N.C. Gen. Stat. § 159-120

As used in this Article, unless the context clearly requires another meaning, the words "unit" or "issuing unit" mean "unit of local government" as defined in G.S. 159-44 or G.S. 159-102, "municipality" as defined in G.S. 159-81, and the State of North Carolina, and the words "governing body," when used with respect to the State of North Carolina, mean the Council of State.