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North Carolina's office market shows signs of life

Interest in new office leases has picked up over the past year.

Business

After hitting the doldrums in the years after the pandemic, demand for office space in the Triangle and Charlotte appears to be picking up momentum. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vacancy rates at office towers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/07/15/office-vacancies-triangle-remote-work" data-vars-content-id="ec6abaad-daba-4a78-97d1-6166c7166f89" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s office market shows signs of life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/07/15/office-vacancies-triangle-remote-work" target="_self">Vacancy rates at office towers</a> from downtowns to suburban office parks spiked after the pandemic as companies downsized and offered workers greater flexibility for remote work. Those rates remain elevated six years after the first COVID shutdowns. <ul><li>But that freeze in the office market appears to be thawing. Office-based jobs are growing, state data shows, at a time when office construction has slowed, limiting options for companies seeking new space. </li></ul>

Mapped: North Carolina's average energy costs by county

The state is currently considering rate increases from Duke Energy

News

Depending on where you live in North Carolina, your energy bill is either slightly above or just below the American average. Why it matters: Consumers are facing rising energy prices due to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="war in Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-ceasefire-gas-price-up-down/" data-vars-content-id="f02a514f-ff3d-4ff1-b607-35e801824430" data-vars-headline="Mapped: North Carolina&#x27;s average energy costs by county" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-ceasefire-gas-price-up-down/" target="_blank">war in Iran</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the surge in data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="f02a514f-ff3d-4ff1-b607-35e801824430" data-vars-headline="Mapped: North Carolina&#x27;s average energy costs by county" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" target="_self">the surge in data centers</a>.

Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark

Tagged fish, like Swim Shady, are helping scientists learn how red drum move between states and coastal waters.

Things to Do

North Carolina researchers tagging and tracking coastal fish have created an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://tracker.ncmefoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="f5e5dc69-1776-493f-bb90-7e0cb7aa50ef" data-vars-headline="Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tracker.ncmefoundation.org/" target="_blank">online tracker</a> that lets anyone see where the fish are pinging.Why it matters: Red drum are hugely popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recreational fish" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" data-vars-content-id="f5e5dc69-1776-493f-bb90-7e0cb7aa50ef" data-vars-headline="Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" target="_self">recreational fish</a>, and yet their movement patterns are somewhat of a mystery.

Disney releases new details on its Chatham County neighborhood

The Chatham County neighborhood will have 4,000 housing units

Development

Disney released more details Wednesday about its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upcoming residential neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/12/06/disney-building-neighborhood-pittsboro-asteria-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="cd20307d-626e-4c74-83be-37a8b9fc2d7f" data-vars-headline="Disney releases new details on its Chatham County neighborhood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/12/06/disney-building-neighborhood-pittsboro-asteria-north-carolina" target="_self">upcoming residential neighborhood</a> project in Chatham County, one of the entertainment company&#x27;s biggest bets on real estate in the country. Why it matters: Disney is joining a wave of developers betting big on Chatham County&#x27;s continuing transformation from a rural buffer on the outskirts of the Triangle into one of the biggest growth spots in the country.

5 big questions going into a critical NCGA session

Lawmakers will try to pass the state's first comprehensive budget since 2023.

Politics

Next week will be a momentous one in the halls of the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh. Why it matters: Lawmakers will gather for a short session starting April 21 in the hopes of passing a comprehensive state budget that&#x27;s been overdue since July, which could dictate spending on everything from raises for teachers and state employees to the construction of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new children&#x27;s hospital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/19/republican-general-assembly-medicaid-funding-childrens-hospital" data-vars-content-id="b2d50442-07b8-45e5-a487-af1f294a9a5f" data-vars-headline="5 big questions going into a critical NCGA session" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/19/republican-general-assembly-medicaid-funding-childrens-hospital" target="_self">new children&#x27;s hospital</a>.

North Carolina voters could decide on property tax limits this fall

Lawmakers are advancing a ballot measure that would cap local tax increases, though details remain unclear.

