Josh Stein — public schedule

Goldhofer Inc. Selects Hickory for Its U.S. Headquarters and First North American Production Facility

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Goldhofer Inc. Selects Hickory for Its U.S. Headquarters and First North American Production Facility

Release Date

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

sengel Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:02

Today Governor Josh Stein announced Goldhofer Inc., a global manufacturer of heavy transport and airport ground support equipment, will create 80 new jobs in Catawba County. The German company says it will invest more than $19.5 million to build its first North American assembly and production facility in Hickory.

“We are delighted to welcome Goldhofer to Catawba County,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina has more advanced manufacturing talent than any other state in the Southeast, offering global companies a skilled workforce, a strong ecosystem for innovation, and a great business climate for growth.”

With roots tracing back to 1705 and formal establishment in 1946, Goldhofer has grown from a small forge operation into an internationally recognized leader in premium transport solutions. Headquartered in Memmingen, Germany, the company employs approximately 1,000 people globally and generates annual sales of more than $350 million, with manufacturing, service, and sales operations spanning Europe, North America, India, and the Middle East. Goldhofer’s product portfolio includes heavy-duty mechanical and self-propelled trailers for demanding industrial loads along with airport technology products, including towbarless aircraft tractors used by major airlines worldwide.

The new Hickory facility will be constructed at Trivium Corporate Center, with an initial 80,000-square-foot production hall.

“When we thought about where Goldhofer needs to grow in North America, North Carolina kept rising to the top. Skilled people, solid infrastructure, and a business environment that supports manufacturing. We’re committing to the US for the long haul, and Hickory is where we will start the next chapter,” said David Weinmann, CEO of Goldhofer Inc.

“German companies and North Carolina share a commitment to workforce development,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Combined with our East Coast location and our exceptional quality of life, our continued investments in talent and innovation position North Carolina to attract and grow foreign investment for years to come.”

The new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $4.7 million for the region.

A performance-based grant of $200,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company establish in North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“This is an outstanding win for Catawba County and the entire state of North Carolina,” said N.C. Senator Mark Hollo. “Goldhofer will be in great company in Hickory and will join a stellar corporate community that is poised to support them for many years to come.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Community College System, Catawba Valley Community College, Catawba County, Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Hickory.

Governor Stein Takes Action on One Bill

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Governor Stein Takes Action on One Bill

Release Date

Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:00

sengel Mon, 06/29/2026 - 15:46

Today Governor Stein signed Senate Bill 858 into law.

Governor Stein Announces Application for Western North Carolina Multi-Family Housing Construction and Repair Program

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Governor Stein Announces Application for Western North Carolina Multi-Family Housing Construction and Repair Program

Release Date

Thu, 06/25/2026 - 12:00

sengel Thu, 06/25/2026 - 14:06

Today the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) announced a first-round Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), making $70 million in federal funding available to help increase the availability of safe and affordable rental housing in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

“Hurricane Helene destroyed thousands of rental properties. Western North Carolinians need safe places to live," said Governor Josh Stein. “Through this new Renew NC program, we will build safe, affordable rental housing that will provide families with stable homes and strengthen the long-term resilience of the region."Through this new Renew NC program, we will build safe, affordable rental housing that will provide families with stable homes and strengthen the long-term resilience of the region.”

The Renew NC Multi-Family Construction and Repair (MCR) Program is intended to serve multi-family rental properties with five or more rental units and includes the rehabilitation or development and construction of new rental housing stock. The Non-Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (Non-LIHTC) track addresses potential projects that do not qualify for or receive LIHTC under the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s (NCHFA) 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan.

Renew NC is North Carolina’s long-term disaster recovery effort, committed to rebuilding impacted communities stronger so they are more resilient against future storms. Renew NC is administered through the North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Community Revitalization, funded by a $1.4 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The MCR Program will fund projects in HUD-identified and State-identified Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas, including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (28214 ZIP code only), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey counties.

