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RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order on Sept. 2 to create an “Artificial Intelligence Leadership Council” and accelerator program, part of his first “NC Strong” update that also highlighted economic development, public schools, and long-term hurricane recovery.
The initiatives reflect Stein’s push to position North Carolina as both a national leader in AI-driven innovation and a state prepared for future storms, even as many mountain towns are still struggling to recover from Hurricane Helene’s devastation in 2024. The governor acknowledged that rebuilding will take years, not months, and urged stronger federal support.
On AI, Stein ordered each state agency to form oversight teams to explore responsible uses of the technology, such as streamlining DMV operations. “If we do this right, we can unlock economic growth, attract innovation, and improve government efficiency,” Stein said. The new AI Council, co-chaired by IT Secretary Teena Piccione and Commerce Secretary Lee Lilly, will guide policy alongside lawmakers and industry experts.
Stein also praised the state’s life sciences sector, citing $88.3 billion in annual economic activity and recent expansions by Thermo Fisher in Mebane and Genentech in Holly Springs. He promoted a new statewide strategic economic plan now under development.
On education, Superintendent Mo Green presented the Achieving Educational Excellence plan, which aims to make North Carolina’s schools the best in the nation by 2030. Stein said boosting teacher pay remains a top priority.
But much of the update turned to recovery from Hurricane Helene, which swept through Western North Carolina last fall, nearly wiping out small towns including Bat Cave and Chimney Rock. Stein warned residents to expect a long rebuilding process.
“This is a marathon. The work will not be done in 2025. It will not be done in 2026. I’m sad to say it probably won’t be done in 2027,” Stein said at the press conference.
He praised nonprofits like Baptists on Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and Samaritan’s Purse for stepping in quickly, recalling how he personally helped volunteers hang sheet rock in a Yancey County home — after briefly misspeaking and saying “Yanceyville.” He was there six months ago, on March 6.
The governor said the state has appropriated more than $1 billion so far for recovery, but only about 8 percent of the damages are covered compared to 50–70 percent federal shares in past disasters elsewhere. He is requesting an additional $11.5 billion in federal support.
“Neighbors have stepped up for each other in inspiring ways,” Stein said. “It’s time for the federal government to rise to that same level.”
FEMA recently released more than $125M to North Carolina, according to a press release from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“North Carolina families suffering from this unimaginable tragedy were cruelly ignored by the Biden administration,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, FEMA is moving faster than ever before to get Americans the relief they need. This move to continue supporting North Carolina victims of Hurricane Helene is a testament to that fact.”
FEMA is reimbursing 90% of these response and recovery costs incurred by the state of North Carolina and local governments. Since President Trump took office on January 20, FEMA has provided more than $322 million in reimbursements to support recovery efforts in North Carolina.
September has been designated North Carolina Preparedness Month, with Stein encouraging residents to build emergency kits, sign up for local alerts, and make family disaster plans.
