Steve Morris, Concord mayoral candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 4, 2025 election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Stephen M. “Steve” Morris
Birthdate: March 29, 1954
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.votestevemorris.com/
Occupation: Retired
Education: BA Business Administration, UNC-Charlotte
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Served as Cabarrus County Commissioner 2012-2024, Chairman 2015-2024
Please list your highlights of civic involvement The Academic Learning Center, Cabarrus Partnership for Children, the Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County, the Cabarrus Library System Trustees, the Cabarrus Transportation Advisory Board, the Cabarrus Mental Health Task Force, Rotary Club of Cabarrus County, Trustee of Rowan Cabarrus Community College 2013-2024, Board of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners co-chaired the statewide task force on broadband expansion, Connecting Counties-2023.
What are the most important issues facing Concord today, and how would you address them? As Mayor, I’ll focus on what truly shapes our future: attracting good jobs, helping local businesses grow, and making sure housing, infrastructure, and essential services keep pace with the needs of the people already here. Because growth shouldn’t just look good on paper. It should improve daily life for everyone in this city.
How would you ensure Concord’s growth doesn’t outpace its infrastructure?
We plan for it…and bring in the right businesses to help share the load—not let residents carry it all on their own. Jobs matter. Industry evolves. If we don’t keep strong, future-facing employers here, our residents pay the price. That’s why a diverse, competitive economy isn’t just smart. It’s essential. We will use the limited tools we have best allocate our infrastructure resources.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
As a county commissioner, we brought in $3.5 billion in investment and helped create 7,000 jobs. We improved access to mental health care, opened new schools, and brought a new EMS headquarters from concept to reality. That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident. It takes teamwork, long-range thinking, and leadership that shows up when the real work needs to be done.
This story was originally published October 15, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
