The Carolinas have been growing rapidly, with recent statistics showing North and South Carolina’s state GDP increasing much faster than the national average. Population, too, has been rising in the Carolinas, with South Carolina experiencing the fastest population growth rate in the nation in 2023, and North Carolina the fifth fastest. Both states are also in the top five for absolute numeric growth, with the Carolinas welcoming 230,000 net new residents in 2023. This is in line with a general trend toward faster population growth in the South than in other regions. Yet many other states have outdone the Carolinas in economic freedom scores.

Rapid growth in the Carolinas requires thoughtful consideration of the challenges for governance, jobs, infrastructure, and housing. The conference will highlight the opportunities for meeting these challenges with solutions based on classical liberal principles. Contributions will show how private and public institutions can successfully adapt to demographic and economic change in the Carolinas and other fast-growing Sunbelt states.

The 2025 CLC conference aims to draw individuals from business, academia, policy organizations, and other nonprofits for discussions related to growth and economic liberty in the Carolinas. Panel discussions and a keynote address will be topical, relevant, and stimulating, and the conference will also provide opportunities for informal conversation on classical liberal ideas.