The Halifax County Board of Commissioners adopted the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies Strategic Plan for 2026-2031 for Halifax County. 

The plan was adopted at the board’s July 6 meeting.

This plan was developed through a more than yearlong process by a CORE work group under the guidance and facilitation of Sharon Smith, community economic development planner, Northeast Region, with the NC Department of Commerce. 

This technical assistance for the strategic plan development was provided to Halifax County without charge to help rural communities leverage natural assets to increase economic opportunity through the outdoor recreation economic sector.

The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center works in regions, counties, cities, towns, downtown districts, and in designated North Carolina Main Street communities, to inspire place-making through building asset-based economic development strategies that achieve measurable results such as investment, business growth, and jobs.

On April 7, 2025, the Board of Commissioners by resolution engaged with the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center through the Rural Economic Development Division of the NC Department of Commerce to form a local work group to develop a CORE strategic plan for Halifax County. Over the past year, the CORE work group has met regularly to discuss the many opportunities in Halifax County to leverage our significant outdoor recreation assets to create businesses and serve as economic drivers in our communities.

Halifax County’s CORE Economic Positioning Statement, created by the CORE work group, is as follows: “Historic Halifax County, rich in rivers, lakes, forests and agriculture, is where the fall line unites the flatlands of the coastal plain and the rolling hills of the piedmont. Like generations before us, we resolve to be good stewards of our lands and waterways. With opportunities for year-round adventures, we will foster a sustainable outdoor recreation economy by encouraging investment, connecting communities, and enhancing quality of life.” 

From that Economic Positioning Statement, three strategies were identified: foster a sustainable outdoor recreation economy by encouraging investment, by connecting communities, and by enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors.

Outdoor Recreation Economies include the following activities that are associated with natural assets in communities: hiking/walking, biking, fishing/hunting, canoeing/kayaking, motorized boating, birdwatching/nature viewing, camping, and much more. This plan does not include playgrounds and sporting fields.

A complete copy of the plan is available on the Halifax County website via this link