Assistant County Manager Michael James provides leadership and coordination of key partners to advance the County’s goals in the areas of economic development and transit. He works closely with County staff and partnering agencies to develop policies and programs that support business recruitment and retention, job creation and related efforts to achieve inclusive prosperity. He also works with regional stakeholders on implementation of the Wake Transit Plan.

James rejoined Wake County in 2023 after working for the Town of Morrisville, where he was responsible for capital project planning and prioritization, small business program development, and oversight of federally funded initiatives. He first joined Wake County in 2015 as a budget and management analyst, supporting County departments and partners with budget development, analysis and strategic planning. He started his local government career as a county management fellow in Lee County.

James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University. He is a Certified Local Government Budget Officer in North Carolina, has completed the Municipal & County Administration program through the UNC School of Government, and is a member of ICMA.