MOORE COUNTY, N.C. — Economic-development officials are working with 25 active business projects that collectively represent more than 450 potential jobs and over $160 million in capital investment.
The figures were included in the Moore County Economic Development Partnership’s latest quarterly progress report, covering the period ending June 30, 2026.
The organization responded to 31 new business leads during the quarter, bringing its total for the fiscal year to 140. That was seven fewer leads than the previous fiscal year.
The jobs and investments associated with active projects remain prospective and are not guaranteed until companies make formal announcements and complete their development plans.
Support for Existing Moore County Businesses
MCEDP completed five visits with existing industries during the quarter and 33 during the full fiscal year. That exceeded the organization’s annual goal of 20 visits.
One of those conversations led to a partnership with Sandhills Community College to address a need for introductory training involving SolidWorks, a three-dimensional design and engineering program.
The organization also assisted Moore County and the Town of Robbins with an incentives proposal supporting the continued growth of OA Defense, a firearms manufacturer operating in Robbins.
Additional activities included a tour of Amazon’s last-mile distribution facility in the Southern Pines Corporate Park and participation in the groundbreaking for new corporate hangars at Moore County Airport. The hangars will support defense contractors Titan Echelon and AVA Technologies.
Development Sites and Commercial Air Service
Efforts to create additional development-ready property also continued during the quarter. Engineers, consultants and utility providers evaluated a 107-acre property in southern Moore County through Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program.
The assessment found that the property could become competitive for future industrial or business-park development with strategic infrastructure improvements. MCEDP has commissioned an appraisal and will continue evaluating the site.
The organization also submitted a census tract that includes Robbins for consideration under the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 initiative. If approved, the designation would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and could offer federal tax incentives for private investment.
MCEDP reported receiving $1.2 million in signed pledge agreements supporting efforts to restore commercial airline service at Moore County Airport.
Moore County Employment and Wage Growth
The report’s economic dashboard showed a year-over-year net increase of 2,702 jobs. Average annual wages climbed to $61,048, an increase of slightly more than 3 percent.
Moore County’s unemployment rate stood at 3.2 percent in May 2026. Private-sector employment also increased during the reporting period.
Source: Moore County Economic Development Partnership Quarterly Progress Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2026.
