Business View Civil & Municipal - May 2023

70 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 As the largest of the Crystal Coast’s 11 distinct communities, Morehead City is home to an endless array of experiences for visitors of all kinds. Outdoors lovers will find activities ranging from relaxing to thrilling, with fishing excursions, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, SCUBA diving, and more to fill their days. Dozens of restaurants, with cuisine ranging from Mexican to BBQ to pizza and everything in between, will satisfy foodies of all kinds... even the kids. Plus, fresh- caught seafood is never far away. Exciting events are happening all year-round in Morehead City, and we’re even host to the largest three- day festival in the state (North Carolina Seafood Festival) and one of the oldest and largest fishing tournaments in the country (Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament). Beautiful views of the water are everywhere you turn, and welcoming locals are always there with a warm smile and a recommendation for something fun to see or do. Add in challenging golf, a cool arcade, vibrant art, and tons of shopping, and you’ll find there’s a whole lot of amazing to experience here in Morehead City, NC. For more information, visit: www.crystalcoastnc.org Today, Morehead City is a diverse and eclectic community, home to approximately 10,000 within its corporate limits and 28,000 in its unincorporated areas. Despite its relatively small size, the city boasts amenities and businesses typically found in larger urban centers, reflecting its vibrant and innovative spirit. As Morehead City emerges from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones envisions a bright future for the coastal town. With 24 years of experience as mayor, he remains committed to forward-thinking and responsible growth. “We’ve got to continue to move forward,” he asserts, acknowledging the need for long-term planning in government. One of the critical strategies in Mayor Jones’ vision for Morehead City is fostering public- private partnerships, particularly at the individual level. He explains how the city has worked to make it appealing for residents to annex voluntarily, allowing them to take advantage of the services and amenities offered. “We’re partnering with them to make it appealing to come into Morehead City,” he says. The Mayor’s vision for Morehead City goes beyond economic growth and infrastructure; it encompasses its residents’ quality of life and sense of community. “Morehead City is a great place to live, work, raise your family, go to school, and retire,” he proudly states. Mayor Jones is determined to maintain this appeal while nurturing the growth of services, businesses, and amenities that cater to the individual needs of families and the community. City Manager Chris Turner outlines several key initiatives currently in the pipeline to attract new businesses to Morehead City while supporting existing ones as they recover from the impact of COVID-19. Turner emphasizes the importance of infrastructure in attracting new companies and enabling existing ones to thrive. One such initiative is expanding the fiber network in Morehead City and the surrounding Carteret County community. This market-driven MOREHEAD C I TY , NC y, you’ll always leave wanting more.