Appropriates $3 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the UNC Board of Governors (BOG) beginning with 2026-2027 to be allocated to the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC-Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) for the North Carolina Economic Forecasting Initiative (Initiative). Establishes the Initiative within the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the Kenan-Flagler Business School to: (1) collect the State's nowcast and forecast county-level economic data and provide the data to the state’s policymakers, businesses, community colleges, economic developers, and other stakeholders; and (2) provide relevant and translational economic data to relevant stakeholders to foster sustainable and broad-based growth in local economies, attract new industry and businesses, and create opportunities for all residents. Requires State and local governments to cooperate and assist the Initiative with data and requires requests for data to be reasonable in scope and allow reasonable time for compliance.

Requires the Kenan-Flagler Business School to report beginning December 1, 2026, and by December 1 of every year thereafter when funds are appropriated in accordance with this at, on the use of the funds to the specified NCGA committee and Division.

Effective July 1, 2026.