“Expanding access to quality rental housing is critical to western North Carolina’s economic recovery and future growth,” said NC Commerce Sec. Lee Lilley. “With more affordable housing, we’re building better more durable communities and creating stronger foundations for economic opportunity.”

Eligible applicants for the MCR Program with non-LIHTC projects include for-profit and non-profit developers, public housing authorities, local governments, and joint ventures between these entities.

Potential applicants can learn more about how to access and submit an application at the commercerecovery.nc.gov website. Proposals will be competitively scored based on applicant capacity, community need, soundness of development approach, leveraged resources, and projected long-term outcomes. Projects will be ranked by total score, with awards made to the highest-ranking projects, subject to threshold compliance, readiness, and availability of funds.

Award amounts will range from $500,000 to $15 million per project. Eligible activities will include, but not be limited to:

New construction of multi-family rental units;
Substantial rehabilitation of existing rental units;
Related site preparation and infrastructure improvements;
Soft costs such as architectural and engineering fees;
Compliance with HUD environmental, construction, and accessibility requirements.

All projects must be tied to Hurricane Helene recovery and meet HUD and federal program requirements. Applicants must agree to provide affordable rent rates for a 20-year period following program construction to be considered for award.

“This is our third Renew NC program dedicated to supporting housing recovery in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene,” said Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary of Community Revitalization. "With the Multi-Family Construction and Repair Program, we're excited to extend the reach of disaster recovery to families in need of safe and affordable housing."

The application period opens on June 25, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026. To view the full NOFO, including additional information about eligibility criteria, scoring methodology, and application materials, visit the commercerecovery.nc.gov website.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to complete an online prescreening prior to submitting an application. While not required, prescreening helps assess project and organizational readiness before entering the competitive application process.

Additional Renew NC disaster recovery programs

Currently, Renew NC is accepting applications its Small Rental Rehabilitation (SRR) Program and Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) Program, as well. Funded with $57.4 million in CDBG-DR grant funds, the SRR program can help eligible rental property owners (landlords) repair, reconstruct, or replace rental properties with four or fewer units that were damaged by Hurricane Helene. The CDR Program is designed to help eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations revitalize designated commercial districts damaged by Helene. Applications are open now through August 4, 2026.

To learn more about these Renew NC programs and apply online, visit the commercerecovery.nc.gov website.

Governor Stein Highlights Power of State Investments to Provide Clean Water

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Governor Stein Highlights Power of State Investments to Provide Clean Water

Release Date

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 12:00

sengel Wed, 06/24/2026 - 15:21

Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited a home in Wilmington to highlight how state investments are helping North Carolinians address PFAS contamination and access clean, safe drinking water. Governor Stein visited with the Moore family, homeowners whose well water was found to be polluted with PFOA and PFOS. Through DEQ’s Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund, the Moores received a water filtration system that supplies their house with clean, uncontaminated water. Governor Stein’s advocacy comes as last month, the EPA announced it would be eliminating limits on four PFAS chemicals in drinking water, including GenX.

“People need clean water. It’s essential to our health and economic growth,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina has taken meaningful steps to strengthen our water infrastructure. Now more than ever, we need to double down on these investments to keep treating contaminated wells so that when people turn on their tap at home, they are confident that their water is safe and clean.”

“Forever chemicals like PFAS cause serious health problems, and one out of three North Carolinians currently drinks water with PFAS levels that exceed upcoming federal health standards,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “The most effective way to protect public health is to set limits on the discharge of these pollutants so that all North Carolinians can have the safe drinking water they deserve and expect.”

Since taking office, Governor Stein has advanced more than $1.6 billion in water infrastructure projects to strengthen drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and reduce contamination by forever chemicals. As Attorney General, Governor Stein sued DuPont and Chemours for contaminating the Cape Fear River with forever chemicals, and he filed lawsuits against more than a dozen manufacturers for polluting communities across the state.

