The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) has reached a monumental milestone, commemorating a century of service dedicated to ensuring the safety, integrity, and professionalism of the general contracting industry across the state.

Formed in 1925, the NCLBGC was one of the earliest regulatory agencies of its kind in the United States, founded in response to the growing need for accountability in the building trades during a time of rapid industrial and population growth. Over the last 100 years, it has become a trusted steward of public protection, issuing licenses, setting standards, and enforcing regulations that help keep construction practices safe and fair for North Carolinians.

On April 16, 2025, the Board hosted a celebratory event at its headquarters, welcoming a broad group of stakeholders that included current and former Board members, staff—both active and retired—members of the North Carolina General Assembly, and key industry partners. The event reflected on the NCLBGC’s century-long impact while setting its sights on the future.

During the celebration, Senator Steve Jarvis presented Executive Director Ryan Cody with a special certificate recognizing the organization’s 100 years of service. The gesture underscored the deep relationship between state governance and regulatory oversight in ensuring public welfare.

“For 100 years, the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors has stood as a strong presence of public protection and industry standards,” said Ryan Cody, Executive Director of the NCLBGC. “What began as a pioneering effort in 1925 has grown into a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at ensuring North Carolinians have measures and systems in place to ensure quality and integrity in the practice of general contracting throughout our state.”

Currently, the NCLBGC licenses approximately 30,000 general contractors annually. Applicants must meet rigorous standards to obtain and renew their licenses, including fulfilling continuing education requirements. This system helps ensure that contractors remain well-informed about best practices, building codes, safety standards, and legal obligations.

The Board also investigates consumer complaints and conducts disciplinary hearings when contractors are found to be violating industry regulations. According to Cody, these enforcement efforts are vital to maintaining the Board’s credibility and the trust of the public.

“As we reflect on our century of service, we remain focused on our core mission while adapting to the ever-changing needs of both the industry and the public,” Cody said. “Our enforcement activities through disciplinary hearings and investigations ensure that licensees maintain the standards North Carolinians deserve and expect.”

In addition to licensing and enforcement, education has become a cornerstone of the Board’s public outreach. The NCLBGC regularly publishes guidance for homeowners, property developers, and contractors on consumer protection issues—such as how to recognize legitimate contractors, avoid scams, and navigate construction contracts. It also emphasizes when a licensed contractor is legally required for a given project, thereby helping to prevent costly legal issues or unsafe construction outcomes.

The Board’s centennial is not just an opportunity to honor the past but also to strengthen its commitment to its founding values. As North Carolina continues to grow, the construction industry is facing new challenges—ranging from technological disruption to labor shortages and climate resilience demands. The NCLBGC is actively evolving to meet those challenges while ensuring its core mission remains intact.

“The future of general contracting in North Carolina is one that requires innovation, accountability, and collaboration,” Cody added. “We’re proud of our past but even more energized about what lies ahead.”

As it moves into its second century, the NCLBGC remains an essential institution in the state’s infrastructure and economic development, playing a critical role in upholding safety, ethics, and quality in construction for all North Carolinians.

Originally reported by The Mecklenburg Times.