GOAL 1

Ensure services, infrastructure, and programming meet the needs of anticipated growth.

The availability of public services, infrastructure, and sound conservation practices is a vital foundation for maximizing the benefits and addressing the challenges that come with growth and development. The County will continue to work with its municipal, state, and federal partners in planning and investing to support future growth in Gaston County.

Strategic Objectives

• Gaston County Budget and Strategy will increase Gaston County’s General Fund Liquidity ratio to 8.0% by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Budget and Strategy will maintain a General Fund Solvency rate between 25% and 35% through FY 2028.

• Gaston County Budget and Strategy will maintain a General Fund Leverage rate below 3% by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Economic Development Commission will facilitate planning, design, and/or construction to increase availability of water and sewer 2.5 miles by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Natural Resources will work with conservation partners to protect an area of land equivalent to 20% of what is approved for development annually by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Natural Resources will minimize increases to average annual turbidity levels by 15% in Long Creek, Duhart Creek, Catawba Creek, and Crowders Creek by FY 2028

One Gaston 2040

• Collaborate and build coalitions

• Welcome and value diversity

• Promote health and wellness

• Improve mobility, connectivity, and accessibility

• Enable broadband internet access

• Gaston County Natural Resources will improve and protect 7,500 linear feet of streambank through agricultural cost-share programs by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Natural Resources will provide and improve water access for 150 head of livestock through agricultural cost-share programs by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Natural Resources will work with Planning and Zoning to minimize impacts to natural resources on 100% of rezoning requests by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Cooperative Extension (Horticulture and Livestock) will increase the adoption of best management practices among farmers, gardeners, and landscapers by 15% by FY 2028.

• Gaston County Cooperative Extension (Environment and Natural Resources) will increase the number of stream feet that are consistently monitored for water quality by 30% by 2028.

• Strengthen childcare and early childhood education

• Ready students for college and careers

• Strengthen targeted economic development

• Maximize housing options

• Provide adequate infrastructure

• Retain character and natural amenities

• Generate pride and positive perceptions

• Leverage arts and culture