About Us

About the Center for Local Innovation

Outgoing Raleigh Mayor Tom Fetzer joined JLF in 1999 to create a new project called the Center for Local Innovation. CLI engages local leaders in dialogue about such issues as privatization, fiscal restraint, and growth management. Its Steering Committee includes elected city and county officials from across the state.

CLI publishes research papers called Innovation Guides designed to encourage efficiency in local government. These include the annual By the Numbers report on local tax burdens in North Carolina, which generates significant print and broadcast media coverage.

An annual Innovate conference, held in January, gives newly elected local officials an opportunity to hear from prominent experts on local governance. Past speakers have included members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation and mayors of Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Wilmington.

CLI Staff

Chad Adams, Director
Chad Adams is the Director of the Center for Local Innovation and is also the former Vice-Chairman of the Lee County Commission. He was first elected in 1998 and is now serving in his second term. He is a graduate of the UNCW, attended graduate school at NC State University and is a Fellow of the NC Institute of Political Leadership.

In 2002 Chad was recognized by the NC Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of five Outstanding Young North Carolinians for his political and community work and was recognized by the National Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of America’s Outstanding Young Leaders with the Charles Kulp Memorial Award in 1998.

Chad has been appeared on CNBC as well as numerous television stations across the state. His op-eds have appeared in dozens of newspapers and he is also the primary guest host for the "Take A Stand" radio show in Asheville.