Gov. Stein details 'NC Strong' plan with investments in AI, education

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Gov. Josh Stein detailed a new plan he says will make North Carolina stronger by making investments in areas such as AI and public education.

Stein said the N.C. Strong initiative looks to keep North Carolina as a nationwide leader of economic development and innovation, while also making major investments in areas such as education and research.

During a news conference Tuesday, Stein detailed the plan, which is starting with a focus on several areas, including advancing the use and development of AI, implementing a strategic plan for the state's economic development, and making major investments in public education by 2030.

"Our state will be stronger if we are well equipped to take on these opportunities and challenges," he said.

UNC Kenan Institute Chief Economist Gerald Cohen said the best way to strengthen North Carolina is by making major investments in four main areas.

WATCH: Stein's full news conference

"Education, housing, health care, and research," he said. "Any three out of those four would be great for the economy in North Carolina."

As part of his announcement Tuesday, Stein signed an executive order on AI policy. The order looks to advance the use of the emerging technology responsibly in state agencies and seize on the opportunities AI provides to better connect North Carolinians with state services.

Secretary & State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione will lead an AI leadership council, created by the governor's executive order.

"(AI) is an integral tool that can be used just as any other tool, like a computer," she said. "It's going to make it more efficient for workers to actually do their job."

ABC11 asked the governor whether the use of AI in government could affect the jobs of state workers.

He said that at this time, AI is solely being looked at as a tool for state agencies.

"I'm not denying that there may not be employment consequences, whether in the private sector or the public sector, but we are nowhere near that at this point," said Stein.

There are also changes coming to classrooms across the state.

A new strategic plan, developed with statewide community input, looks to improve the state's public education by 2030.

NC State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green said the goal is to make North Carolina the No. 1 state in the country for public education.

"It goes beyond just mere test scores, as important as those are, to prepare students for life," he said. "It is educator-focused. It reveres those who make learning possible. It is community-driven."

Also discussed separately from the plan were the ongoing cleanup efforts to make western North Carolina strong.

It comes almost a year after Hurricane Helene destroyed areas near Asheville.

Stein said more help and cooperation from Washington is needed for a long-term economic recovery of the region.

"Where we are lacking is a meaningful, federal appropriation. We need Congress and we need the administration to do a supplemental disaster appropriation," he said. "What we have to be is committed to the long-term economic recovery."

The governor also took the time to encourage North Carolinians to be prepared for disasters.

He signed a declaration making September Emergency Preparedness Month in North Carolina.

Read more about the strategic plan from the Department of Public Instruction here.