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North Carolina faces a degree shortfall in key industries, report finds

The state has identified nursing, engineering and education as critical need industries

Education

North Carolina is not graduating enough students with degrees in several critical industries to meet a growing demand for workers in the state, a new report from the UNC System says. Why it matters: The report makes the case that the state&#x27;s 16 public universities need to produce 5,000 to 10,000 more degrees every year to meet demand from workers, especially in industries like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/health-worker-shortages-predicted-2028" data-vars-content-id="a2d37f6b-599a-47e6-a6cc-ceb42368abdf" data-vars-headline="North Carolina faces a degree shortfall in key industries, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/health-worker-shortages-predicted-2028" target="_self">health care</a>, engineering and education.

North Carolina's drought has no end in sight

Stream levels are at all-time lows as farmers enter the spring planting season.

Climate

North Carolina&#x27;s statewide drought is getting worse, and weather forecasters don&#x27;t expect any rain to help ease the strain this week. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soil is extremely dry" data-vars-click-url="https://climate.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NASA_SPoRT-LIS_0-10cm_pctl_2026-03-31.gif" data-vars-content-id="6fe7d53c-354d-4df0-a2b5-3c5c59420759" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s drought has no end in sight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://climate.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NASA_SPoRT-LIS_0-10cm_pctl_2026-03-31.gif" target="_blank">soil is extremely dry</a> as farmers enter the main <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="planting season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/06/central-nc-spring-planting-season-drought-raleigh-wake-durham-chapel-hill-seed-libraries" data-vars-content-id="6fe7d53c-354d-4df0-a2b5-3c5c59420759" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s drought has no end in sight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/06/central-nc-spring-planting-season-drought-raleigh-wake-durham-chapel-hill-seed-libraries" target="_self">planting season</a>, and as groundwater levels drop, some communities are taking water conservation measures.

Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce

The company said the layoffs are needed as the "technology landscape has changed dramatically."

Business

Pendo, one of the few Raleigh tech startups to reach a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="valuation of more than $1 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/07/who-are-the-triangles-unicorn-startups-pendo-epic-teamworks" data-vars-content-id="f6f36b7b-837b-4f08-b148-3aa953dd6bcb" data-vars-headline="Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/07/who-are-the-triangles-unicorn-startups-pendo-epic-teamworks" target="_self">valuation of more than $1 billion</a>, is laying off 90 positions, or around 10% of its workforce, a company spokesperson told Axios. Why it matters: Pendo is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest tech company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/06/tech-layoffs-ai-work" data-vars-content-id="f6f36b7b-837b-4f08-b148-3aa953dd6bcb" data-vars-headline="Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/06/tech-layoffs-ai-work" target="_blank">latest tech company</a> to lay off workers this year, as companies reckon with how AI tools are changing their workforce and strengthening their budgets. <ul><li>Locally, Epic Games also recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced a large round of layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/24/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1000-as-fortnites-popularity-slows" data-vars-content-id="f6f36b7b-837b-4f08-b148-3aa953dd6bcb" data-vars-headline="Raleigh software unicorn Pendo lays off 10% of workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/24/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1000-as-fortnites-popularity-slows" target="_self">announced a large round of layoffs</a>, including more than 200 at its offices in Cary, due to a slowdown in its businesses. </li></ul>

Kane Realty files plans for 15-story residential tower in North Hills

The new plans comes weeks after the developer won a rezoning from the Raleigh City Council

Development

Roughly two and half months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning its rezoning case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="05b18a84-9f48-4f4b-9d7b-effa6d3b09ea" data-vars-headline="Kane Realty files plans for 15-story residential tower in North Hills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" target="_self">winning its rezoning case</a> at the Raleigh City Council, Kane Realty has submitted plans for a new residential tower in North Hills. Why it matters: The rezoning case proved contentious as some residents pushed back against Kane&#x27;s efforts to build taller buildings along Six Forks and Lassiter Mill roads, raising concerns about the area&#x27;s ability to handle increased traffic and shadows cast from new towers.<ul><li>But Kane, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh&#x27;s most prolific developer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/02/whats-next-for-kane-realty-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="05b18a84-9f48-4f4b-9d7b-effa6d3b09ea" data-vars-headline="Kane Realty files plans for 15-story residential tower in North Hills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/02/whats-next-for-kane-realty-in-2026" target="_self">Raleigh&#x27;s most prolific developer</a>, argued additional height was needed to handle the city&#x27;s growing population and North Hills&#x27; status as a magnet for newcomers. </li></ul>

Northgate Mall area's transformation grows with nearly 300 apartments

Some of the new apartments could be set aside as affordable housing

A Charlotte developer has begun construction on a new apartment project that will bring nearly 300 units to the area near the shuttered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northgate Mall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="2b4b23e7-a1d9-4c17-a562-68159c339988" data-vars-headline="Northgate Mall area&#x27;s transformation grows with nearly 300 apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" target="_self">Northgate Mall</a> in Durham. Why it matters: The new apartment project adds more fuel to the large-scale transformation coming to the Northgate area of Durham, where the former mall is set to be partially demolished to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make way for a Target and more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/18/target-will-anchor-major-redevelopment-of-the-now-closed-northgate-mall" data-vars-content-id="2b4b23e7-a1d9-4c17-a562-68159c339988" data-vars-headline="Northgate Mall area&#x27;s transformation grows with nearly 300 apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/18/target-will-anchor-major-redevelopment-of-the-now-closed-northgate-mall" target="_self">make way for a Target and more</a>.

