Government

Local communities designated as Main Street America programs

By Staff Report, posted 3 years ago

The North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center at the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced that 46 communities have been designated as 2022 Accredited Main Street America programs. 

Main Street America is a movement that has helped revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 40 years. This status is Main Street America’s top-tier recognition and signifies a commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization to keep track of economic development. 

“We are proud of our North Carolina Main Street programs that have met the criteria for National Main Street Center,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “North Carolina’s economy depends on the thriving downtowns that support the overall vitality of their Main Street communities. This achievement is the result of the diligent work of these programs that help fuel prosperity across the entire state.” 

The following N.C. Main Street communities that earned the accreditation based on their performance in 2021 include: Albemarle, Asheboro, Belmont, Bessemer City, Boone, Brevard, Burlington, Cherryville, Clinton, Concord, Dunn, Eden, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Elkin, Fuquay-Varina, Goldsboro, Henderson, Henersonvolle, Hickory, Laurinburg, Lenior, Lexington, Lumberton, Marion, Monroe, Mooresville, Morehead City, Morganton, Mount Airy, New Bern, Newton, Reidsville, Roanoke Rapids, Roxboro, Salisbury, Sanford, Shelby, Statesville, Sylva, Tarboro, Tryon, Valdese, Wake Forest, Washington, and Wislon. 

The performance standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street community’s application of the Main Street Four Point Approach to commercial district revitalization. 

“We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s accredited programs and their dedication to advancing economic opportunity and quality of life in their downtowns,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”

“In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours,” stated in a press release. 

For more information, visit here

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
fayetteville-state-university sambit-bhattacharya-phd headshott

FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D. - Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Fayetteville State University
north-carolina-military-business-center bill-simons headshott

Federal Food Series Webinars Will Connect North Carolina Food Businesses with Government Buyers

Bill Simons - Regional Program Manager, Goldsboro, North Carolina Military Business Center
cape-fear-valley-health daniel-mccullough-md headshott

Navigating weight loss: Insights from a bariatric surgeon

Daniel McCullough, MD - Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director, Cape Fear Valley Health

In The Current Issue

Creating opportunities: The Defense Alliance Foundation seeks to strengthen the local defense innovation ecosystem

DAF Chairman Phil Williams (far left) pictured with City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin (center) on June 10 following a presentation on a 25- year vision for the city’s continued growth and transformation. Photo provided by the DAF.The Defense Al


Empowering the mission: Linchpin Solutions provides tools to turn the tech of the future into the tools of today

Linchpin Solutions attends defense conferences throughout the year, using conferences and tradeshows to exhibit their services and connect with network professionals, including industry, military and government leaders to address and understand today


Lumberton is ready for takeoff: Lumberton Regional Airport embarks on major expansion to meet growing demand

Photo provided by Gary Lewis.The City of Lumberton is moving forward with a new terminal project at the Lumberton Regional Airport. It’s a collaborative effort involving several partners, including Cooper Tacia General Contractors, Talbert & Brig