Gov.-Elect Pat McCrory says he plans to begin making changes in Raleigh immediately after being sworn in this weekend.

McCrory spoke to the North Carolina Bankers Association in Durham this afternoon and began mapping out his economic strategy. McCrory says North Carolina has damaged its "brand" as an economic powerhouse and needs a new long-term plan to create jobs.

First, however, McCrory says the state has to decide how it will deal with costs associated with the federal Affordable Care Act.

McCrory says his transition team is "working with urgency" to decide whether to administer the program itself or allow the federal government to do it.

He also says his administration will seek legislation to help the state pay back $2.8 billion in unemployment funds North Carolina borrowed from the federal government during the last few years.

"It is an unfunded liability. We're gonna deal with it. You will be impacted. Everyone will be impacted," McCrory told bankers and economists who gathered to hear him speak.

The governor-elect also says he will push for changes in the state's tax code regarding corporate and income taxes.

He says the taxes are too high and put North Carolina at a competitive disadvantage with other states when it comes to attracting jobs and business.

In a wide-ranging address, McCrory also pledged to improve the state's education system and work with nearby states to form coalitions to pursue offshore drilling for natural gas and perhaps oil.

Pat McCrory will be sworn in as governor on Saturday, Jan. 5.