The North Carolina Main Street Conference, organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, will take place in downtown Mooresville from March 11-13, 2025. This annual event is the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the U.S. and aims to bring together community and economic development leaders. Attendees will explore innovative strategies for enhancing downtown areas with the conference’s theme, “Main Street: Creating Livable, Lovable Communities,” focusing on the importance of vibrant urban spaces.
The conference will feature thought-provoking keynote speeches and breakout sessions by notable figures such as Katherine Loflin, who will present “The Science of Loving Where You Live,” and Jeff Siegler, who will discuss “Civic Pride & Civic Apathy.” The plenary speaker, Jon Schallert, will address strategies for building strong destination businesses. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in 30 toolkit and breakout sessions, along with seven guided tours of downtown Mooresville.
This year’s event coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Main Street program in North Carolina and the U.S. The program has led to significant investment and job creation in downtown Mooresville, which has seen over $117 million in public and private investment since its inception. The conference will also host the annual North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony and the Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony.
Mooresville, designated as a North Carolina Main Street community in 1988, provides a backdrop for the event with its mix of retail, dining, and public art spaces. The Mooresville Downtown Commission employs the Main Street framework to foster redevelopment and economic growth, showcasing the town’s Southern charm and vibrant community spirit.
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