Data & Resources

The Reality:

• Craven County Schools are facing an $8–$11 million budget shortfall. (New Bern Sun Journal)

• Essential services like counselors, nurses, and social workers could be cut.

• North Carolina’s teacher turnover rate rose to 11.5% in the 2022–23 school year. (NC Department of Public Instruction)

The Plan:

• Advocate for sustainable school funding that protects students and staff.

• Support better pay, mental health resources, and training for teachers.

• Expand early college, career-tech, and dual enrollment opportunities for students.

The Reality:

• Craven County’s unemployment rate is 3.7%. (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis)

• Median household income is $64,635, about 8% lower than the state average. (NCACC)

• Industrial parks are nearing full capacity, with aerospace growth expanding.

• A $1 billion modernization project is underway at MCAS Cherry Point, with a $1 million grant awarded for airport development. (WCTI12) (New Bern Now)

The Plan:

• Support local micro-grants ($2,500–$5,000) and expand small business workshops through partnerships with Craven Community College. (SBC Craven)

• Strengthen trade, aviation, and healthcare training programs to prepare residents for good-paying jobs. (Aviation Workforce Craven)

• Promote Craven County as a prime location for aerospace, healthcare, and technology employers while protecting rural communities.

The Reality:

• 15.8% of Craven County residents are veterans — one of the highest rates in North Carolina. (Craven County Veterans Services)

• Veterans rank employment, affordable housing, and cost of living as top factors influencing where they settle after service. (NC Military Affairs Survey)

• Homeless veterans in New Bern increased from 5 to 11 between 2022 and 2023. (City of New Bern Consolidated Plan)

The Plan:

• Strengthen outreach through the Craven County Veterans Services Office to connect veterans with benefits.

• Support job training and transition services for veterans and military families.

• Advocate for expanded mental health services and 24/7 support for veterans.

The Reality:

• Craven County continues to face challenges from opioid addiction and substance abuse. (City of New Bern Consolidated Plan)

• Access to affordable healthcare and mental health services remains limited in rural and low-income areas.

• Communities are still working to rebuild after major storm events like Hurricane Florence.

The Plan:

• Expand opioid treatment, mental health recovery programs, and community-based prevention efforts.

• Strengthen smart public safety strategies focused on trust-building and early intervention.

• Advocate for affordable housing and expanded healthcare access across Craven County.

The Reality:

• Hurricane Florence caused over $22 billion in damages across North Carolina. (FEMA)

• Craven County still faces serious flood risks, rural broadband gaps, and infrastructure challenges.

The Plan:

• Invest in stronger drainage systems, flood protection, and resilient infrastructure.

• Push for rural broadband expansion, road upgrades, and clean water projects to connect all communities.

After serving our community firsthand, I realized the real issues we face aren’t about being Republican or Democrat — they’re about people.

That’s why I’m running Unaffiliated: to put Craven County first and make sure people always come before politics.