Raleigh, N.C.
In March 2025, downtown Mooresville will become a hub for community and economic development leaders attending the North Carolina Main Street Conference. From March 11-13, this annual event, organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, will delve into innovative strategies for revitalizing downtowns across the state.
The 2025 conference adopts the theme “Main Street: Creating Livable, Lovable Communities,” focusing on crucial elements that foster thriving urban areas. Participants will explore how North Carolina’s strategies are being implemented to breathe life into these communities. Essential components include rehabilitated buildings, vibrant retail environments, and dynamic public spaces that encourage community engagement and pedestrian activity.
As the largest statewide conference on downtown revitalization in the U.S., it draws a diverse crowd, including economic development professionals, elected officials, rural leaders, and business owners. Attendees aim to glean insights into effective downtown redevelopment strategies and are often motivated by the latest trends and success stories shared at the event.
The conference is renowned for offering robust strategies for downtown revitalization. It features keynote speeches and breakout sessions designed to spark fresh ideas for community improvements. Notable keynote speakers this year include Katherine Loflin, known as The City Doctor, who will discuss The Science of Loving Where You Live, and Jeff Siegler of Revitalize or Die, presenting on Civic Pride & Civic Apathy.
In addition to these keynotes, Jon Schallert, President of The Schallert Group, will deliver a plenary session titled Building Strong Destination Businesses: Leveraging the Power of the Main to Main Trail.
Participants can also attend 30 toolkit and breakout sessions on various downtown revitalization topics and take part in seven guided tours of Mooresville’s vibrant Main Street. Exhibitors from 29 companies will display products and services related to placemaking, architecture, and more.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Main Street program in North Carolina and the U.S. Local Main Street initiatives, alongside public and private partners, are creatively utilizing economic development tools to foster investment, business expansion, and job creation.
Mooresville, designated a North Carolina Main Street community in 1988, exemplifies the Main Street framework’s success. The town has seen over $117 million in investments, with a net gain of 141 new businesses and nearly 600 jobs, transforming its downtown into a vibrant community centerpiece.
The conference will also host the annual North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony on March 12 and the Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony on March 13. These events celebrate exceptional projects and individuals contributing to the growth of Main Street downtowns across the state.
To learn more and register for the conference, visit the N.C. Main Street Conference website. Take advantage of early bird registration, ending on February 16.
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