Governor Stein Kicks Off Rural Listening Tour

MARION, N.C. – On Monday, Governor Josh Stein kicked off his rural listening session series. He met with business leaders, local elected officials, and other leaders to hear their concerns and discuss priorities for strengthening their communities. Governor Stein also stopped by Flavors on Main in Marion to meet with the owners and learn about their experience.

“With more than 3.5 million people, North Carolina is home to the second-largest rural population in the country,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We have more work to do to expand opportunity to every corner of the state because if you work hard, where you come from should never limit how far you can go. I’m grateful to hear directly from some of our rural residents about how we can work together on the issues affecting their daily lives.”

The tour represents the Stein Administration’s whole-of-government approach to rural development. In the coming weeks and months, cabinet secretaries will host listening sessions across the state, focusing on health care, economic development and jobs, infrastructure, and more.