Republicans in the North Carolina House pushing a constitutional amendment on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="property tax reform" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/10/nc-property-tax-relief-housing-affordability" data-vars-content-id="818f1300-36c7-49c7-87cb-ecf5af573713" data-vars-headline="North Carolina voters could decide on property tax limits this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/10/nc-property-tax-relief-housing-affordability" target="_self">property tax reform</a> hope to put the question to voters this November. Lawmakers hope that it could address <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing affordability." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/07/whats-next-for-the-triangle-real-estate-market-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="818f1300-36c7-49c7-87cb-ecf5af573713" data-vars-headline="North Carolina voters could decide on property tax limits this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/07/whats-next-for-the-triangle-real-estate-market-in-2026" target="_self">housing affordability.</a>Why it matters: What&#x27;s being proposed is a limit on how much property taxes can increase in a given year, a change that local officials worry would affect their ability to pay for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/14/nc-property-tax-cap-schools-impact" data-vars-content-id="818f1300-36c7-49c7-87cb-ecf5af573713" data-vars-headline="North Carolina voters could decide on property tax limits this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/14/nc-property-tax-cap-schools-impact" target="_self">schools</a>, roads, first responders and other essential services.

What's next for the Durham parks closed for lead issues

Lead in the soil of some Durham parks was found initially by a Duke researcher.

Durham officials still cannot say when lead contamination will be cleaned up in five city parks that remain fully or partially closed. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly two years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/05/07/durham-playgrounds-parks-lead-contamination-testing" data-vars-content-id="240d1977-a0ed-43ce-8e0a-a3b788e0388d" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for the Durham parks closed for lead issues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/05/07/durham-playgrounds-parks-lead-contamination-testing" target="_self">nearly two years</a> since testing showed the soil in those five parks is contaminated with lead, and the state&#x27;s Department of Environmental Quality continues to investigate the extent of the issues.

Rocky Mount nears rare state financial takeover

Late audits and overspending pushed the city toward insolvency, triggering a final warning from state officials.

Rocky Mount is at risk of a rare state takeover of its finances after years of overspending and missed audits pushed the city toward insolvency.Why it matters: State takeovers are extremely rare. It&#x27;s only ever happened to 12 local governments, and they&#x27;re all far smaller than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky Mount" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/17/where-president-trump-jd-vance-have-been-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="1433d93a-bdd2-464e-80fb-9cfd9a1350eb" data-vars-headline="Rocky Mount nears rare state financial takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/17/where-president-trump-jd-vance-have-been-north-carolina" target="_self">Rocky Mount</a>, a city of around 55,000 about 60 miles east of Raleigh.

Top contenders emerge in N.C. GOP race to replace Phil Berger

Berger has led the North Carolina Senate since 2011.

The behind-the-scenes jostling to replace Phil Berger as leader of the North Carolina Senate is now out in the open, a day after he conceded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary defeat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/13/page-still-leads-after-initial-count-finalized-in-closely-watched-north-carolina-primary" data-vars-content-id="f45998a4-ad73-4bf5-b0a3-e5440e7946b5" data-vars-headline="Top contenders emerge in N.C. GOP race to replace Phil Berger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/13/page-still-leads-after-initial-count-finalized-in-closely-watched-north-carolina-primary" target="_self">primary defeat</a> to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.Why it matters: Berger&#x27;s long tenure has shaped Republican power in Raleigh, and his successor will determine whether that influence — and party unity — holds.

How HB2's legacy reshaped N.C. and modern culture fights

It's been a decade since the divisive "bathroom bill" was signed into law.

