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

Second citizen satisfaction survey

Posted October 24, 2014 at 11:46 am

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll remember that I recently wrote about the public promise of New Hanover County. If you’re a first time reader, I want you to know New Hanover County promises to make the community safe, healthy, and well. So how do we know if we’re delivering on our promise? We ask.

New Hanover County is conducting its second county-wide survey, which began October 23 and runs through November 13. Some county residents and business owners will receive one of 4,000 randomly selected and mailed paper surveys with an ask to participate; the rest of us can access the same survey instrument from the main landing page at www.nhcgov.com.

Responses from the county’s first ever survey in 2012 led to the board of commissioners identifying economic development and a public policy environment that makes job creation easy as its number 1 policy priority. Respondents 2 years ago identified, by more than 2 to 1, the lack of economic development as their top concern. What does the community have to say in 2014? Please take the survey to ensure your opinion is expressed because that opinion will shape future public policy choices for New Hanover County.

Specifically, the survey instrument is divided into 4 separate categories with an aim to address the following:

  • The performance of New Hanover County government and the quality of life in the community;
  • Citizen priorities as they are considered independently as well as relative to other priorities;
  • Citizen awareness, engagement, and community participation;
  • Citizen information to include housing, fitness and community participation.

Our safe, healthy, and well promise is solemn. Your opinions will help us frame what we do to make sure we continue to deliver on that public promise.

New Hanover County Makes You Safe, Healthy, and Well

Posted October 14, 2014 at 11:49 am

The proverbial question: What do I get for my tax dollars? It’s a fair question, and it’s one that any county government should be in position to answer without fail or … Read More »

Fire Study

Posted October 7, 2014 at 3:33 pm

You may have recently read headlines noting that a professional fire service consultant is recommending that New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington consolidate its fire departments. However, when … Read More »

First Tuesday in November

Posted October 1, 2014 at 1:02 pm

The 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 … Read More »

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 »