Economy for All 2026: An evening of connection and collective imagination
Community members, advocates, workers, and policy leaders gathered in Durham for the NC Budget & Tax Center’s (BTC) Economy for All 2026 on Jan. 22, an evening grounded in a shared belief that North Carolina’s economy should value each of our humanity and provide real opportunity for everyone.
Watch a recording of Economy for All 2026 and see photos from the event here.
The night began with an energetic reception, welcoming a wide and diverse group of guests — longtime partners, neighbors, advocates, labor leaders, and first-time attendees — into a space of connection and anticipation. With a live jazz band setting the tone, attendees mingled with community members and aligned organizations, building relationships ahead of the program and reflecting the kind of inclusive, people-centered economy we are working toward.
Honoring the Past, Grounding the Present
The program opened with an introduction by Brianna Dean, BTC Organizational Advancement Coordinator, who welcomed attendees and grounded the evening in Durham's deep history. She acknowledged and honored those who came before us — the Indigenous tribes who stewarded the land, enslaved people of African descent, factory workers, activists, and organizers, and present-day workers — all of whom have shaped our understanding of work, dignity, and collective struggle.
We were also proud to recognize our host committee members — Labor South, the NC Poor People’s Campaign, and the NC AFL-CIO — whose leadership and partnership made the event possible and whose organizing continues to push North Carolina toward a more just economy.
Naming the Crisis and What’s Possible
Alexandra Sirota, Executive Director of the NC Budget & Tax Center, opened the program by naming what many North Carolinians are feeling every day: a growing crisis of affordability. Too many people are currently struggling to afford housing, child care, health care, and basic needs. Alexandra emphasized that these outcomes are not inevitable and challenged attendees to demand an economy that truly meets our shared needs.
She introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Professor Darrick Hamilton, a nationally recognized economist and leader in economic policy. Professor Hamilton offered a powerful vision for what an economy for all can look like when policymakers center people over profits and commit to structural solutions that close racial and economic gaps.
What Policymakers Must Do
Following the keynote, Alexandra returned to lead a powerfully engaging panel discussion featuring:
- Stephanie Smith, Campaign Director at the National Domestic Workers Alliance
- Braxton Winston, President of NC AFL-CIO
- Professor Darrick Hamilton
Panelists were invited to respond to the essential question, “What is one thing that policymakers can do to build an economy for all in our state?” Responses underscored the importance of fair wages, worker protections, public investment, and policies that recognize the dignity and value of all workers, especially labor that has historically been undervalued and underpaid.
Alex Campbell, Public Policy Analyst at the NC Budget & Tax Center, then facilitated a lively Q&A with the audience. Attendees shared thoughtful questions shaped by their own experiences and communities, sparking an exchange that reflected urgency and possibility.
A Call to Action
A powerful call to action was given by Dr. Jovita Lee, BTC Board Member and Deputy Director of the NC Black Alliance. Dr. Lee urged attendees to turn inspiration into action by signing a petition to stop harmful tax cuts and subscribing to real-time text updates from BTC. Her remarks were a reminder that an economy for all requires sustained engagement beyond a single night.
Economy for All 2026 was a reminder that the economy is something we shape together through policy, organizing, and collective imagination. The work continues, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us ready to build the North Carolina that we all deserve.
