North Carolina is leading the nation with an unprecedented economic surge. From Charlotte to Raleigh and throughout the Triad, the state is transforming — new jobs, new construction, and a steady stream of new families relocating to our communities. This isn’t just anecdotal — our state has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing states the past several years.
Look at what’s happening across our state. Toyota is building a massive battery plant in Randolph County. Boom Supersonic is reshaping aerospace manufacturing in Greensboro, while JetZero seeks to double the burgeoning aviation industry. Apple is developing a new campus in the Triangle. All of this economic activity creates demand — for homes, for infrastructure, for vibrant commercial districts.
But as with all rapid growth, pressure builds quickly — especially in housing. Rent is escalating, inventory remains tight, and working families are increasingly feeling priced out. Developers are trying to keep up, but higher financing costs, stricter loan underwriting, and policy uncertainty is not providing confidence to pursue new deals.
That’s why the recent passage of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” carries weight and opportunities for North Carolina real estate investors and developers who are on the frontlines of this housing crisis. But not everyone is celebrating.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a longtime political insider and strong advocate for economic growth and bipartisan policies, triggered headlines and speculation when he announced he won’t seek re-election in 2026 — citing, in part, his disappointment with how this bill was pushed through, but also the perceived bullying from the White House.
Here’s the tension: The bill’s pro growth initiatives are strong and tangible — especially for North Carolina’s economic momentum.
But Tillis is right to express concern about the process and unintended consequences. Confidence in government is fragile, and Congress passing complex tax legislation with minimal debate or bipartisan input undermines voters trust — despite the policies themselves being sound.
Still, we shouldn’t miss what’s at stake here for North Carolina.
Restoring and enhancing 100% bonus depreciation will allow investors to write off the full cost of qualified improvements in the year they’re made. That’s not a tax loophole — it will accelerate renovation, revitalization, and readiness for tenants in a state where housing demand far outpaces supply.
The preservation of 1031 exchanges allows investors to reposition capital without triggering taxes — critical for building wealth through real estate ownership. The permanence of Opportunity Zones ensures long-term certainty in underserved neighborhoods that need it most. And the reaffirmation of interest deductibility means builders and developers can keep capital flowing into deals that otherwise wouldn’t pencil.
And for investors using pass-through entities — LLCs, S-corps, partnerships — the permanent extension of the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is a major win. North Carolina has a strong ecosystem of small to mid-sized real estate operators, and this deduction helps them stay competitive while scaling.
Tillis has spent much of his career focused on economic development. He knows these tools work. He helped shape the environment that’s made North Carolina such an attractive place to work, live, play, and invest. That’s why his frustration isn’t with the vision behind the bill — it’s with how leadership chose to deliver it.
We should pay attention to that distinction.
But as we do so, we should also echo Tillis’s call for better governance — because strong policy, no matter how “beautiful,” deserves a process that’s just as strong.
Real estate investors, especially here in North Carolina, now have more clarity and more runway. The “Big Beautiful Bill” delivers on that front. And for a state like North Carolina, with its rising population, pro-business climate, and diverse communities, it’s not just a gift — it’s an invitation.
An invitation to build.
