After months of anticipation, North Carolina has officially adopted its 2026-27 state budget. We are grateful that lawmakers came together to deliver a budget that invests in the priorities that matter most to our communities and our economy.
We especially want to thank our local delegation in the North Carolina General Assembly for their work throughout the budget process and for advocating on behalf of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Their leadership helped secure important investments that will strengthen our workforce, improve our infrastructure, support education, and enhance the quality of life that makes our region such a great place to live, work, and do business.
No budget is perfect, but this one provides meaningful tools that will help position our region for continued success.
Education remains one of the biggest wins. The budget includes a significant increase in beginning teacher salaries, an important investment in attracting and retaining talented educators. Strong schools are the foundation of a strong workforce, and supporting our teachers is an investment in the long-term prosperity of our community.
The budget also continues North Carolina’s commitment to workforce development through community colleges and the Propel NC funding model. For Forsyth Tech and our employers, that means continued alignment between workforce training and the needs of industries such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, biotechnology, information technology, and the skilled trades. These investments help businesses grow while creating new opportunities for workers across our region.
Our colleges and universities also continue to play a critical role in the region’s success. Continued support for Winston-Salem State University and the UNC School of the Arts reinforces their importance as engines of workforce development, innovation, research, and economic activity.
Transportation investments remain another positive step forward. Continued funding for projects such as the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway will improve regional connectivity, strengthen freight movement, and support future economic growth throughout the Piedmont Triad.
The budget also includes several important investments that will directly benefit Forsyth County, including:
- Renovations at the UNC School of the Arts Stevens Center
- Capital improvements at Winston-Salem State University
- Continued support for Forsyth Tech and workforce development
- Investments in local fire departments and public safety
- Funding for arts, history, and cultural destinations including Old Salem, the NC Museum of Art Winston-Salem, and Historic Bethabara Park
- Support for mental health services and community organizations
- Local grants that strengthen neighborhoods, schools, parks, and nonprofits throughout Forsyth County
As a Chamber, we know that budgets alone do not create prosperity. People do. Businesses do. Educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and public servants all play a role in building a stronger economy. This budget provides important resources, and we are optimistic about what Winston-Salem and Forsyth County can accomplish by putting those resources to work.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with our elected officials, business community, educational institutions, and local governments to build on this momentum. Together, we will continue attracting investment, creating opportunity, and strengthening the economic future of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.
The future of our region is bright, and we are excited to continue working with partners across North Carolina to ensure our community continues to prosper.
Budget Details:
Education & Higher Education
- UNC School of the Arts (UNCSA) – Stevens Center Renovation
- $10.2 million for Phase II of the renovation.
- Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
- $3.15 million added to the Cheatham-White Scholarship to expand merit scholarships.
- Nursing Fellows Forgivable Education Loan Pilot Program (approximately $3 million to WSSU through a $4.3 million statewide program).
- Capital improvements:
- Eller Hall — $1.81 million
- K.R. Williams Auditorium — $14.65 million
- Pegram Hall — $800,000
- Forsyth Tech
- Continued support through the Propel NC workforce funding model.
- Shared access to $2.06 million for Multi-Campus Center funding.
- Private Colleges & Universities Need-Based Scholarships
- Scholarship Funding
- $7 million increase to the statewide scholarship program benefiting eligible students attending private institutions, including Wake Forest University.
- K-12 Education
- Approximately 17% increase in beginning teacher salaries statewide.
- WS/FCS Education Foundation — $155,000 for educational programs.
- Parkland High School Booster Club — $150,000 for athletic equipment.
Transportation & Infrastructure
- Continued funding for the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway and statewide transportation improvements.
- Town of Walkertown — $100,000 for downtown capital improvements.
- Village of Tobaccoville — $400,000 for capital improvements and equipment.
Public Safety
- Piney Grove Fire Department — $1 million for a new fire truck.
- Forsyth County Volunteer Fire Departments — $200,000 for capital improvements at:
- Beeson Crossroads
- Belews Creek
- Lewisville Stations 11 & 13
- Piney Grove
- Salem Chapel
- Walkertown
- Old Richmond Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad — $350,000 for a fire truck.
Healthcare & Human Services
- Greentree Peer Support Program — $500,000 for mental health, substance use, and opioid response services.
- Horizons Residential Care — $750,000 for capital improvements and equipment.
- Room At The Inn — $100,000 for capital improvements and program operations.
- Next Step Ministries — $75,000 for emergency safe house repairs and replacement.
Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation
- NC Museum of Art – Winston-Salem
- $250,000 for operating expenses.
- $4.4 million for Hanes House, gallery, and grounds improvements.
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens — $225,000.
- Historic Bethabara Park — $350,000 for renovations.
- Kernersville Museum Foundation — $150,000 for historic document archiving.
- Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden — $100,000 for improvements and expansion.
- Korner’s Folly Foundation — $100,000 for capital improvements.
Community Organizations
- Kernersville Foundation — $425,000 to support local nonprofits and community initiatives.
- Clemmons Civic Club — $125,000.
- Lewisville Civic Club — $125,000.
- Kernersville Little League Baseball — $170,000 for capital improvements.
Government & Other Initiatives
- DMV In-Home License Renewal Pilot Program launches in Forsyth County beginning January 1, 2028.
- “Tony Brown Highway” designation for a portion of US 311.
- Legislation designating the Moravian Star and Moravian Cookie as North Carolina’s official state star and state cookie.