North Carolina is a beautiful place to call home. From the mountains to the coast, the natural splendor of our state has a unique way of arousing awe in longtime residents and visitors alike. Yet the landscape is rapidly changing. With a dominating rural culture that is giving way to a dependence upon the growing urban economy, North Carolina is in danger of being divided at its very roots.

In recognition of this trend, a diverse partnership was formed in 2006 that consists of concerned residents and organizations from across the state, including the Initiative. This group, aptly called ‘Land for Tomorrow’ (LFT), has proposed a Land and Water Conservation Bond currently before the General Assembly. If approved, LFT will provide $1 billion over five years to protect the vast natural resources of North Carolina.

To the Initiative, this proposal presents both a challenge and an opportunity. In order to ensure that this landmark legislation spreads benefit evenly across all economic and social boundaries, the Initiative will distribute $150 million of the bond through a program called ‘Landing Jobs.’ This portion of the allocation will help small businesses, nonprofits and local governments create new economies based on the sustainable use of natural resources, as well as historic and cultural ones.

According to the Commission, “Land and water conservation play a key role in fostering economic growth and job creation in the State. Many of the State's largest economic sectors are dependent