Governor Stein’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to keep North Carolina strong includes investments that ensure access to clean and safe drinking water. The budget bolsters residents’ access to clean water with $25 million in grant funds to respond to contaminated wells and distressed water and wastewater systems along with $45 million in matching funds to draw down federal funding for clean drinking water. Governor Stein’s budget also recommends $4 million to expand PFAS testing in the coming year, which would lower the cost of water treatment for families.

DEQ continues to hold Chemours accountable for discharging PFAS to the environment under the 2019 consent order, which requires Chemours to treat PFAS in groundwater at its Fayetteville Works Site in Bladen County prior to discharging to the Cape Fear River. DEQ also has worked collaboratively with other companies such as landfill operators to install treatment systems to remove PFAS from landfill wastewater so the contaminants do not reach treatment plants. Protecting drinking water supplies from PFAS, including private wells, is an integral part of the State’s strategy to remove PFAS from North Carolina waters, but eliminating the contaminants at the source remains DEQ’s key priority.

NCDHHS, NCDIT Announce Three Programs to Improve Health Care as Part of North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

NCDHHS, NCDIT Announce Three Programs to Improve Health Care as Part of North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program

Release Date

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 12:00

sengel Wed, 06/24/2026 - 10:08

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology today announced three new programs to improve the digital infrastructure of rural health care through new digital solutions and tools. This partnership advances statewide implementation of NC’s Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) digital health and technology initiative, funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“All North Carolinians should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Technology has immense potential to deliver, and thanks to the strong partnership between DIT and DHHS, we are moving closer to building a North Carolina that is healthier in every single community.”

“I am grateful for the partnership with NCDIT that will increase access to care for millions of people in rural North Carolina,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We are bridging gaps in underserved communities and modernizing services so everyone gets the care they need, when and where they need it.”

“Through this partnership, we are putting the state’s technology expertise to work for North Carolina’s rural communities,” said NC Department of Information Technology Secretary Nate Denny. “By strengthening health information exchange, investing in new digital solutions and tools, and expanding digital health literacy, we are making it easier for providers to deliver high-quality, coordinated care and for people to confidently navigate their health online. These investments ensure that no matter where you live in North Carolina, you can benefit from modern, secure, and connected health care.”

NCDHHS and NCDIT are launching the Rural Health Innovation Fund, expanding provider agreements with NC HealthConnex and improving digital health literacy. Together, these agreements represent a coordinated statewide effort to modernize rural health care delivery, strengthen digital health capacity, and expand access to emerging technologies.

Rural Health Innovation Fund Administration

This program establishes the new Rural Health Innovation Fund — a statewide investment fund that will distribute $20 million annually for up to five years to help rural providers assess digital needs and modernize infrastructure. The fund will launch this fall and will provide an opportunity to test and scale new digital solutions and emerging technologies to improve care, streamline workflows, and enhance patient engagement. More information for providers will be available leading up to the launch date.

Health Information Exchange Connectivity and Training

This program supports connecting rural health care providers to the NC Health Information Exchange Network (NC HealthConnex) and provides operational, technical, and financial support for establishing and sustaining connections. NC HealthConnex is North Carolina’s secure, state-designated health information exchange that enables doctors, hospitals, and other care providers to quickly access and share medical records to help improve care coordination. The program includes establishing new connections and upgrading existing connections to the platform to improve statewide data quality, availability, and timeliness. This partnership will help rural providers adopt the latest technology and tools for information exchange and clinical decision support, enabling data-driven care.

Digital Health Literacy

This program expands access to digital health literacy for rural residents through online, phone-based, and in-person supports. It builds on the NC 211 Digital Navigation Program, which provides multilingual assistance, one-on-one training, and digital skills resources for North Carolina communities. Starting on July 1, 2026, when a caller dials 211, they will be able to connect to a Digital Health Navigator for support from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program will empower rural residents to more fully access care online and participate in the rapidly advancing digital world.

For more information, visit the NC Rural Health Transformation Program website and the NCRHTP Initiative Six webpage.

