The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center has announced that since the Main Street program’s inception in North Carolina in 1980, designated Main Street and Small Town Main Street communities have attracted over $6.6 billion in public and private investments. This financial input has facilitated the rehabilitation of more than 8,700 buildings, a net increase of over 8,800 businesses, and the creation of nearly 42,000 jobs. The program, housed within the North Carolina Department of Commerce, has reported significant achievements for the fiscal year 2025-26, including nearly $514 million in local investments, 318 new businesses, and the addition of almost 2,500 jobs.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the impact of these investments, emphasizing how strong downtowns support small businesses and job creation. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted that the Main Street program equips communities with tools to leverage their unique strengths for economic prosperity. Currently, designated Main Street communities range in population from 1,435 to 115,053, all originally under 50,000 at the time of designation, with local partnerships driving their development strategies.
NC Main Street Program
In the fiscal year 2025-26, Main Street communities reported $507 million in downtown investments, the creation of 2,393 new jobs, 308 new businesses, 276 building renovations, and 347 façade improvements. Volunteers contributed 83,942 hours valued at $2.88 million. Since 1980, these communities have benefited from over $6.44 billion in investments, more than 39,000 new jobs, and a net gain of over 8,200 businesses. The program emphasizes strategic planning and training to foster economic growth in downtown areas.
Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development, Reginald Speight, praised the local leadership and partnerships that drive investment and growth. Liz Parham, director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, noted the momentum in local programs, leading to transformative projects such as renovated mills and revitalized public spaces.
Small Town Main Street Program
The Small Town Main Street program focuses on communities with populations under 5,000, supporting volunteer-driven revitalization efforts. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, these communities reported $6.87 million in investments, 74 new jobs, and 10 new businesses. Since 2003, the program has facilitated over $172 million in investments, more than 2,400 jobs, and a net increase of 610 businesses.
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center collaborates with various levels of community to implement asset-based economic development strategies that drive measurable outcomes. The program operates under the Main Street America™ framework, applying a Four-Point Approach—Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization—to downtown revitalization. Main Street America has been a leading advocate for preservation-based economic development for over 46 years.
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