Leland’s economic development mission is to promote activities that will improve the economic vitality and sustainability of the community, driving the success of local businesses and ensuring a high quality of life for residents.

The life science sector presents a prime opportunity for Leland to attract, launch and retain businesses that offer quality local jobs, develop employment centers and strengthen the town’s network of internationally competitive industries.

Life sciences in North Carolina supports approximately 830 companies, with 145 engaged in production and manufacturing. This sector has also produced 2,500 support companies and employs 75,000 people.

From a land use perspective, manufacturing typically yields a 3:1 return on investment for every dollar spent. Similarly, the town and its residents have expressed interest in attracting professional, high-wage jobs.

The average salary for biotechnology jobs is approximately $112,000, significantly higher than Leland’s median household income of $82,651.

The town of Leland has about 190 acres of available property zoned Innovation District, annexed in 2016 to support and encourage job-creating uses that fit the town’s character and desire for a place for creative, sustainable and entrepreneurial companies to start, grow or relocate.

This zoning district was created to attract advanced manufacturing, research and development, and associated support functions serving the community and region’s needs.

Developing these properties as employment centers could reduce commuting and attract amenities that support a “live, work, play and learn” community.

The southeastern region of the state has developed a thriving life science cluster that focuses on marine biotechnology, clinical research, industrial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

This cluster leverages public-private initiatives, such as (UNCW’s) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, to facilitate technology transfers and entrepreneurial services.

While there is already an established community of life science companies in the Cape Fear region, new spinoffs continue to emerge due to research at UNCW and associated lab spaces such as UNCW’s CREST Research Park.

Between 2021 and 2022, this sector produced more than 5,500 biological and biomedical degrees and more than 4,300 engineering degrees. UNCW has created new programs, such as the Ph. D. in pharmaceutical chemistry and the bachelor’s in biochemistry, further supporting the potential workforce to attract life science companies to Leland.

Leland is strategically positioned at an ideal location for state, national and international commerce.

The nearby Port of Wilmington and the Wilmington International Airport enable the efficient transportation and shipment of climate-sensitive products and materials essential for biomanufacturing and research.

Direct access to several interstates and highways connects Leland to class A commerce parks and cold storage facilities in the region, providing seamless connectivity to the state’s western ends and along the Eastern Seaboard.

Lastly, local resources like Brunswick Community College’s Small Business Center and its customized training program play a crucial role in Leland’s appeal to the life science industry. The college supports startups by offering coworking spaces and customized training, ensuring a pipeline of skilled and certified graduates ready to contribute to advanced manufacturing operations. This makes the region attractive to businesses looking to capitalize on the talented workforce and growing population.

Leland is at a pivotal time of transition.

Residents describe the town as a “growing, thriving community” with a “small-town quality of life and access to city amenities.”

This strategy envisions Leland continuing to enjoy the best of both worlds, growing and thriving while preserving its character. The goal is to fulfill residents’ desires for diverse amenities, health care and quality local jobs without losing established small-town roots.

Barnes Sutton is the town of Leland’s economic and community development director.