levels, the manufacturing
middle has decreased
Need to re-create the upward economic mobility pathway for entry and lower level
wage workers
Growing but aging population: need to develop the younger future workforce
COVID-related work disruptions created new opportunities:
Remote working has boosted population growth
The great resignation resulted in many new businesses created
Supply chain disruption reshoring
Limited land for long term industrial and commercial development: must identify and
protect
Primary assets: Wilmington port, mid-Atlantic location, quality of life, Screen Gems and
film workforce, regional raw materials, and infrastructure such as the electrical capacity
and grid
Support assets: small metropolitan statistical area (MSA), small hub airport, UNCW and
CFCC, natural gas availability, innovation network, transportation network, and low tax
rates
Limitations: lack of available sites and buildings, CFMB replacement, need to expand
utilities to available sites, difficulty recruiting and maintaining younger workers and
engineers, aging population, and coastal limitations
Process overview:
Development Counselors International (DCl)'s step-by-step process as illustrated in the
diagram below and has been successful in producing authentic, believable, and distinctive
brands and best-in-class websites for communities across the country
Research and discovery overview:
Four focus groups: community stakeholders, major employers, recent transplants, and
small businesses and entrepreneurs
One perception study: an online survey of working age talent in five "best bet" target
talent markets to establish benchmark perceptions of Wilmington and talent's "path to
purchase for jobs and locations
One target market identification
1,606 people reached: 1,550 survey respondents and 56 focus group participants
Focus groups:
Wilmington was described as dynamic:
Wilmington area focus group highlights:
Major employers, community stakeholders, small business owners, young professionals,
and remote workers
46% of participants rated Wilmington as a very positive place to live
76.7% of participants rated hospitality and tourism as the industry most associated
with Wilmington
52.7% of participants see outdoor recreation as the region’s best asset
39.5% of participants rated the perception of job opportunities as Wilmington’s
biggest challenge
Target market identification:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 690
Recommended target markets: Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and the
Washington-Baltimore CSA
Perceptions of the Wilmington, NC region:
Level of familiarity with the Wilmington region:
Recognition of the Wilmington region on a map:
Perceptions of the Wilmington region as a place to...
Top associations with the Wilmington region (live):
Top associations with the Wilmington region (work):
Interest in relocating to the Wilmington region by state:
Profile of talent interested in relocating to the Wilmington region:
72% are familiar with the Wilmington region
62% have managerial/executive professional/technical job functions
78% live with a spouse/partner and/or children
57% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
Firsthand experience, internet research and media coverage strongly influence
perceptions
For job and career information, company website, employment/staffing agencies,
and postings on national/local job boards are relied on
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
BUDGET WORK SESSION AND AGENDA REVIEW, MARCH 16, 2023 PAGE 691
Wilmington Chamber talent brand taskforce: Corning, GE Aviation, GE Hitachi, Greater
Wilmington Business Journal, Live Oak Bank, MegaCorp Logistics, nCino, New Hanover
County, Novant Health, ThermoFisher Scientific, Vantaca, and Wilmington Health
Ms. Mullens concluded the presentation stating that phase one of the project (website completion) should
wrap up in October or November. At that time, Chamber staff will start talking to the Board about what phase two
of the project looks like and how to work with corporate employment partners to help get people in the target
communities to see why the Wilmington region is a place they may want to live and work.
Chair Rivenbark thanked Ms. English and Ms. Mullins for the presentation.
CLOSED SESSION
Chair Rivenbark stated that a Closed Session is needed pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS)
143-318.11(a)(5) to instruct the public body’s staff concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public
body in a real property matter.
Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to enter into a Closed Session pursuant
to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5) to instruct the public body’s staff concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of
the public body in a real property matter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chair Rivenbark convened to Closed Session at 5:03 p.m. and stated that all persons not Board members or
specifically designated staff were to leave the meeting room.
CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
Chair Rivenbark called the meeting back to order at 5:22 p.m. and reported that pursuant to NCGS 143-
318.11(a)(5) the Board concluded its instruction to the public body’s staff concerning the position to be taken by or
on behalf of the public body in a real property matter.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 5:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kymberleigh G. Crowell
Clerk to the Board
Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
meeting. The entire proceedings are available online at www.nhcgov.com.