Our county government has already taken important steps to support the kinds of businesses that provide steady, higher-paying jobs — including helping Pisgah Labs expand and investing in wider broadband access across the county. Keeping the businesses we already have, and helping them grow, should remain a top priority.
Another key part of raising wages is encouraging Transylvania County Schools and Blue Ridge Community College as they continue expanding skills-based technical training. This includes entrepreneurship programs that help young people learn how to start and sustain their own businesses. These efforts will give our students more options and help spark new local businesses in the years ahead.
We can strengthen our economy while still protecting the small-town, mountain character that has always defined Transylvania County.
There are many reasons why housing has become so hard to afford in our county. Our heavy reliance on tourism means many jobs pay less than what’s needed to keep up with rising home prices and rents. On top of that, roughly 7–8% of local rentals are now being used as short-term vacation rentals, which tightens the market even more.
The county commissioners recently approved a strategic action plan that lays out several steps to address this challenge, and I support those efforts. Even so, I believe the strongest long-term solution is increasing the number of higher-wage jobs so families can afford to live and stay here.
The workforce is changing quickly, and that pace will only continue to speed up. We need to stand behind Transylvania County Schools and Blue Ridge Community College as they work to match training programs with the jobs of the future. That includes expanding Career and Technical Education, offering more internships and apprenticeships, teaching students how to use new tools — including AI — in practical ways, and strengthening critical-thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
These are the kinds of opportunities that help young people build a solid future right here at home.
We must continue to support our sheriff’s department and first responders across the county. Families deserve safe streets and neighborhoods where children can grow up without fear. Too many young people lose their futures — and sometimes their lives — to illegal drugs and alcohol. We need to stand with law enforcement as they work to stop drug trafficking in our county.
At the same time, we should make sure our youth have positive, meaningful activities and a sense of hope about their future. When young people can see a path forward, they’re far less likely to fall into dangerous situations.