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. 

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