Scattered
You ever have that feeling that we're not all that organized when the state throws money at new businesses? You are not alone.
From an audit issued by the State Auditor today:
"The Department of Commerce does not function as the lead agency for economic development activities in the State. The Department and the regional commissions/partnerships independently set their agendas to market the State on their regions."
Click here for the full audit, which includes responses from the Commerce Department.
So who is the lead dog. According to the audit:
"The Governor plays a key role in determining the economic plan for North Carolina. However, results from surveys of North Carolina's economic development players suggest that the Governor's visibility and leadership could be enhanced by more involvement with the local economic development community."
Or, indeed, being seen in public from time to time.
The Commerce Department's response?
"The Department of Commerce is the lead agency for economic development in North Carolina. However, the economic development system, as it has evolved, is a fragmented one.As the audit correctly notes, the system consists of independent local economic development councils and chambers representing cities and counties, numerous niche-focused nonprofits, allied business like public utilities and banks, independent state agencies like the UNC and Community College Systems, and the seven regional partnerships."