Situated between the beaches and the mountains of North Carolina, Robeson County is the largest county in the state by land area. Nearby Scotland County is named in honor of the Scottish settlers who occupied the area in the 1700s. Both counties are known for their beautiful natural resources and historical sites. Our Community Conversations team visited the region to learn more about how the local business and tribal communities are working to improve opportunity for their counties.

This post highlights the short-term and potential long-term impacts of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina's housing market while also exploring how pre-existing market conditions may interact with the storm's impact.

Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across the Fifth District. Two community college presidents in North Carolina shared how the storm impacted their institutions and the role they have played in the recovery efforts.

In a follow-up to a past Regional Matters post that focused on Maryland and Virginia, this post explores heirs' property in other Fifth District states, including the challenges, risks, and potential resolutions.

Bethany Greene and Jason Kosakow review the damage wrought on communities in western North Carolina and other parts of the Fifth District from Hurricane Helene last September. They also share what their business contacts have told them about Helene's economic impacts, both within and outside of the hurricane's path. Greene is a regional economist at the Charlotte branch of the Richmond Fed and Kosakow is the Bank's survey director.

Nestled in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Randolph and Chatham counties offer a blend of rural charm and scenic beauty. Recently, the construction of several large-scale manufacturing plants are reshaping the local economy and providing new opportunities for growth.