Stevens Amendment Disclosure: This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $213,008,356.47 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Governor Stein Reacts to Override of Vetoes

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Governor Stein Reacts to Override of Vetoes

Release Date

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 12:00

sengel Wed, 06/24/2026 - 16:46

Today Governor Stein released the statement below in reaction to the override of his vetoes on Senate Bill 153, Senate Bill 558, Senate Bill 227, and House Bill 171:

"As the legislature leaves teachers and law enforcement officers waiting for hard-earned and desperately needed pay raises, members of the General Assembly are stoking the culture wars that divide us rather than fulfilling their long-overdue responsibility of passing a budget. It's time for them to do their jobs for the people of North Carolina. Instead, they are overriding my veto on bills to whitewash the diversity that makes our state strong and to take state law enforcement officers away from their existing state duties, forcing them to act as federal immigration agents."

What They’re Saying: Western North Carolina Leaders Back Governor Stein’s Call for Federal Government to Recommit to Helene Recovery

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

What They’re Saying: Western North Carolina Leaders Back Governor Stein’s Call for Federal Government to Recommit to Helene Recovery

Release Date

Tue, 06/23/2026 - 12:00

sengel Tue, 06/23/2026 - 14:26

Last week in Washington, D.C., Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Senator Kevin Corbin met with the state’s Congressional delegation to urge them to appropriate more than $10 billion in additional funding for western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. The Governor’s June 2026 request prioritizes rebuilding damaged homes, strengthening water and wastewater systems, restoring local roads and dams, and supporting the small businesses that power the region’s economy. Governor Stein reiterated these requests at today’s Western North Carolina Recovery Advisory Committee.

North Carolina has led the way in Helene recovery, committing roughly $2.4 billion in direct state appropriations – the most the state has ever dedicated to a single disaster – and redirecting more than $2 billion beyond that. But Helene caused nearly $60 billion in estimated damages, and significant needs remain. Local leaders, business advocates, and elected officials across the region are highlighting their support for the Governor’s request. Read their perspectives below:

Mayor Aaron Haynie, Town of Marshall: “Hurricane Helene left behind unprecedented damage across our community. The residents and business owners of Marshall have shown remarkable determination to rebuild and come back stronger than before the flood. We’re grateful for the state and federal support received so far, but significant needs remain. Addressing those gaps will be the difference in a recovery that barely gets us by or that truly ensures a place for future generations in Marshall.”

Mayor Zeb Smathers, Town of Canton: “In Canton, we’ve lived through Tropical Storm Fred, a mill closure, and Helene. And we’re still pushing forward because the mountain people have a stubborn resilience you can’t manufacture. Governor Stein’s trip to Washington last week mattered because he's telling our delegation the straight truth: that progress is being made by our citizens, but it isn't finished. For example, in Canton we’re opening businesses back and building a wastewater treatment plant that for the first time in our history will allow us to control our own destiny. But none of that happens without partners in Raleigh and Washington who keep their promises. I’m asking our federal delegation to deliver on the Governor’s request. The people of Western North Carolina don't deserve good; they deserve great. And after everything they’ve been through, it’s time we meet the moment and give us the resources to finish the job.”

Commissioner Todd McNeill, Ashe County: “I have personally witnessed the best in people as folks have come out of the woodwork to help in our time of need. As a county commissioner, I have been part of the bipartisan effort of our local officials, Governor, General Assembly, and members of our Congressional delegation to make sure our region is supported. The additional federal funding requested by Governor Stein is essential to getting people back in homes, supporting small businesses, and helping our region rebuild.”

Senator Kevin Corbin, North Carolina Senate: “I was glad to join Governor Stein in Washington, D.C., last week in urging Congress to provide the additional resources needed to help our mountain communities fully recover. We’re grateful for the federal support provided by Congress and the Trump Administration, and the General Assembly has appropriated more than $2 billion for Helene recovery. But the needs remain substantial, and additional federal support is essential to our region’s recovery.”

