courthouse-clocktowerHere in New Hanover County, the community, elected officials and county staff cooperate to balance a high quality of life with a progressive business and economic climate.

At less than 200 square miles, New Hanover County is the second smallest – geographically – of the 100 North Carolina counties; however, it is home to more than 232,000 people.

New Hanover County is not just a great place in which to live or visit. New Hanover County is also a great place to do business. Tourism, film production, the service and retail sectors are the engines that power our economy.

Our Mission: New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, superior service, courteous contact, judicious exercise of authority, and sound fiscal management to meet the needs and concerns of our citizens today and tomorrow.

The government of New Hanover County is committed to ensuring that you are safe, healthy and secure; that is our promise to you.

New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet serves as chief administrator of county government and maintains responsibility for administering all departments under the general control of the five-member Board of Commissioners.

The county manager’s work includes the development of the county’s annual budget. The budget is the policy document, financial plan, and operations guide and communications device of county government. It reflects the county’s response to the needs of the community and residents’ requests for services. New Hanover County’s government is operating on a $399.6 million multi-fund budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2020 and ends June 30, 2021. In addition, the county also administers $294 million in state and federal funding. Through this $693 million, the county serves more than 233,000 residents.

In addition, the manager and his executive leadership team are responsible for aligning the operations of the county to the adopted strategic plan and advancing the county’s mission and vision through five key focus areas: superior education and workforce, superior public health and safety, intelligent growth and economic development, strong financial performance, and effective county management.

Mr. Coudriet has served as the county manager since July 2012. Prior to his appointment, he served as assistant county manager for New Hanover County for four years and as county manager in Franklin and Washington counties, N.C.

Mr. Coudriet has twenty-five years of public administration experience, with fifteen years as a county manager or assistant county manager in North Carolina. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

He is a native of eastern North Carolina. Chris and his wife, Leigh, and two children Montgomery and Silas, reside in Wilmington.

New Hanover County’s work is aligned with five shared values: Professionalism, Integrity, Innovation, Stewardship, and Accountability. The county’s employees consistently exemplify these values and go above and beyond in carrying out the mission to serve the county’s citizens.

Learn more about the county’s mission, vision, and strategy here.

New Hanover County has received the final economic development target analysis report from Jay Garner titled Pathways to Prosperity: New Hanover County’s Plan for Jobs and Investment and it’s critical companion piece, the Competitive Realties Report.

Manager's Message

First Tuesday in November

Posted October 1, 2014 at 1:02 pm

votebadgeThe first Tuesday in November, election day, is only a month away. If you’re already registered to vote in New Hanover County, keep November 4 in your foresight. You have the opportunity to weigh in on important matters affecting the place you call home.

A few things to consider between now and election day – Tuesday, November 4:

  • If you’re not already registered to vote, the last day to register as a voter is Friday, October 10. You can register by visiting the New Hanover County Elections Office at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 38, Wilmington, NC, or download the voter registration form at www.nhcvote.com and mail it to the election’s office.
  • If you’re out of town and can’t vote in person on election day or during the early voting period, you can request of the election’s office an absentee ballot, and you have until Tuesday, October 28 by 5 p.m. to make that request.
  • If you’re want to avoid the rush of the crowd on election day, you can take advantage of 5 early voting sites throughout the county beginning Thursday, October 23 and continuing through Saturday, November 1.
    • An early voting site can be found at the New Hanover County Government Center from October 23 through November 1.
    • Four additional voting sites can be found at the Carolina Beach Town Hall, the Main Library in downtown Wilmington, the Northeast Library near Landfall, and the Senior Resource Center off Shipyard Blvd – these sites are only open October 27 through November 1.
    • Check out www.nhcvote.com for voting hours.

Beyond voting, you can also serve in a valuable role during the early voting period and on election day itself. The Board of Elections is in need of volunteers to work the polls to help guide the elections process. If you’re interested in helping, please contact Marvin McFadyen, elections director, at mmcfadyen@nhcgov.com.

The 2014 election – a time that will change your life.

Introducing New Hanover County Manager’s Message

Posted September 26, 2014 at 12:49 pm

Technology makes communication so much easier and faster. I believe New Hanover County government has really taken a huge step forward in our capacity to reach our customers, and I … Read More »