Forty-nine communities in North Carolina have been granted Main Street America™ Accreditation status for 2026, as announced by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Main Street America™ and its state coordinating partner, the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, annually recognize programs that show exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. This recognition reflects the communities’ dedication to enhancing their downtown areas through the Main Street Approach™. Such efforts are seen as vital in fueling economic prosperity across the state.
The accredited communities for their 2025 performance include Albemarle, Asheboro, Belmont, Boone, Brevard, Cherryville, Concord, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Elkin, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Goldsboro, Henderson, Hendersonville, Hickory, Laurinburg, Lenoir, Lexington, Lumberton, Manteo, Marion, Mebane, Mooresville, Morehead City, Morganton, Mount Airy, Murphy, New Bern, Newton, Oxford, Pittsboro, Reidsville, Rocky Mount, Roxboro, Salisbury, Sanford, Smithfield, Spruce Pine, Statesville, Sylva, Troy, Tryon, Wake Forest, Waynesville, Waxhaw, Whiteville, Wilson, and Zebulon. These communities have demonstrated substantial achievement in economic development through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives.
The N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, in partnership with Main Street America, assesses local programs against rigorous performance standards. These standards provide a framework to track progress, recognize strengths, and strategize future improvements. The top-tier designation requires communities to excel in areas such as community commitment, leadership, funding diversification, strategic programming, preservation-based development, and demonstrated impact.
Since its inception in 1980, the N.C. Main Street program has facilitated significant investments and job creation. In 2025 alone, the program attracted $518.7 million in public and private investment, created 1,925 net new jobs, and recorded 127,806 volunteer hours. These efforts align with North Carolina’s strategic economic development plan, which aims to enhance community well-being and economic competitiveness.
Main Street America, operating for over 45 years, is committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development. It supports a network of over 1,600 communities nationwide, fostering local growth and revitalization. The movement has led to substantial investments and job creation across the country, reinforcing the importance of preserving historic downtowns and commercial districts.
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