NC State Auditor’s Office publishes dashboard on long-term vacancies

RALEIGH, NC (News Release) — The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor’s new Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency has uploaded a public-facing dashboard displaying long-term state vacancies within different state agencies and the amount of funding generated in lapsed salaries.

The dashboard is made in accordance with Session Law 2025-89, which requires a report on vacancies in state government six months or longer and their associated lapsed salaries to be published by December 31, 2025. The dashboard includes the following:

• The Summary Page tab shows the total number of long-term state vacancies as of August 6, 2025.
• The Data View tab includes a state agency breakdown, and the number of long-term vacancies and lapsed salary generated by funding type.
• Under Additional Data, viewers will find more information on long-term vacancies and lapsed salaries, including the percentage of positions planned for elimination and the percentage of positions that have never been advertised.

According to the data and information submitted to DAVE by state agencies, there are over 8,800 long-term state vacancies as of August 6, 2025. Those vacancies have generated a total of $1.04 billion in lapsed salaries.

“Since day one, the State Auditor’s Office has been committed to providing the public with new tools and resources that inform North Carolina citizens about how their government operates,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “This new dashboard brings transparency to the dollars and cents behind vacancies in state government. The new division will continue to evaluate areas where government can provide the best return on taxpayer dollars.”

DAVE intends to release a comprehensive report on long-term vacancies and lapsed salaries in January. The report will include an in-depth breakdown for each state agency, along with any responses provided from state agencies subject to the analysis.

If a state agency job is vacant, agencies still receive funds for the associated salary and benefits. Those budgeted dollars are called “lapsed salaries” and can be used by state agencies for other expenditures until the vacancy is filled.