North Carolina Budget Included Disputed $1 Million Grant

The state budget provides funding to a nonprofit linked to former Rep. Nasif Majeed amid ongoing ethics reviews.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a government building dome silhouette, evoking institutional scrutiny and oversight. — North Carolina state auditors are investigating a $1 million budget grant awarded to a nonprofit linked to former Rep. Nasif Majeed. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The North Carolina state budget, finalized in September 2026, allocates $1 million to Progressive Land Developers CDC. This grant is currently under review by the Office of State Budget and Management to ensure compliance with ethics standards.

Why it matters

The appropriation was requested by then-State Rep. Nasif Majeed, who is listed as a board member of the nonprofit despite omitting it from his required economic interest disclosures.

The $1 million grant appears on page 490 of the 716-page state budget report. This appropriation remains frozen while the budget office awaits guidance.

The players

Nasif Majeed

He is a former North Carolina State Representative from Charlotte who lost his primary election in March 2026.

Progressive Land Developers CDC

This is a nonprofit organization based in Harrisburg that was formed in 2022.

Office of State Budget and Management

This North Carolina state agency is responsible for overseeing the fiscal compliance of state-funded grants and appropriations.

The details

Legislative leadership added the appropriation during the final resolution of budget items. The nonprofit was incorporated in 2022 and has not previously reported annual income exceeding $50,000.

Progressive Land Developers CDC was incorporated in 2022.
Rep. Nasif Majeed lost his primary election in March 2026.
The state budget was approved in September 2026.

Political Context

Critics of the appropriation argue it violates the spirit of the North Carolina Statement of Economic Interest Act. Opposition figures contend that the funding highlights a lack of transparency in how final budget items are approved by legislative leadership.

Taxpayers remain affected by the state's oversight of public funds as the Office of State Budget and Management conducts its ethics audit. The decision on this appropriation may influence future transparency standards for legislative grant requests.

The takeaway

Public transparency relies on the rigorous disclosure of all personal financial and organizational ties by elected officials. When these protocols are bypassed, state agencies must intervene to protect the integrity of the budgetary process.

What happens next

The Office of State Budget and Management deputy director is scheduled to review ethics commission guidance before determining if the $1 million will be released to the nonprofit.