Ten years ago, House Bill 2 — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;bathroom bill&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/25/north-carolina-republicans-transgender-rights-bathroom-bill" data-vars-content-id="fca0229e-9746-433c-91ef-f79264cdff20" data-vars-headline="How HB2&#x27;s legacy reshaped N.C. and modern culture fights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/25/north-carolina-republicans-transgender-rights-bathroom-bill" target="_self">&quot;bathroom bill&quot;</a> — became law, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="setting off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article68655007.html" data-vars-content-id="fca0229e-9746-433c-91ef-f79264cdff20" data-vars-headline="How HB2&#x27;s legacy reshaped N.C. and modern culture fights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article68655007.html" target="_blank">setting off</a> years of political and economic shifts in North Carolina.Why it matters: The fallout from the now-repealed measure was marked by widespread corporate pressure and boycotts.<ul><li>HB2, which rankled the power balance between North Carolina&#x27;s GOP-controlled state legislature and a large Democratic-run city, was also a blueprint for modern culture fights.</li></ul>

This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina

Their visits reveal a 2026 strategy centered on the military and congressional swing districts.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> and Vice President JD Vance visit North Carolina, they have a few favorite spots.Why it matters: The administration is already on the campaign trail ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this fall&#x27;s midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">this fall&#x27;s midterms</a>, and Republicans hope the purple state of North Carolina will deliver some victories for Republicans in Congress.

Wiley Nickel wants to significantly expand the Wake County DA's office

Wiley Nickel, the DA in waiting, however, will need to convince local partners to fund it.

Wiley Nickel, Wake County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="district attorney in waiting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/wake-county-primary-results-district-attorney-raleigh-city-council-commissioners" data-vars-content-id="304c4ee0-03d0-46df-8311-495019f26bc1" data-vars-headline="Wiley Nickel wants to significantly expand the Wake County DA&#x27;s office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/wake-county-primary-results-district-attorney-raleigh-city-council-commissioners" target="_self">district attorney in waiting</a>, says he wants to use the next 10 months before he assumes the role of DA to secure more resources for the office. <ul><li>The top priority, he told Axios, is to significantly increase the number of prosecutors working in the state&#x27;s largest county by population — which could help clear case backlogs and keep violent offenders off the streets.</li></ul>

Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group

The N.C. Blockchain and AI Initiative has already come out in support of a bill to promote cryptocurrencies

Former N.C. Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest is launching a new group to promote the adoption of pro-cryptocurrency and AI policies within North Carolina. Why it matters: The N.C. General Assembly is increasingly having to take on topics related to new technologies shaping the economy, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cryptocurrencies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/business/crypto" data-vars-content-id="defb678a-1afd-4aff-8293-2f90d40bc83b" data-vars-headline="Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/business/crypto" target="_self">cryptocurrencies</a> to the construction of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="defb678a-1afd-4aff-8293-2f90d40bc83b" data-vars-headline="Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/23/data-center-opposition-grows-across-north-carolina" target="_self">data centers</a> that power artificial intelligence models. <ul><li>Forest tells Axios that he wants his new group, the North Carolina Blockchain and AI Initiative (NCB+AI), to have an influential seat at the table for these discussions. </li></ul>

Raleigh considers nixing free two-hour parking downtown

The city's relatively new 2-hour free parking program in decks could be changed

A proposal from city staff to the Raleigh City Council to raise rates for parking decks and on-street parking is drawing concern from business groups in downtown. Why it matters: The city&#x27;s facing an $8 million shortfall in its parking operations, which has grown since office use slowed after the pandemic. <ul><li>In reaction, the staff has proposed raising rates, reducing the amount of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/17/the-tea-1-billion-project-delayed" data-vars-content-id="4d63c311-52d6-4146-b704-feb1006163cd" data-vars-headline="Raleigh considers nixing free two-hour parking downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/17/the-tea-1-billion-project-delayed" target="_self">free hours</a> of parking in decks and increasing the number of days parking is enforced. </li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

5 big questions going into a critical NCGA session

North Carolina voters could decide on property tax limits this fall

What's next for the Durham parks closed for lead issues

Rocky Mount nears rare state financial takeover

Top contenders emerge in N.C. GOP race to replace Phil Berger