Amedeo's Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment

The restaurant could relocate if redevelopment of the site occurs

The owners of Amedeo&#x27;s Italian Restaurant have filed a rezoning request with the city of Raleigh to potentially make way for more height on its Western Boulevard property. Why it matters: Amedeo&#x27;s has been a fixture of the Raleigh dining scene, especially among the Wolfpack faithful, for six decades. <ul><li>But Western Boulevard is on the cusp of a major transformation as the city eventually hopes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extend its bus-rapid transit system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/owners-of-former-raleigh-kmart-want-20-story-flexibility" data-vars-content-id="11544304-8c32-4b0d-a1d8-e6476a42ff5d" data-vars-headline="Amedeo&#x27;s Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/owners-of-former-raleigh-kmart-want-20-story-flexibility" target="_self">extend its bus-rapid transit system</a> down the road, and it could potentially mean the relocation of the historic restaurant. </li></ul>

Target will anchor major redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall

The future redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall in Durham will be anchored by a Target, the retailer and its future landlord Regency Centers told Axios.Why it matters: The redevelopment of the shuttered mall — located on Club Boulevard between Interstate 85 and downtown Durham — has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contentious in the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="f7d4836d-c9ad-428c-b358-957723b5f39f" data-vars-headline="Target will anchor major redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/12/triangle-projects-facing-contentious-rezoning-debates-north-hills-northgate-durham-raleigh" target="_self">contentious in the city</a>, with nearby neighborhoods objecting to previous plans for the property that didn&#x27;t include affordable housing. <ul><li>But the mall, which had a major influence on the area for six decades, has sat empty and languished for more than five years. </li></ul>

Rents keep falling throughout the Triangle

With a glut of new apartments opening, rents have declined somewhat in the Triangle

Raleigh and most metro areas in the Sun Belt saw rents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/08/older-raleigh-apartments-see-falling-rent-prices-amid-new-apartment-surge" data-vars-content-id="1fdfc86c-8a65-4d88-a166-ee2137c1a77f" data-vars-headline="Rents keep falling throughout the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/08/older-raleigh-apartments-see-falling-rent-prices-amid-new-apartment-surge" target="_self">decline</a> again last year, as a building boom has flooded the market with new apartments. Why it matters: Housing remains <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unaffordable for many" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/americas-rental-housing-2026" data-vars-content-id="1fdfc86c-8a65-4d88-a166-ee2137c1a77f" data-vars-headline="Rents keep falling throughout the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/americas-rental-housing-2026" target="_blank">unaffordable for many</a>, but a surge in supply is limiting landlords&#x27; ability to raise rents, Axios&#x27; Sami Sparber writes.

Whole Foods to open a third Cary grocery store

The organic grocery store will replace a now-closed Lowes Foods location

Whole Foods, the Amazon-owned organic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grocery store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/24/popular-grocery-store-raleigh-publix-walmart-harris-teeter-food-lion" data-vars-content-id="fe96aac3-e80f-4088-9af3-dc62528c1e1c" data-vars-headline="Whole Foods to open a third Cary grocery store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/24/popular-grocery-store-raleigh-publix-walmart-harris-teeter-food-lion" target="_self">grocery store</a>, plans to open a third store in Cary, a spokesperson for the grocery store confirmed to Axios. Why it matters: The new location will mean that Cary will now have more Whole Foods locations than its much bigger neighbor, Raleigh.

UNC's arena debate: Renovate Dean Dome or cash in on new site?

Consultants say a new Chapel Hill arena could bring in over $26M a year, even if capacity decreases.

Sports

The University of North Carolina still won&#x27;t say whether it&#x27;s going to renovate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="existing men&#x27;s basketball arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/11/unc-tar-heels-considering-new-basketall-arena" data-vars-content-id="160b78af-0daa-43d9-a39a-3ed5ef52ff2b" data-vars-headline="UNC&#x27;s arena debate: Renovate Dean Dome or cash in on new site?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/04/11/unc-tar-heels-considering-new-basketall-arena" target="_self">existing men&#x27;s basketball arena</a> or build a new one elsewhere in Chapel Hill, but athletics staff are narrowing the list to three favorites, and this offseason may provide an answer.Why it matters: Athletics staff hope the new (or improved) Dean E. Smith Center will bring in millions more annually, keeping the Tar Heels competitive in recruitment as money <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pours into the once-amateur sport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/05/16/unc-bubba-cunningham-belichick-house-settlement-revenue-share" data-vars-content-id="160b78af-0daa-43d9-a39a-3ed5ef52ff2b" data-vars-headline="UNC&#x27;s arena debate: Renovate Dean Dome or cash in on new site?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/05/16/unc-bubba-cunningham-belichick-house-settlement-revenue-share" target="_self">pours into the once-amateur sport</a>.

