Ingrid Nurse

Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus

Note: The responses below from the candidate have not been edited. 

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Cabarrus County. This community is not just where I live—it is home for 50 plus years. I have a personal stake in the community. My educational journey began here. I attended Hartshall for kindergarten, Wolf Meadow Elementary School, Winecoff Elementary School, Northwest Cabarrus Middle School, and graduated from Northwest Cabarrus High School. I continued my education at Barber-Scotia College, Strayer University, and Winston-Salem State University. Tutor K-6 Reading and Math,

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters.

I am running for Cabarrus County Commissioner because I want a better Cabarrus County for everyone. I want to help build safer communities, expand economic opportunities, increase access to quality education, and ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have a pathway back into stable housing and society.

I believe government should work For the People, By the People, Because I am the People/We the People. Together, we can move Cabarrus County forward and create a community where everyone has an opportunity to live, work, learn, and thrive.

Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

U.S. Census Bureau, Concord, NC — Enumerator

August 2020 - October 2020, June 2021 - August 2021

●Collected census data through resident interviews, ensuring accurate demographic information for government use.

●Utilized effective communication skills to engage participants, addressing questions and concerns to promote understanding and encourage participation.

Since 2019, I have provided more than 600 bags and snack bags to elders, women's and men's shelters, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

NAACP Life Member 2018 – present

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People lifetime member.

NC Asian American Pacific Islander Treasurer 2018-2022

Oversee the financial affairs of a group and ensure the organization adheres to all legal accounting practices.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?

In my first six months, I would focus on understanding how the county government system works, reviewing policies and budgets, and building strong relationships with constituents, county staff, and community partners. I would establish a strong foundation of transparency, accountability, communication, and constituent engagement, while taking meaningful action to move Cabarrus County forward, CabarrUS Residents First.

Cabarrus County includes both fast-growing communities and areas facing economic challenges. How would you guide county policy and investment decisions to support balanced growth and opportunity across the entire county?

I would guide county policy and investment decisions by focusing on balanced growth, responsible spending, and a stabilized tax plan that works for all residents.

Cabarrus County is growing rapidly, but we must not leave established communities and our seniors behind. Many older neighborhoods cannot compete with newer homes that now cost around $350,000, while some seniors are working well into their 80s just to remain financially stable. We need to explore ways to help seniors maintain and upgrade their homes, preserve existing communities, and expand affordable housing.

At the same time, economic development should create opportunities for residents throughout the county—not just in fast-growing areas.

County government plays a central role in funding public school facilities and long-term capital needs. How would you approach decisions related to school capital investment to ensure facilities keep pace with growth, support student success, and remain fiscally responsible for taxpayers?

I believe Cabarrus County has experienced significant growth, and we must make sure our school facilities keep pace with that growth. However, taxpayers deserve to clearly understand what we are building, why we are building it, what it will cost, and how it will affect them financially.

I would review enrollment projections, facility needs, project costs, and the long-term impact on taxpayers before supporting major capital investments. I would also work with the School Board, educators, parents, and residents to make sure our investments support student success—not just new buildings. Most importantly, I want our investments to support the ultimate goal: students graduating prepared for college, trade school, military service, or the workforce.

A strong workforce depends on more than jobs alone. It is shaped by access to education, child care, and community resources. How would you use the county’s role to support workforce participation and quality of life for Cabarrus County residents?

A strong workforce requires good-paying jobs, education, training, childcare, transportation, and affordable housing. Too many residents are working two or three jobs just to make ends meet, while others are experiencing homelessness because their income cannot keep up with the cost of living.

As Commissioner, I would work to connect local residents with training and better-paying opportunities, including jobs created by new businesses coming to Cabarrus County. Economic growth should help local residents afford to live and thrive here—not just create more jobs. CabarrUS Residents First.

Economic growth is essential to maintaining a strong tax base, supporting public services, and creating opportunity for residents. How would you approach county-level policies and investments to ensure Cabarrus County remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses while managing growth responsibly?

I would support economic growth that attracts and retains businesses while making sure our residents benefit from that growth. We need to invest in infrastructure, workforce training, small businesses, and quality services while carefully managing taxpayer dollars.

Growth should be planned responsibly, with transparency and accountability, so Cabarrus County remains competitive without putting unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. Economic growth should mean opportunity for our residents, not just more development. CabarrUS Residents First

While counties do not regulate businesses in the same way as the state or municipalities, county policies can still influence the cost and ease of doing business. How would you consider the impact of county decisions on the business community?

I would consider how county decisions affect both businesses and residents. We should make it easier for businesses to operate, while ensuring responsible growth, fair opportunities, and good-paying jobs for local residents.

I would listen to business owners, review the costs and impact of county policies, and work to reduce unnecessary barriers while protecting taxpayers. Strong businesses and strong communities go hand in hand.