S127 Bill Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Commerce to contract with North Carolina nonprofit corporations to perform economic development functions, including advisory services, research, recruiting recommendations, marketing, and strategic planning, while prohibiting contracts for fund obligations, employment security administration, federal fund administration, and certain core functions.

• Establishes the Economic Development Oversight Committee consisting of seven ex officio members (Secretary of Commerce as chair, plus five other state secretaries and two legislative appointees) to monitor contracted nonprofit performance, audit records biennially, coordinate economic development grants, and receive complaints.

• Creates eight Collaboration for Prosperity Zones across the state by dividing North Carolina into geographic regions to facilitate interagency collaboration and improve regional service delivery and economic development coordination.

• Requires the Departments of Commerce, Environment and Natural Resources, Transportation, and Community Colleges System to place at least one liaison in each Collaboration for Prosperity Zone by January 1, 2014, to enhance collaboration, streamline permitting processes, and support local economic development.

• Renames the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology to the Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation, expands membership from 17 to 23 members, and repeals Articles 2 and 4 of Chapter 158 (regional economic development commissions) effective January 1, 2014.