N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-506.10
It shall be the policy of the State of North Carolina to support the expansion of the State and to designate growth areas or centers with the potential, capacity and desire for growth. The Governor, with the advice of county and municipal government officials and citizens, is charged with designating growth areas or centers, which shall include at least one center in each North Carolina county. Designation of growth areas or centers shall be reviewed annually. These designations may be used for the purpose of establishing priority consideration for State and federal assistance for growth.
Progress toward achieving balanced growth shall be measured by the strengthening of economic activity and the adequacy of public services within each of the State's multi-county regions and, as to the geographical area included, the Southeastern Economic Development Commission. The Governor, with the advice of county and municipal government officials and citizens, shall develop measures of progress toward achieving balanced growth.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-506.10