Recognizing the Backbone of North Carolina: Public Service
In a week dedicated to honoring public service, Governor Josh Stein took the opportunity to express gratitude to North Carolina’s 77,000 state employees. This acknowledgment came during his attendance at the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources’ Public Service Summit, a platform to emphasize the significance of these workers in shaping a safer and more robust state.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted, “When we recognize public service, everyone benefits. My budget would provide the state’s public servants a much-needed pay raise, greater health support, a retiree supplement, and hard-earned bonuses to recruit and retain the talent that North Carolina residents need. Whether their role is visible to the public or happens behind the scenes, every county and every community is stronger for the work of our state’s public servants.”
Staci Meyer, State Human Resources Director, shared her vision, “Our vision at OSHR is to elevate public service. North Carolina state employees, along with local government and other public service professionals across our state, positively impact North Carolina’s ability to serve its people. I’m grateful for their service and am especially proud to celebrate them this week.”
The summit was designed to foster conversations among various public sector entities. Dylan Russell, UNC School of Government Faculty and Lead for N.C. Director, noted the event’s purpose, stating, “The Public Service Summit is really meant to spark meaningful dialogue across our public sector. From state government and universities to local governments and nonprofits, we are bringing people together to showcase all the great work our state’s public employees do for the people of North Carolina.”
Amanda Stewart, Faculty and Director of N.C. State’s MPA Program, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration efforts. “It’s been wonderful collaborating on this year’s Public Service Recognition Week,” she said. “I’m so thankful to all the stakeholders who helped bring this campaign to life in celebration of our state’s public workforce and am excited for the Summit, a seminal engagement that we can build on for years to come.”
The importance of state employees was further underscored by SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins, who commented, “State employees are critical to the success of North Carolina. The Summit was a great step in the right direction as we collectively aim to elevate what it means to serve the public. I’m looking forward to continued collaboration and the 2027 event.”
Governor Stein recently announced his recommended budget for FY 2026-2027, aiming to strengthen the state by supporting its workforce and addressing job vacancies. Key provisions include a 5% pay raise for the 2025-2027 biennium, a $1,000 bonus for all state employees, and an additional $500 for those earning less than $75,000 annually. The budget also proposes a 5% increase in employer premiums for health care and a one-time 5% retiree supplement.
The summit’s program included a panel discussion, Elevating Public Service in North Carolina, featuring key figures such as N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Joceyln Mallette, State Auditor Dave Boliek, and Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David. The session was moderated by representatives from the UNC School of Government and NC State’s School of Public Administration.
Public Service Recognition Week, first celebrated in 1985, continues to honor government employees across various levels. North Carolina, with about 77,000 employees, participates in this annual tradition.
For those considering a career in public service within North Carolina, an Interest Card can be filled out for engagement within 48 hours. The state’s JoinNC initiative ensures a recruiter will reach out promptly. To explore various opportunities, visit the Office of State Human Resources.
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