Brunswick County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brunswick County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
School Board Election
Voters in Brunswick County are gearing up for the 2026 school board elections and need to know where candidates stand on key classroom issues. This election will shape local education policies and directly impact what happens in your kids' schools.
Creation of Brunswick County Cemetery Committee
Residents and historical society members urged the county to adopt stronger protections for unmarked and historic cemeteries against encroaching development. The board subsequently approved a new cemetery protection ordinance and directed staff to explore an overlay district.
Law Enforcement Investigation
A Brunswick County sheriff's deputy is under investigation by the SBI for illegally using automated license plate scanners. This situation highlights major concerns about police oversight and how your personal travel data is being monitored.
Urban Agriculture
Brunswick County towns are debating whether to change their rules to let residents raise backyard chickens. If passed, it means fresh eggs right from home for anyone willing to tend a coop.
Rising Cost of eBooks and Digital Materials
Public libraries are paying more and more for eBooks and digital materials. The board is working with library partners and state legislators to push for more sustainable pricing models.
Adult daycare daily reimbursement rate
The board was scheduled to consider the daily reimbursement rate for adult daycare services, which affects what families pay and what providers receive. No outcome is on record.
Rural Health Initiative Grant
A presentation was scheduled on the Rural Health Initiative Grant, which could bring funding for health services in rural parts of the county.
Wildfire Response
A fast-moving wildfire near Shallotte is only 10% contained, meaning local businesses are already taking hits and evacuations might be just around the corner. If you live or work nearby, you need to stay glued to your local alerts for sudden road closures and safety updates.
Town Planning
Brunswick County is rolling out new town planning maps, and if you want to know where the next wave of construction is heading, you'll want to take a look. These updates outline upcoming residential and commercial growth across the area.
City Manager Appointment
Boiling Spring Lakes just got a new city manager by hiring the former planning director from Oak Island to run the daily operations of the local government.
Opposition to Data Center Development
Residents and commissioners voiced strong opposition to potential data center projects, raising concerns about excessive water usage, high electricity consumption, noise, and low job creation.
Rapid Growth and Evacuation Concerns
Residents expressed alarm over rapid residential development straining two-lane evacuation routes and overwhelming local infrastructure during emergencies like wildfires.
Support for 4th of July Festival
The county approved $25,000 to help support the annual Fourth of July Festival in Southport, highlighting its statewide significance and the heavy reliance on county emergency and public safety resources.
Board Vacancy
Two sudden departures from the Brunswick County Planning Board could seriously shake up how local neighborhood development is handled. Keep an eye on this, because these board members make big calls on where new buildings and housing go.
Residential Development
Brunswick County is getting a massive new gated community with nearly 4,000 homes, which is going to completely shake up local traffic and infrastructure. If you drive around the area, expect a lot more gridlock as this massive project gets built out.
Population Growth and Development
Brunswick County just hit number one nationwide for population growth, which means a flood of new developments, more construction, and heavier traffic are headed our way. If you live here, get ready for a fast-changing landscape as the county tries to keep up with the boom.
Election Campaign
Brunswick County's sheriff race is heating up with local candidate Brian Chism throwing his hat in the ring. A new leader at the top could mean big changes for how local law enforcement is run.
Law Enforcement Shooting
The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into a deadly police shooting in Brunswick County, bringing up serious questions about how our local law enforcement operates and keeps us safe. Everyone's waiting to see what the investigation uncovers about police accountability.
Official Misconduct
A Brunswick County elected official was arrested for threatening a state senator, creating a major political distraction for local leaders. This scandal is shaking up county politics right when steady leadership is needed most.
Emergency Response Policy
Brunswick County is taking a hard look at its emergency response rules, which could seriously change how fast help arrives in your neighborhood when you dial 911. Local leaders are reviewing current operations to see what needs fixing before the next crisis hits.
Grant Administration
Brunswick County dropped the ball and missed a major deadline to apply for a water grant, meaning we might lose out on some serious cash needed to fix up our local infrastructure. It's a frustrating oversight that has people asking questions about how our local government handles administrative tasks.
Clean Water Access
A human rights group is putting the pressure on Brunswick County to finally make clean water access a top priority for everyone living there. It's all about making sure residents can actually trust what's coming out of their taps without having to worry.
School Closures
Brunswick County Schools are moving to remote learning next week, meaning parents need to scramble to adjust their schedules. It's a quick shift that will definitely disrupt the usual routine.
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Public Hearing
Southport is holding a public hearing to let folks who used to live in its extraterritorial jurisdiction sound off on local governance and representation. If you were affected by these zoning boundaries, this is your chance to get some answers and make your voice heard.