Representative Lindsey Prather, North Carolina House District 115: “Every single day in Western North Carolina, families are still deciding whether to stay, rebuild, or start over somewhere else. We have businesses that are deciding whether to hang on or close the doors for good. That math doesn't change until the funding does. Governor Stein went to Washington with a request grounded in nine months of hard data: where the work is done, where it isn’t, and exactly what it costs to finish. The state has stepped up. Renew NC is rebuilding homes faster than almost any program in the country. But the gap is real. We have thousands of families still waiting on a home, and small businesses in Buncombe [County] and across the mountains can’t survive another year of uncertainty. I am asking our Congressional delegation, Republican and Democrat, to fund the Governor’s request. It isn’t too late for Western North Carolina, but the window is closing.”

David Jackson, President & CEO, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce: “While Western North Carolina’s small business community is working to get stronger every day, the continued lag on our economy from Helene is still very much felt, especially when combined with our current set of prevailing economic factors. Many businesses across the region depleted their savings and took on additional loans in order to get back to some form of operation after the storm, which still has a real impact on cash flow, ordering, and hiring today. Every disruption is a magnified disruption at this point, so when our hurricane economic drag is combined with high gas prices, less discretionary spending, and global belt tightening, the compound effect leaves very little wiggle room for businesses to operate with confidence or certainty. We appreciate Governor Stein, the North Carolina General Assembly, and members of the North Carolina Legislative Delegation for remaining creative when it comes to finding a path toward small business support. These businesses aren’t looking for a handout; they are looking for help in restoring their cushion so these economic fluctuations don’t have such a drastic impact. Anyone willing to walk inside one of these businesses knows they are worth helping and rank high on the list of what makes this region such a special place within our state.”

Dee Dee Perkins, Owner of D.D. Bullwinkle’s Outdoors (Brevard Co.): “We’ve made progress, and I’m proud of what our communities have fought to rebuild, but the depth of need that remains demands bold action from our federal partners. The people of Western North Carolina wake up every single day still carrying the weight of what Helene took from them. They lost their homes, their businesses, their sense of normalcy. The road back is longer and harder than most people realize, and you cannot bootstrap your way out of a disaster of this scale without real, sustained federal support. Governor Stein's $10 billion request reflects the true depth of what this region lost and what it will take to genuinely recover, not just survive. I urge Washington to answer that call because the families and business owners of WNC have already waited long enough.”

Click here to read Governor Stein’s letter to the North Carolina Congressional delegation.

Governor Stein Takes Action on Six Bills

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Governor Stein Takes Action on Six Bills

Release Date

Mon, 06/22/2026 - 12:00

sengel Mon, 06/22/2026 - 16:00

Today Governor Stein signed six bills into law.

Governor Stein made the following statement on signing Senate Bill 695:

“As housing costs continue to rise, this law encourages partnership between local governments and developers to increase housing availability and affordability for North Carolinians.”

Governor Stein made the following statement on signing Senate Bill 401:

“Agriculture is a key driver of North Carolina’s economy, and I appreciate the General Assembly’s collaboration on this law. I am grateful that it strengthens the preservation of North Carolina’s natural and agricultural lands by extending conservation tax credits until 2031.”

Governor Stein also signed the following bills:

House Bill 258
House Bill 315
House Bill 536
Senate Bill 484

Governor Stein, Secretary Wooten Celebrate the Kickoff of Governor’s School Supply for North Carolina Schools

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Governor Stein, Secretary Wooten Celebrate the Kickoff of Governor’s School Supply for North Carolina Schools

Release Date

Mon, 06/22/2026 - 12:00

sengel Mon, 06/22/2026 - 13:50

Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Revenue Secretary McKinley Wooten Jr. celebrated the kickoff of the annual Governor's School Supply Drive. Secretary Wooten represented Governor Stein in joining educators, advocates, and community partners, including State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU), at SECU's Salisbury Street office for the kickoff event.

