Mike Downs, County Manager, Cabarrus County
Invest: spoke with Mike Downs, county manager of Cabarrus County, to explore how the county is navigating rapid growth while preserving its community identity. From major capital projects like a new courthouse to innovative hybrid library and active living centers, we discussed how these efforts address the needs of residents and businesses alike. Downs also shared insights on economic development, collaboration with local organizations, and the county’s vision for the future.
What have been the key achievements and milestones for the county over the last few years?
The past five years have been a period of marked growth. We have completed or started multiple capital projects, including construction of a new Courthouse in downtown Concord, a new headquarters for our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department, and more. As the growth continues, we’re working closely with our two school systems to keep up with current and projected enrollment. We’re also addressing growth needs in our services, including parks, libraries, and senior centers.
What opportunities do you think this growth will bring to the community?
We’ve seen positive outcomes with new businesses. Our economic development efforts are paying off, attracting attention nationally and internationally. The businesses that are building or have built here are bringing high-paying jobs and generating local revenue, bringing value to Cabarrus and making it an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family. We’re managing the challenges of growth while taking advantage of the opportunities it presents.
How does the county collaborate with the Economic Development Corporation and other organizations to support local businesses and attract new businesses?
We work closely with the Economic Development Corporation as the major provider of its funding. Other municipalities and private contributions also support the organization. We’re actively recruiting businesses that bring high-paying jobs and capital investment. Our board is receptive to incentivizing these businesses if they offer jobs with salaries above the current average wages. If the average salary of new jobs isn’t above that threshold, we would welcome the businesses, but likely wouldn’t offer incentives.
What unique characteristics make the county a great location for both businesses and residents?
Our proximity to Charlotte and major transportation hubs significantly boosts economic development. We’re fortunate to be in the Charlotte Metro region, which helps attract attention. But we believe we’ve retained the feel of a slower-paced, more personable community. That combination is a driver of growth, especially for the school systems. We work closely with superintendents and school boards to create education programs that are attractive and valuable to new residents. Our school systems are rated highly throughout the state, and we collaborate with them to keep facilities modern with state-of-the-art amenities. The systems provide diverse curriculum and often work with businesses to meet local needs.
What is the quality of life like in the county, and what are some of the most in-demand amenities and services?
We continually seek public input, and parks are a passion for the public. We are constantly searching for ways to develop new parks and expand existing ones. Of course, land for new parks and schools can be challenging in high-growth areas. But we’ve developed some ways to meet that challenge. We’re introducing two new facilities that combine active living centers and libraries, which allows a variety of services on smaller land parcels. We’re excited about the potential for cross-generational activities. We envision grandparents enjoying the active living center while their grandchildren are participating in an activity at the library. The collaborative efforts between the two departments will benefit the quality of life for all residents – it’s a win-win.
Our parks are well-known throughout the region and offer a variety of amenities, from ballfields and pickleball courts to great hiking trails, fishing lakes, camping areas and so much more. In conjunction with one of the new hybrid library/active living centers, we are adding a new park with ballfields, trails, a playground, and more in Mt. Pleasant. We are also developing a 615-acre passive nature park that will provide plenty of activities and educational opportunities.
How is the county leveraging technology to streamline operations or stay in touch with residents?
Our IT department has recruited excellent staff, and continuously maintains high standards for customer service. They are constantly innovating solutions for increased transparency and enhanced connection to our residents. They are routinely recognized nationally in the GovTech Awards. IT also collaborates with our award-winning Communications and Outreach department to broadcast monthly commissioner meetings. The Communications team also produces Cabarrus This Week, a bi-weekly show using a green screen and special effects to highlight county events, information, and issues and trends in a fun, fast-paced and entertaining format. The show is shared through various channels, including the County’s YouTube channel, social media pages, and various display screens in County buildings. We leverage technology to meet residents where they are, and our reach continues to grow.
Together, ITS and Communications are integrating technology across departments to ensure information is accessible and interactive.
What is your general outlook for the county over the next few years, and what are your top priorities?
We aim to keep up with growth, improving services internally and planning for the future. From an economic development standpoint, we’re proactive yet selective in recruiting businesses. We want companies that provide numerous jobs and are good community partners. For example, Eli Lilly has delivered on high-paying jobs and capital investment, while also contributing significantly to the community in a variety of ways.
Our focus is on attracting businesses that are good corporate citizens with long-term commitments. As we’ve done in the past, Cabarrus County will remain committed to collaborating with our municipalities and other partners to enhance services, manage growth sustainably, and help maintain a great quality of life for those who call this county home.
