Author Archive
14 Aug 2023
BRUNSWICK RETURNED TO WILMINGTON MSA
After a decade-long endeavor, Brunswick County has been successfully returned to the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This regulatory triumph is not only a significant win for our region but also for the entire state of North Carolina. The exclusion of Brunswick County from the Wilmington MSA has been a longstanding concern for local officials,
12 Jun 2023
2023 REALTORS Congressional Visits
In May, we joined thousands of REALTORS® from around the United States for the annual NAR Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. In addition to speakers, meetings and education sessions at the Washington Convention Center, NAR rented out the entirety of Nationals Park for an evening event with all the members of Congress and their staffs.
12 Jun 2023
Federal Action Clears Path For Wrightsville Beach To Get Sand This Fall
Among the issues we have continued to discuss with state and federal lawmakers is the dire situation with sand at Wrightsville Beach. On the same Wednesday we were in Washington, DC with the REALTORS®, Congressman Rouzer delivered remarks on his bill (HR524) during the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries legislative hearing. Critically important
12 Jun 2023
UPDATE: Brunswick *NOT* tripling development fees as proposed
At their FY2024 budget workshop on June 5, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners and management were clear that they are NOT recommending changes to the System Development Fees as previously proposed. Without our involvement, “excessive” fee increases would have gone into effect July 1 and immediately halted ongoing projects and new investment in Brunswick County.
12 Jun 2023
Regional Leaders Complete Duke North Carolina Leadership Forum
BASE President and CEO Tyler Newman was one of 34 distinguished leaders from Brunswick, New Hanover, Columbus, and Pender counties selected to participate in the Cape Fear Leadership Forum, an important program on how to increase access to adequate housing in the region. Offered by the North Carolina Leadership Forum (NCLF), a program of Duke University,
08 Dec 2022
2023 Legislative and Public Policy Agenda Development Underway
Now that we know the makeup of our County Boards of Commissioners, Congress, and the North Carolina General Assembly for 2023, we can more effectively work to craft our pro-business legislative and public policy agenda for the coming year. We have begun the process of working with our advocacy partners and business members to identify
08 Dec 2022
A Brief 2022 General Election Update
Now that the smoke has cleared, below is a 2022 General Election Update: North Carolina’s open US Senate seat was won by Ted Budd over Cheri Beasley While Republicans now have narrow Congressional control in the US House of Representatives, Democrats have narrow control of the US Senate, regardless of the results of the runoff
20 May 2021
BASE Provides Letter to Census Bureau Regarding Urban Area Criteria Rulemaking
Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE) is a regional business advocacy organization in southeastern North Carolina. BASE partners with organizations like the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington Cape Fear Home Builders Association and Brunswick County Association of REALTORS to advocate for growth and investment in southeastern North Carolina. Since Brunswick County was removed from
20 May 2021
BASE Comments to Southport Planning Board on Short Term Rentals
At their meeting on May 20, the Southport Planning Board is set to hold a public hearing on proposed Short Term Rental Regulations. Prior to their meeting, BASE submitted the following comments: At your meeting this evening, you are set to consider enhancements to the Southport’s Short Term Rental Ordinance. Due to specifics of
20 May 2021
Governor Cooper Continues Lifting COVID Restrictions
On April 28, Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order outlining safety measures for the month of May. Executive Order No. 209 will take effect April 30 and is set to expire June 1. As more North Carolinians get vaccinated and adhere to safety protocols over the course of the next month, the state anticipates