Union County commissioners will screen a documentary about managing rapid growth and hold a panel discussion on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Wingate University.
The free event centers on "A Moment of Change," a 35-minute film produced by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' 100 Strong Productions division. The documentary examines how six North Carolina counties are handling growth, rising costs and changing community needs, according to the county.
Union County is the largest county featured in the film. Board of Commissioners Chairman Brian Helms, N.C. Cooperative Extension–Union County Center Director Andrew Baucom and Economic Development Assistant Director Rachel Holzman all appear in interviews.
Union County grew 12.4% between 2020 and 2025, reaching an estimated 267,674 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates reported by The Herald. That makes it the third-largest county in the Charlotte metro area behind Mecklenburg and York counties.
Growth has been a central concern for the board. In May, when commissioners appointed a new member to fill a vacant seat, Helms said the county faces significant challenges from growth and budget pressures and called for long-term planning over short-term fixes.
After the film, county leaders will hold a moderated panel discussion on initiatives including the Rural Land Use Plan, which the board adopted in March 2026 after a resident-led planning process. The plan aims to balance development opportunities for property owners with farmland preservation, environmental protection and rural character.
The panel will also cover the county's Land Preservation and Easement Program, which gives landowners a voluntary option to permanently preserve qualifying farmland and open space. County leaders will discuss the Food Innovation Center, a facility for agriculture and food businesses under construction in Wingate, and the broader challenge of managing growth across Union County's 14 municipalities.
No votes or official actions will be taken at the special meeting, according to the public notice.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with networking and light refreshments. The documentary begins at 6 p.m. The event runs until 7:30 p.m. at Wingate University's Batte Fine Arts Center, 403 N. Camden Road, Wingate.
Seating is limited to 175. Advance registration is required through Eventbrite. Registered attendees will receive parking details. The full documentary will be available on the 100 Strong Productions website at a later date.
