McCrory credits corporate tax breaks for a series of success stories in 2014, like Sealed Air relocating its corporate headquarters from New Jersey to Charlotte.

“It’s already a draw,” McCrory said. “I was with Gov. Nikki Haley last week, and she said now we have to get lower than you.”

In 2015, he wants more corporations coming to Charlotte and sees advanced manufacturing and aerospace jobs as the biggest growth opportunity.

He plans a continued focus on Medicaid reform, natural gas exploration of the North Carolina coast and more teacher raises based on performance.

A Channel 9 investigation showed areas like Houston are actively recruiting our teachers with the lure of higher pay.

“So we can reward the best of the best including math and science teachers where the attrition is the highest,” McCory said.

McCrory said Charlotte can expect more relief from congestion on the roads, but toll lanes and public-private partnerships won't go away.

“These choking points are just paralyzing traffic,” McCrory said. “And I've got to relieve those choking points as quickly as possible through many different methods and that’s what I’m doing.”

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