Rocky Mount, North Carolina, a city of 54,000 residents, exemplifies the contradictions in America’s current economic landscape. While signs of revitalization are evident in parts of downtown, with trendy coffee shops and redeveloped industrial spaces, many inhabitants struggle to afford basic necessities like groceries and housing.
The city’s transformation is visible in places like Rocky Mount Mills, a former cotton mill now housing breweries, eateries, and upscale apartments. However, this progress is juxtaposed against vacant lots and abandoned buildings just blocks away from the rejuvenated areas.
The economic disparity in Rocky Mount mirrors broader trends across North Carolina and the nation. Despite low unemployment and business expansion, middle-class families feel squeezed by rising costs, particularly for housing and food.
Local business owner Tameika Horne illustrates these challenges. Her ice cream shop faces declining sales and increased ingredient costs, while her housing expenses have nearly doubled in recent years. To make ends meet, Horne juggles multiple jobs, including a cleaning business and package delivery.
The economic situation is a key concern for voters in the upcoming presidential election. In North Carolina and other swing states, affordability issues could significantly influence voting decisions. Matt Grossmann, a political science professor at Michigan State University, notes that voters’ perceptions of the national economy often outweigh their personal financial circumstances when making political choices.
The housing crisis is particularly acute, with more than a quarter of North Carolina households considered “cost-burdened,” spending over 30% of their income on housing. This problem is even more severe for renters, with nearly half facing such financial strain.
Rocky Mount’s geography reflects its socioeconomic divisions. The city is split between two counties: the predominantly Black, lower-income Edgecombe County and the more affluent, whiter Nash County. This division has long demarcated class, race, and political affiliations in the area.
Mayor Sandy Roberson, while optimistic about recent developments like a planned electric vehicle battery plant, acknowledges the challenge of rebuilding and retaining a middle class. The mayor, a Republican, expresses conflicted feelings about the upcoming presidential election, citing concerns about both candidates’ potential impacts on the economy.
Local political leaders from both parties recognize the economic anxieties among voters. Republicans emphasize issues like high prices and hiring difficulties, while Democrats stress the need to address middle-class concerns directly.
The housing affordability crisis extends beyond North Carolina to other swing states. In Nevada, for instance, it’s considered the top issue for voters. The influx of Californians seeking lower housing costs has driven up prices for long-time residents.
Both major presidential candidates have proposed different approaches to addressing housing affordability. The Harris campaign has outlined plans for housing assistance and incentives to increase housing supply, while Trump has suggested policies aimed at reducing housing demand from certain immigrant groups.
As Rocky Mount and similar communities across the country grapple with economic challenges, the outcome of the upcoming election could have significant implications for their future. The tension between visible economic progress and persistent financial struggles for many residents underscores the complexity of the issues facing voters in 2024.