Since the early 1980s, North Carolina’s Main Street program has been a catalyst for economic development, breathing new life into the downtown districts of its communities. With a remarkable investment exceeding $6.6 billion, the program has facilitated significant growth, resulting in thousands of new businesses and jobs across the state.
Main Street Program Delivers Economic Growth
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center has been instrumental in revitalizing North Carolina’s downtowns, with over $6.6 billion in public and private investments reported since 1980. This initiative has led to more than 8,700 building rehabilitations and a net increase of over 8,800 businesses, generating nearly 42,000 jobs.
For the fiscal year 2025-26 alone, Main Street communities in North Carolina attracted nearly $514 million in investments, added 318 new businesses, and created close to 2,500 jobs. These figures were highlighted in reports from the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, covering 72 designated Main Street and eight Small Town Main Street communities.
“Strong downtowns support small businesses, create jobs, and help North Carolinians thrive,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I’m proud to see Main Street communities across North Carolina continue to invest in their downtowns and create opportunities for their people. These investments are a testament to what is possible when communities build great places for people to work and live.”
The program, which operates under the N.C. Department of Commerce, provides communities with the tools to develop economic strategies tailored to their unique strengths. “The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center team works with communities across the state to build economic development strategies that drive investment, business growth and job creation,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.
Impactful Achievements of Main Street Communities
The designated Main Street communities, with populations ranging from 1,435 to 115,053, have reported notable outcomes from their 2025-26 initiatives:
- $507,114,044 in downtown public and private investment
- 2,393 new jobs
- 308 new businesses
- 276 building renovations
- 347 façade improvements
- 83,942 volunteer hours valued at $2,882,570
Since 1980, these communities have witnessed over $6.4 billion in investments, over 39,000 new jobs, and a net gain of more than 8,200 businesses.
“Main Street communities continue to show the power of local leadership and strong partnerships,” said Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce. Liz Parham, director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, added, “Local Main Street programs continue to demonstrate strong momentum, with new investment, job creation, and business development statewide.”
Small Town Main Street Program Successes
Focusing on North Carolina’s smallest communities, the Small Town Main Street program has also been effective. For 2025-26, these communities reported:
- $6,870,181 in downtown public and private investment
- 74 new jobs
- 10 new businesses
- 21 building renovations
- 11 façade improvements
- 10,751 volunteer hours valued at $369,188
Since 2003, the Small Town program has facilitated over $172 million in investments, more than 2,400 jobs, and a net gain of 610 businesses.
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center engages in asset-based economic development, using strategic planning, technical assistance, and educational programs to inspire placemaking across the state. The program collaborates with the Main Street America™ initiative, which has been promoting community revitalization for over four decades. For more details about the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, visit their website.
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