The North Carolina Automobile Division successfully met its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals for 2024, according to a recent report from the Department of Transportation. However, it didn’t quite hit some crucial performance targets in areas like safety, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) noted that while the DMV achieved its DEI objective, it had shortcomings in several other important metrics, such as road safety and fiscal management. The 2024 Annual Performance Report indicates that the DMV succeeded in meeting DEI goals but fell short in four key areas:
- Financial responsibility
- Transportation safety
- Improving system reliability and connectivity
- Efficient infrastructure maintenance and delivery
This report arrives at a time when former Governor Roy Cooper, who appointed DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin in 2022, is launching a Senate campaign for the 2026 elections.
Goodwin, a former Democratic state legislator and party chair, plans to resign once a successor is appointed. His time in office has seen complaints about prolonged delays and system failures, particularly during the summer of 2024, which left many customers frustrated with ID processing issues. Despite these ongoing challenges, Cooper defended the DMV, claiming it was making significant strides.
The findings bring additional scrutiny to Cooper’s management record, especially his attempts to improve DEI initiatives while also facing criticism for legislation that aimed to eliminate DEI programs from state oversight. Interestingly, Cooper’s daughter has been involved in DEI roles in the private sector.
The DMV’s mixed performance has become a talking point in Cooper’s bid for higher office. Some lawmakers are even considering restructuring or privatizing certain DMV services based on the results. Additionally, state auditor Dave Boliek is reviewing the agency’s operations.
Cooper has faced backlash over his management of disaster recovery efforts, notably following Hurricane Matthew and Florence. The North Carolina office for Recovery and Resilience, which he created, was dismantled by his successors due to concerns about its performance.
Cooper’s policy positions frequently clash with those of Republican legislators. He has vetoed multiple bills aimed at limiting gender transition treatments for minors and requiring local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. While some of these vetoes were overridden, Cooper argues that these laws target vulnerable populations and hurt the state’s economy.
As of August 2025, Cooper is vying for a North Carolina Senate seat, following the exit of Senator Tom Tillis. Support seems to consolidate around him, especially after former candidate Wiley Nickel suspended his campaign to back Cooper shortly after the announcement.
