UNC Charlotte Launched N.C. Economic Impact Center
Local business leaders can now access a new repository of regional economic data through the university.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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The Belk School of Business has opened the N.C. Economic Impact Center, aiming to provide civic and business leaders with reliable, real-time data. The launch follows the university's long-standing tradition of hosting quarterly economic forecast events in Charlotte.
Why it matters
The center intends to serve as a central hub for business intelligence in the region, bridging the gap between raw economic data and actionable strategy for local operators. It arrives as analysts project stronger growth for 2027 compared to 2026.
The new center operates under the Belk School of Business, which has hosted quarterly forecast panels since 2001. The initiative aims to support decision-making in a landscape where national indicators, such as the projected 2032 Social Security insolvency, remain significant benchmarks.
The players
UNC Charlotte
A major public research university that serves as a primary source of economic and workforce data for the Charlotte region.
John Connaughton
A long-time faculty member at the Belk School of Business and the center's designated first director.
The details
The N.C. Economic Impact Center is designed to maintain a constantly updated repository of local economic metrics. Businesses can access this information via a dedicated internet presence, allowing operators to integrate current regional data into their own forecasting and planning processes.
Timeline
1978: John Connaughton joined the UNC Charlotte faculty.
2001: The quarterly economic forecast began as a live event.
June 2026: John Connaughton, the center's first designated director, passed away.
September 23, 2026: The N.C. Economic Impact Center was officially announced.
2032: The projected year for Social Security insolvency.
Market Landscape
The center follows the established pattern set by the Belk School of Business quarterly economic forecast, expanding the scope of data analysis beyond a single seasonal event. This move formalizes the institution's role as a regional authority on business cycles.
Business operators should integrate this new data repository into their procurement and hiring planning cycles. Monitor the center's internet presence to track regional growth indicators as the university completes its search for a permanent director.
The takeaway
Reliable, localized data is a critical competitive advantage for businesses navigating fluctuating annual growth projections. Operators should plan to audit their current economic forecasting tools to see if the new repository provides higher-quality signals than their current sources.
Further reading
For broader context on regional economic trends, explore our Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business North Carolina.
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