What's next for Kane Realty in 2026

The development company recently won a rezoning for up to 37 stories in North Hills

Like seemingly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="every year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/06/kane-realty-north-hills-park-central-sold" data-vars-content-id="25276c7c-fa51-49a7-8fe7-4fe738f0702b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Kane Realty in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/06/kane-realty-north-hills-park-central-sold" target="_self">every year</a>, 2026 is shaping up to be another busy one for Raleigh-based Kane Realty, the development firm most known for its work creating North Hills into Raleigh&#x27;s second skyline. Why it matters: Kane Realty remains one of the most prolific developers in the region, even as more out-of-town companies move in. <ul><li>From North Hills to Dix Park, the company is remaking large swaths of the city, and that is set to continue apace this year. </li></ul>

UNC and town take action on Chapel Hill's housing crunch

The town's high prices cause many workers to live far away from Chapel Hill.

News

On the same day that UNC-Chapel Hill announced it would proceed with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="developing its Carolina North satellite campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/21/unc-carolina-north-expansion-dean-dome-smith-chapel-hill" data-vars-content-id="56b508ef-6e8d-4ac9-97eb-b7f01cd189e7" data-vars-headline="UNC and town take action on Chapel Hill&#x27;s housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/21/unc-carolina-north-expansion-dean-dome-smith-chapel-hill" target="_self">developing its Carolina North satellite campus</a>, the town of Chapel Hill also passed a sweeping set of reforms meant to make it easier to build new housing in the town. Why it matters: Local leaders hope those two decisions will give the town more tools to tackle its growing affordable housing shortage that has made it harder for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="workforce to live there" data-vars-click-url="https://reo.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/969/2024/01/unc-chapel-hill-housing-demand-analysis-2023.pdf" data-vars-content-id="56b508ef-6e8d-4ac9-97eb-b7f01cd189e7" data-vars-headline="UNC and town take action on Chapel Hill&#x27;s housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://reo.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/969/2024/01/unc-chapel-hill-housing-demand-analysis-2023.pdf" target="_blank">workforce to live there</a>.

UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome's future is uncertain

The university has held acreage north of campus for decades, and is finally ready to start building.

The leadership of UNC-Chapel Hill is moving forward with plans to develop the Carolina North campus, significantly expanding the university&#x27;s footprint across the town of Chapel Hill. <ul><li>The goal is to break ground on the expansion in 2027 and hopefully line up its opening with the creation of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new bus rapid transit route" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/bus-rapid-transit-momentum-picks-up-in-chapel-hill-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/03/13/bus-rapid-transit-momentum-picks-up-in-chapel-hill-raleigh" target="_self">new bus rapid transit route</a> along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts told the university&#x27;s board of trustees on Wednesday.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina North" data-vars-click-url="https://facilities.unc.edu/master-plan/carolina-north/" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://facilities.unc.edu/master-plan/carolina-north/" target="_blank">Carolina North</a>, located at the site of the former Horace Williams Airport, has been a top priority for Roberts, who co-founded a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private-equity firm that operates real estate funds" data-vars-click-url="https://sharpvuecapital.com/" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sharpvuecapital.com/" target="_blank">private-equity firm that operates real estate funds</a>, since he took on the role in 2024.<ul><li>The university views the land as a solution to several concerns: as a site for housing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing the student body" data-vars-click-url="https://fo.unc.edu/news/2025/08/27/the-finance-and-operations-teams-behind-uncs-enrollment-expansion-supporting-500-new-students/" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fo.unc.edu/news/2025/08/27/the-finance-and-operations-teams-behind-uncs-enrollment-expansion-supporting-500-new-students/" target="_blank">growing the student body</a> to match the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s growing population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/03/north-carolina-population-growth-2030" data-vars-content-id="db06343c-d5e8-45b3-a9e9-6f8dce79ce7f" data-vars-headline="UNC advances Carolina North plan, but Dean Dome&#x27;s future is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/03/north-carolina-population-growth-2030" target="_self">state&#x27;s growing population</a>, a place for affordable housing in an expensive town, the home of a future engineering school, and more space for research. </li></ul>

A symbol map of 54 U.S. metro areas showing estimated change in median rent from February 2025 to February 2026. Rents decreased in 34 metros, mostly in the South, and increased in 20 metros, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. Virginia Beach increased the most, by 5.3%, and Austin decreased the most, by 5.9%.

Development 🏗️

Kane Realty files plans for 15-story residential tower in North Hills

Northgate Mall area's transformation grows with nearly 300 apartments

Amedeo's Italian Restaurant could relocate amid possible redevelopment

Target will anchor major redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall

Rents keep falling throughout the Triangle