Justin Mundy, County Manager, Alexander County

In an interview with Invest:, Justin Mundy, county manager of Alexander County, discussed the county’s priorities around public safety, infrastructure, housing, and quality of life. As Alexander County prepares for growth while preserving its rural character, Mundy emphasized a deliberate approach to development. “Creating opportunities while managing expectations about change is one of the county’s most important responsibilities moving forward,” Mundy said.

What are some of the most important investments Alexander County is making today to support future growth?

Public safety is always our top priority. Over the last several years, the county has invested heavily in our sheriff’s office, EMS, 911 operations, emergency management, and other public safety services. One of the biggest steps was increasing compensation for public safety employees. They had fallen behind neighboring counties and municipalities, and last year they received a 12.5% pay increase. While it was not possible to provide that same increase across all departments, public safety remains essential because residents expect help to arrive when they need it, whether that is a medical emergency, a fire, or a law enforcement response.

Infrastructure is another major focus. We are continually improving, replacing, and extending water lines throughout the county. Several projects are currently underway. Sewer infrastructure presents a different challenge because Alexander County is a rural community, and much of the county still relies on septic systems. As areas such as Bethlehem continue to grow, we are working to extend sewer service and support future development.

The third major priority is economic development. Alexander County has not experienced the same level of economic transformation that some neighboring communities have seen. We have a strong history in furniture manufacturing, but since that industry’s decline, growth has been more limited. Creating opportunities while managing expectations about change is one of the county’s most important responsibilities moving forward.

What advantages does Alexander County offer when competing for new investment and talent?

We recently adopted a new slogan: Alexander County has space to grow. That message really captures where we are today.

We have available land, a strong agricultural base, and room for thoughtful development. However, we also want to preserve the rural quality of life that residents value. The goal is not growth for growth’s sake. The goal is to identify the areas that have long been planned for development and grow strategically.

One advantage we have is that many communities around us are running out of available land. Alexander County still has opportunities available for businesses, housing, and investment.

Another advantage is our workforce. A large number of residents leave the county each day to work elsewhere. That means there is a substantial pool of talent already living here. If new employers bring quality jobs and competitive wages, there is a workforce available that would welcome the opportunity to work closer to home.

Another advantage we have is a strong Board of Commissioners that genuinely cares about Alexander County and its future. Their experience and commitment to serving our citizens help guide the decisions we make every day. We work together to create opportunities, strengthen our communities, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Alexander County home.

How do you balance growth opportunities with preserving the county’s character?

That balance is probably one of the most important conversations taking place today. We want to preserve our rural identity and the quality of life that makes this county attractive, but we also recognize that growth is necessary.

The Bethlehem area is a good example. It has become one of the county’s fastest-growing areas because of its proximity to Lake Hickory and neighboring communities. Several housing developments are planned there, including one project that will eventually include approximately 489 homes over the next four to five years.

Growth can be difficult for people to accept because development is not always visually appealing during construction. Trees come down, roads change, and communities evolve. Naturally, some residents are concerned about that. However, these projects are important for the county’s long-term sustainability.

When fully built out, that development alone could generate an estimated $1.6 million to $2 million in tax revenue based on current tax rates. That revenue supports county services and helps strengthen the tax base.

What is important to understand is that these growth areas were identified decades ago. Bethlehem, Taylorsville, and Stony Point were designated many years ago as the areas best suited for future development. We are not creating new growth centers. We are following a vision that previous leaders established generations ago.

How do housing trends factor into the county’s future plans?

Housing is becoming increasingly important. As neighboring communities continue to grow, that growth naturally extends outward. We are seeing that influence particularly in Bethlehem, where new residential development is accelerating.

The county recognizes the importance of concentrating development in appropriate locations. From an infrastructure standpoint, it is much more practical and efficient to serve housing when it is located in designated growth areas rather than spread across large rural sections of the county.

The developments currently planned in Bethlehem and surrounding areas will add hundreds of homes over the coming years. That growth will support the tax base and create opportunities for additional services and amenities.

We remain committed to preserving the county’s rural character. It is about finding the right balance between growth and maintaining the qualities that make Alexander County unique.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

One major priority is improving connectivity throughout the county. The commissioners recently adopted a multimodal plan that focuses on sidewalks, connectivity, and creating more opportunities for residents to move throughout the community safely and conveniently.

Beyond infrastructure, my biggest goal is giving people a reason to come to Alexander County and a reason to stay in Alexander County.

Having lived here my entire life, I remember growing up and hearing people say there was not much to do here. I would like to change that perception. We are not trying to become a large metropolitan area, but we do want to create opportunities for people of all ages.

We recently completed significant improvements to Bethlehem Park through grant funding. The park now offers updated recreational amenities, including pickleball courts, basketball courts, and athletic facilities that are heavily used by residents.

Looking ahead, another priority is East Park near Stony Point. It is the largest park in the county, but it has not seen major upgrades in decades. If we can secure the funding, modernizing that facility would provide tremendous value for residents and could attract visitors through tournaments and other events.

We also want to continue supporting local businesses, particularly in downtown Taylorsville. We have a number of great locally owned shops, and we want them to succeed.

Ultimately, quality-of-life investments help support everything else we are trying to accomplish. When people have places to gather, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community, it makes the county more attractive to residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

There is a fine balance between maintaining rural living and creating opportunities for growth, but that is exactly what we are working toward. My goal is to ensure that people have reasons to visit Alexander County, reasons to invest here, and reasons to call it home for years to come.

We have a strong Board of Commissioners that genuinely cares about Alexander County and its future. Their experience and commitment to serving our citizens help guide the decisions we make every day. We work together to create opportunities, strengthen our communities, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Alexander County home.