The Program Evaluation Division—a central, non-partisan staff unit of the Legislative Services Commission of the North Carolina General Assembly—assists the General Assembly in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee government functions. The mission of the Program Evaluation Division is to evaluate whether public services are delivered in an effective and efficient manner and in accordance with the law.

The Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee, in consultation with the Division Director, determines evaluation topics and establishes the work plan of the Division. Evaluations examine what state agency programs are really doing, at what cost, and to what effect if any. The Division recommends policy options for consideration by the General Assembly for programs that are determined ineffective or no longer necessary. The Division follows up to determine if recommendations have been implemented by agencies or if further action is needed by the General Assembly.

The Program Evaluation Division and the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee Legislation were created by legislation signed by the Governor on June 14, 2007.