Clayton Launches Study To Measure How Growth Is Affecting Residents

CLAYTON, N.C. — The Town of Clayton’s Economic Development Department is partnering with North Carolina State University on an Economic Mobility Study aimed at better understanding how residents access housing, transportation, employment and other opportunities.

Town officials said the study is intended to help Clayton evaluate how growth is affecting residents by examining local data and community experiences. The findings are expected to help identify what is working well, where barriers may exist, and support future planning decisions.

“Economic mobility is about people and opportunity,” Economic Development Director Joe Stallings said. “By partnering with NC State, we’re taking a closer look at the factors that help residents succeed, so we can plan for Clayton’s future in a thoughtful and meaningful way. This work will help us identify opportunities to support residents and keep opportunity within reach for everyone.”

The study will examine how residents experience life in Clayton beyond broad economic trends. Researchers will explore questions including whether families can find affordable housing, whether residents have reliable access to work and school, and whether neighborhoods have the services and resources needed to thrive.

Town officials hope the study will provide a clearer understanding of how growth is being experienced throughout Clayton and identify areas where gaps may exist.

“As more families choose to call Clayton home and businesses continue to invest in the community, understanding these experiences becomes increasingly important,” Stallings said. “Growth can create new opportunities, but residents may experience its benefits and challenges differently depending on where they live, how they travel, and the resources available to them.”

Learning From Other Communities

According to the Town, communities across North Carolina have used economic mobility research to better understand how residents experience growth and change. While Clayton plans to consider lessons learned elsewhere, officials said the focus will remain on the town’s own conditions, needs and opportunities.

“Clayton’s goal is not to replicate another community’s work but to learn from those efforts while examining what makes Clayton unique,” Stallings said. “By reviewing local data and trends, the Town can better understand its own story, recognize areas of strength, and identify where additional attention may be needed.”

Town officials said the partnership with NC State will provide research-based information to assist the Economic Development Department and other town leaders as they plan for Clayton’s future.

Study To Guide Future Decisions

The Economic Mobility Study is intended to provide a stronger foundation for future decision-making. Areas expected to be evaluated include:

• Access to affordable housing
• Transportation options and connections to jobs, schools and community amenities
• Employment opportunities and potential barriers to employment
• Access to services and resources throughout Clayton
• Strategies for managing future growth while keeping opportunity within reach

Town officials said each of those factors can influence a person’s ability to find and maintain employment, support a family and fully participate in the community. They also play an important role in Clayton’s long-term economic strength.

By studying those connections now, officials said future economic development strategies can better reflect local conditions and the experiences of the people who call Clayton home.

The Economic Mobility Study is currently underway. The Town plans to release additional information, findings and potential next steps as the study progresses.