Raleigh, N.C. – Twenty-four communities located in smaller, rural counties across the state were selected by the N.C. Department of Commerce to participate in Downtown Strong, a new initiative of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center. The program will provide downtown revitalization expertise to selected incorporated rural communities.
In 2018-19, representatives of Governor Roy Cooper’s Hometown Strong initiative visited North Carolina counties to better understand how rural communities could actively reinvigorate their local economies. From the input provided by Hometown Strong counties, as well as insights from the NC towns/cities and counties that work on a regular basis with N.C. Commerce, the Department has identified leadership development and education, building local government capacity, and downtown revitalization as keys to successful economic development in North Carolina’s rural communities.
“Downtowns are the heartbeat of rural North Carolina,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Downtown Strong will help small communities regain their economic vibrancy and position them to retain and recruit new businesses, create jobs and spur investment.”
Downtown Strong will assist towns that are not yet part of the formal North Carolina Main Street program, or that have needs outside of the traditional Main Street program. The program will help communities either prepare for the Center’s Downtown Associate Community program, or to prosper on their own. Services will utilize the successful framework of the Main Street AmericaTM program: downtown economic development strategies implemented through four key areas of focus – economic vitality, design, promotion and organization actions.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this service to rural communities across the state,” added Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development. “The Main Street program has a proven track record of success, and Downtown Strong will incorporate components of that successful model into downtown revitalization initiatives for smaller North Carolina communities.”
Experienced downtown revitalization experts will work directly with these communities, in collaboration with the N.C. Commerce Regional Prosperity Zone planners, to provide each town with a thorough downtown assessment and to craft a downtown implementation plan. Towns will also receive training and education, as well as opportunities for networking.
The Downtown Strong communities selected are:
Chadbourn, Columbus County
Pembroke, Robeson County
St. Pauls, Robeson County
Maysville, Jones County
Parkton, Robeson County
Pollocksville, Jones County
Littleton, Halifax County
Nashville, Nash County
Weldon, Halifax County
Bailey, Nash County
Halifax, Halifax County
Princeville, Edgecombe County
Louisburg, Franklin County
Raeford, Hoke County
Youngsville, Franklin County
Thomasville, Davidson County
Wadesboro, Anson County
Yanceyville, Caswell County
Lansing, Ashe County
Bryson City, Swain County
Spindale, Rutherford County
Robbinsville, Graham County
Pilot Mountain, Surry County
Marshall, Madison County
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