Shackleford County Residents to Meet with Officials at Old Albany News Building

Shackleford County residents gathered at the Old Albany News Building on Friday for a public forum led by County Judge Maria Thompson, who emphasized the importance of community input in shaping reinvestment zones across the region. The event, organized by the county’s economic development office, aimed to address concerns about resource allocation and infrastructure priorities in underserved areas.

Thompson, who has served on the bench since 2015, stated during the discussion that “transparency and dialogue are foundational to ensuring every community feels represented in decision-making processes.” She highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to identify areas eligible for state-funded reinvestment initiatives, which include grants for road repairs, small business support, and public safety upgrades.

The forum drew approximately 75 attendees, according to county records, with participants raising questions about the criteria used to select reinvestment zones. Some residents expressed concerns that rural areas within the county had historically received less attention compared to urban centers. Thompson acknowledged these concerns, noting that the county’s planning team is reviewing demographic and economic data to refine the selection process.

A separate report from the Shackleford County Planning Department, obtained by News Directory 3, revealed that 12 zones have been designated for potential reinvestment as of July 2026, with 8 of those located in or near the city of Albany. The department’s director, David R. Ellis, confirmed that the next round of applications will open in September, with a focus on projects that align with the county’s 10-year infrastructure plan.

Residents also inquired about the role of private sector partnerships in the reinvestment efforts. Thompson cited a recent collaboration with a local construction firm, which has committed to hiring locally for upcoming road projects. “We’re prioritizing opportunities that create long-term jobs while improving critical infrastructure,” she said.

The event marked the second public forum this year on reinvestment zones, following a similar meeting in March hosted by the county’s chamber of commerce. Both sessions have been structured to allow residents to submit written feedback, which will be reviewed by the planning team before finalizing zone designations.

County officials have not yet released a timeline for announcing the next set of designated zones, but Thompson reiterated that the process will remain open to public scrutiny. “We want to ensure that every voice is heard,” she said. “This isn’t just about funding—it’s about building trust.”

A separate statement from the Shackleford County Democratic Party praised the judge’s approach, calling the forums “a step toward equitable development.” However, no official response was received from the Republican-led county commission, which has previously criticized the reinvestment initiative as “too focused on urban areas.”

Residents interested in participating in future discussions are encouraged to contact the county’s economic development office or visit the official website for updates. The next forum is scheduled for August 15 at the Shackleford County Library.