R&D in the NC

Tariq Scott Bokhari
  • 4.9 (130)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

R&D in the NC is a weekly conversation on how innovation, business, and public policy intersect to shape North Carolina’s future. Hosted by longtime civic leaders and entrepreneurs Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston, the show features candid discussions with founders, CEOs, public officials, and community changemakers working on the state’s biggest challenges and opportunities. From economic development and workforce readiness to transportation, housing, and emerging technologies, R&D in the NC goes beyond headlines to explore what is really happening on the ground.

  1. 3D AGO

    Charlotte Power Plays: Data Center Moratorium, I-77 Fight & Property Tax Cap

    This week on Episode 13, we break down three major flashpoints shaping Charlotte’s future—and the surprising way they all collided in one week. First, City Council used the typically routine “council topics” portion of the meeting to push for a potential moratorium on data centers. We unpack what’s driving the concern, and where the conversation is missing a more strategic path forward, including the role of community benefits and smarter negotiations instead of blanket pauses. Next, the I-77 toll lane project is back in the spotlight. What happened inside the room, who’s holding the line, and whether this issue could once again become a defining political wedge in Charlotte. Finally, we dive into the growing tension between the state legislature and local governments over efforts to cap property tax increases. This episode connects the dots between policy, politics, and long-term growth—giving you the inside perspective on how decisions are really being made and what it means for the region’s future. Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of the biggest stories shaping North Carolina.

    1h 2m

  2. APR 23

    We Asked Malcolm Graham Point Blank: Mayor Run? | R&D in the NC Ep. 12

    In Episode 12 of R&D in the NC, we bring on our first guest of the rebooted podcast era: Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham. And we didn’t ease into it. We asked him point blank: Is he running for Mayor of Charlotte?From there, we dive straight into one of the most defining issues in the city right now: what actually happens next with the I-77 toll project—and who owns the outcome. This conversation goes beyond headlines. It’s a candid, inside-the-room look at how decisions are really made, where political alliances stand, and what could shape the next era of leadership in Charlotte. We also hit the rest of what’s happening around town: The latest banking expansion news and what it means for SouthPark vs UptownA quick sports check: Charlotte Hornets fall short in the play-in, while the Charlotte Checkers make a playoff pushOther key local stories you should be paying attention toIf you want real context—not just surface-level takes—this is one to watch. Subscribe for weekly deep dives on the people, politics, and forces shaping North Carolina.

    1h 17m

  3. APR 17

    The Next Mayor of Charlotte? The 18-Month Chess Game for Charlotte Mayor Started This Week.

    Something big just started in Charlotte... and most people probably didn't even notice it. In Episode 11 of R&D in the NC, we break down what we believe was the first unofficial mayoral debate of the next Charlotte election cycle… even though it wasn’t labeled that way. Because of our experience inside City Hall, we spotted something others wouldn’t: multiple sitting incumbents (serious contenders for mayor) beginning to draw contrasts, test messages, and position themselves publicly. That moment likely marks the beginning of what will be an 18-month political battle to lead Charlotte. And here’s why that matters: Charlotte hasn’t seen an open mayor’s race like this in the modern era. No clear successor. Multiple viable candidates. And it’s starting earlier than anyone expected. If you want to understand where Charlotte leadership is headed—and who might emerge on top—this is the starting point.

    1h 9m

  4. APR 2

    What’s Coming in NC’s Short Session + I-77 Toll Center Opens | Ep. 10

    In Episode 10 of R&D in the NC, we break down what to watch for in North Carolina’s upcoming legislative short session, including the key issues that could shape policy and business across the state.We also dig into the new I-77 toll design center, a step in giving the public direct access to project details and a real opportunity to provide feedback. What it means, how it works, and why it matters for the region.Plus, a quick Charlotte sports roundup covering recent developments in tennis and rugby.If you want to stay ahead of where policy, infrastructure, and local momentum are headed in North Carolina, this episode connects the dots.