“Students learn better in a classroom that is equipped with the tools they need to succeed,” said Governor Josh Stein. “By donating supplies, we can provide foundational materials that will help set our kids up for another successful school year and relieve teachers of that burden.”

“When we invest in students, we invest in our communities, our workforce, and our future,” said Secretary of Revenue McKinley Wooten. “Every contribution, no matter the size, sends a powerful message of commitment and support to the educators and children of our great state.”

This is the eighth year that the Office of the Governor has held this event to encourage North Carolinians to donate school supplies to local classrooms. From June 29 to July 31, donation boxes will be placed at all of SECU’s 275 branch locations for those interested in participating. The Office of the Governor and cabinet agencies will also collect donations throughout the supply drive. In partnership with SECU, the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association (NCPTA), Boys & Girls Clubs of North Carolina, and Communities in Schools of North Carolina, the Governor’s Office will donate supplies to students in need across the state.

Governor Stein is committed to investing in North Carolina’s public schools. In April, Governor Stein announced his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to keep North Carolina strong that includes investments to help recruit excellent teachers, improve student outcomes, and support student safety and well-being. To reduce the personal financial strain on educators, the budget proposal also includes a $300 tax-deductible supply stipend to offset out-of-pocket costs teachers cover for classroom materials and restores a back-to-school sales tax holiday. The budget proposal raises starting teacher salaries to the highest in the Southeast, significantly raises pay for all teachers, restores master’s pay for veteran teachers, and invests in programs that work, such as the Science of Reading and Advanced Teaching Roles programs.

The Governor’s budget proposal also makes meaningful capital investments to ensure students and educators have safe, modern, and fully supported learning environments. Further, the budget proposal enhances statewide school safety initiatives by funding targeted security upgrades – such as cameras, door locks, fencing, and detection equipment – and by supporting a pilot system for behavioral threat assessment. To reduce absences and disciplinary issues while contributing to improved academic outcomes, the budget proposal invests in school health personnel, including additional nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists.

Requested supplies include:

Paper – all types, including copy paper
Pens and pencils
Crayons and markers
Dry erase markers
Fidget toys
Headphones
Spiral notebooks
Sanitizing wipes
Tissues

Click here to find an SECU location near you.

Governor Stein Proclaims Stanley Cup Summer

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Governor Stein Proclaims Stanley Cup Summer

Release Date

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 12:00

sengel Fri, 06/19/2026 - 14:38

Today Governor Josh Stein proclaimed the summer of 2026 Stanley Cup Summer in recognition of the Carolina Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup, proving unequivocally that North Carolina is a hockey state. Governor Stein also announced that Edwards Mill Road between Wade Avenue and NC 54 would be designated as “Hurricanes Highway.”

“Stanley Cup Summer has officially begun,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The Hurricanes won the hardest title in sports as the consummate team, each player doing his job. Their victory unified the state, bringing together North Carolinians who hail from every corner of the state and who cheer for their own favorite college team. Today, we are all Caniacs! Sound the siren – it’s time to celebrate!”

The proclamation is accompanied by Caniac celebrations all across the state, including a parade in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, June 20, where the Stanley Cup will be proudly displayed and Governor Stein will speak. To accommodate fans attending the parade, Governor Stein has announced that all state parking decks and lots will be open and free to visitors. Click here for more information on what to know before you go.

North Carolina’s Stanley Cup Summer celebrates the Carolina Hurricanes’ championship run, while recognizing the growing economic impact of sports tourism throughout the state. The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA) alone welcomed more than 136,000 fans for more than 100 events during the first three months of 2026. Each fan is an economic driver in North Carolina.

The Carolina Hurricanes organization bring hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue to local hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, according to state economists. In this year’s Stanley Cup playoff run, it is estimated that each of the 10 home games brought in up to $3 million in tourism revenue, and small businesses saw surges in revenue from fans flocking to bars and restaurants to watch the games.

Click here to read Governor Stein’s proclamation.