Triangle East Chamber Legislative Agenda

TRANSPORTATION:

• Commuter Rail to Selma from Raleigh at the minimum. This is needed for many reasons: first to allow our under-employed, low-income sector to have better access to employment; next to create easier access to expand our areas’ "workforce shed" for current and future workforce needs.
• Don't wait for the full blown 10-year "Cadillac" of commuter rail, work with NCDOT to expand Piedmont service on existing infrastructure now. We cannot afford to wait 10 years.
• Update the Countywide Transportation Plan in 2021 and implement the findings.
• Fund Transportation, both Public and Commuter, through available funding mechanisms that will then qualify the County for Matching Federal Funding.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

• Study a change to a County/Regional sewer/water system.
• Act on the Study's findings.
• Support the update and adoption of a new County-wide Land Use Plan & Implementation.
• Support the recommendations from the BroadBand study with quick implementation.
• Support the study of a County-wide Stormwater Management Plan to avoid multiple duplications.
• Support the continued development of a parks and recreation system for the County.

EDUCATION AND TALENT SUPPLY

The region’s continued competitiveness depends on our ability to maintain and expand a diverse and  highly skilled workforce. Our workforce must combine technical and soft skills and the flexibility  necessary to support regional job growth. To produce this skilled and flexible workforce, we support:

• Expanding access to NC Pre-K programs, targeting 75% of eligible children and support for State  Funding Model changes.
• Competitive compensation for education professionals including non-instructional personnel. ∙ Education and workforce development strategies/services that enhance the talent pipeline  including work-based learning and apprenticeship programs.
• Strategies that align universities, community colleges and schools with existing/future industry  needs, including innovation and entrepreneurship in the education sector.
• Champion connection between educational attainment and digital access—including personal  equipment and affordable connectivity—so that more workers and students can access  education, training, and supportive services online.
• Promote NC Workforce Credentials as validated non-degree credentials in demand by business  and industry in North Carolina.

COMMUNITY SPECIFIC:

• Support and pursue a stand-alone Zip Code for the Cleveland Community of Johnston County.