    50 min

  5. MAR 25

    E-Bikes, Scooters, and Kids: The Safety Crisis Nobody Planned For

    If you live in Charlotte—or honestly anywhere right now—you’ve seen it. Kids as young as 12, 13, 14 years old riding e-bikes and electric scooters through neighborhoods, sidewalks, and busy streets… often going 20–30 mph. But here’s the real issue: These aren’t just bikes. They’re small motor vehicles—and the rules haven’t caught up. In this episode of R&D in the NC, we break down: The massive surge in e-bike and scooter usageWhy injuries are rising across the countryThe surprising reality of what’s actually legal (and what isn’t)Why most of the concern isn’t about shared scooters like Bird or LimeThe growing trend of kids under 16 riding high-powered devicesAnd what Charlotte—and other cities—should do before this becomes a bigger safety problemThis is one of those moments where technology moved fast… and policy is still trying to catch up. And the decisions cities make now will shape what this looks like for the next decade.

    1h 6m

  6. MAR 20

    $800+ Gas Bills?! The Truth Behind Piedmont Natural Gas Price Spikes

    Natural gas bills are spiking across Charlotte and North Carolina — and people are asking: what’s actually going on? In this episode, we break down the real drivers behind Piedmont Natural Gas bill increases — from supply costs and infrastructure investments to regulatory dynamics and long-term pricing trends. But more importantly, we go beyond the headlines: • Why your bill jumped so dramatically• What Piedmont Natural Gas can (and can’t) control• The role of regulators and policy decisions• What consumers and communities can actually do about it This isn’t just outrage — it’s a clear, insider-level breakdown of an issue impacting thousands of households across the Carolinas. We also hit our usual around-the-city updates, sports, and local headlines, but this episode dives deep into one of the biggest cost-of-living issues facing residents right now. If you live in Charlotte or anywhere in NC, this is one you need to understand.

    47 min

  7. MAR 13

    The Data Center Fight in North Carolina and How Communities Can Win

    Episode 7 dives into one of the biggest issues quietly shaping North Carolina’s future: the explosion of data center development. These massive facilities power the modern internet, cloud computing, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. But across North Carolina and the country, communities are pushing back over concerns about energy consumption, water use, noise, and what local residents actually gain from these projects. In this episode we break down both sides of the debate. We talk about why data centers are becoming critical infrastructure in the AI economy, why states are competing to attract them, and why the backlash from local communities is growing. Most importantly, we explore what we believe is the path forward: community benefit negotiations. If approached the right way, these projects don’t have to be a fight. Communities can secure meaningful local investments and protections, while developers gain the certainty and support needed to build the infrastructure powering the digital economy. Along the way we also hit our usual Around Town roundup, including sports, local news, and other stories happening across Charlotte and North Carolina. Topics in this episode include: Why data centers matter for AI and the modern economy The growing pushback from local communities Energy, water, and infrastructure concerns Why North Carolina is becoming a major battleground for these projects A blueprint for turning conflict into win-win community agreements

    1h 3m

  8. MAR 6

    What the North Carolina Midterm Election REALLY Means

    North Carolina just had one of its most consequential election nights in years.In this episode, Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston break down the biggest winners, surprises, and political shifts from the NC midterm elections, including:• Senate race implications• State legislature control and policy impact• What's next in the Berger-Page showdown• What both parties got right — and wrongWhether you follow politics closely or just want to understand what the results actually mean, this conversation goes deeper than the headlines.New episodes weekly.

    42 min
See All (13)

4.9
out of 5
130 Ratings

About

R&D in the NC is a weekly conversation on how innovation, business, and public policy intersect to shape North Carolina’s future. Hosted by longtime civic leaders and entrepreneurs Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston, the show features candid discussions with founders, CEOs, public officials, and community changemakers working on the state’s biggest challenges and opportunities. From economic development and workforce readiness to transportation, housing, and emerging technologies, R&D in the NC goes beyond headlines to explore what is really happening on the ground.

Information

  • Creator
    Tariq Scott Bokhari
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tariq Scott Bokhari
  • Show Website
    R&D in the NC

You Might Also Like