Forward Rowan 2: Rowan County’s Economic Plan

Forward Rowan 2 is Rowan’ County’s new five-year strategic plan to build greater prosperity and improve the quality of life for all of Rowan County. The Forward Rowan 2 initiative aspires to:

Attract 3,000 new primary jobs, targeting the following industrial clusters of:

Advanced Manufacturing – focusing on transportation equipment and food processing
Logistics & Distribution
Life Sciences
Professional Services
Data Centers

Attract new jobs that pay in excess of the county average wage, as determined annually by the NC Department of Commerce¹.

Secure $500 million in capital investment from new industries or existing industry expansions.

Attract 1 million SF of new spec space annually, announced or completed.

¹ 2023 county average wage: $52,100. Source: NC Dept. Of Commerce

Fueled by the Success of the Last Five Years

In 2019, the Rowan EDC proposed a new strategy for economic prosperity and vitality for the community, along with a new public-private partnership funding model. The Forward Rowan plan and accompanying campaign formed the blueprint that lifted Rowan County from an economic laggard to an economic leader in the Charlotte region.

The results are evident. The Forward Rowan plan launched in 2020 has exceeded its goals by attracting 2,529 new jobs and nearly a billion dollars in new capital investment to Rowan County. We are proud that 55% of the 22 projects that have brought new job growth represent existing Rowan County businesses. We estimate the new investments from existing and new businesses have added about $6 million to Rowan County’s annual tax revenues.

As we wrap up the final year of the Forward Rowan strategic plan and campaign, the Rowan EDC is currently managing 25 active projects representing a potential of over 3,300 new jobs and $2.3 billion in new capital investment.

Forward Rowan 2’s Economic Impact

The Forward Rowan 2 plan has a goal of adding 3,000 new primary jobs that pay in excess of the county average wage. Once those jobs are realized, they, in turn, will generate over 2,000 secondary jobs. By the end of 2029, consumer spending directly related to these jobs is expected to exceed $141 million.

View the Plan

Once the 3,000 jobs are realized by 2029, annual consumer spending in Rowan County will increase by

$141 million.

Invest in Rowan County

Now is the time to take the next step in strengthening Rowan County’s position as one of the Charlotte region’s most desirable areas for businesses and individuals to succeed. The public-private partnership established in 2020 has made it possible for the Rowan EDC to succeed over the last five years. Become part of our partnership by investing today in Forward Rowan 2.

To make a difference in your business and your community’s prosperity, contact our Campaign Director, Carlotta Ungaro.

Carlotta Ungaro

Forward Rowan 2 Campaign Director

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Showcasing Success: Economic Development Milestones in Rowan County

Discover the transformative projects that took shape during the first Forward Rowan campaign. With your support of Forward Rowan 2, we can build on this momentum and create even more success stories for our community. Join us in shaping the future—be a part of Rowan County’s continued growth and prosperity.