SALISBURY, NC — The energy in the room was unmistakable. Hundreds of local officials, business owners, and community leaders gathered in Salisbury last week to celebrate a milestone: 45 years of the North Carolina Main Street Program. What began in 1980 as a small initiative to preserve and restore historic downtowns has grown into a statewide economic powerhouse, revitalizing more than 100 communities and spurring billions in private investment.
As the conference kicked off, the passion for North Carolina’s small towns was palpable. From Murphy to Manteo, the program has fueled a resurgence of vibrant main streets, bringing new businesses, preserving historic architecture, and fostering a deep sense of local pride.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Main Street program has generated:
✅ Over $3.8 billion in private investment in downtowns
✅ More than 29,000 jobs created through small business growth
✅ Over 7,100 new businesses launched in Main Street communities
✅ More than 5,800 historic buildings preserved and repurposed
“Downtowns are the heartbeat of our communities,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders in her opening remarks. “This program has proven that when you invest in your local economy and preserve the character of these historic spaces, you create places where people want to live, work, and visit.”
Honoring the Champions of Downtown Revitalization
At the event, 47 Main Street Champions were recognized—individuals who have dedicated their time and talents to preserving the cultural and economic fabric of their communities. Among them were entrepreneurs, city planners, nonprofit leaders, and longtime volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring life back to their town centers.
Additionally, ten towns received the 2025 N.C. Main Street Awards for excellence in downtown revitalization, recognizing innovative projects in economic development, historic preservation, and placemaking.
A Program That Keeps Growing
One of the biggest takeaways from the event? The Main Street program isn’t slowing down. As North Carolina continues to experience rapid population growth, more small towns are applying to join the initiative.
“We’ve seen firsthand how investment in Main Street districts transforms economies,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center. “The goal for the next 45 years is to continue fostering thriving downtowns where businesses can grow and families can build their future.”
Looking Ahead: A Call to Keep Investing
While the celebration was a moment to reflect on the program’s success, state officials made one thing clear: continued investment is crucial.
Rural towns across the state still face challenges like vacant storefronts, infrastructure needs, and workforce shortages. The Main Street program is a model for addressing these issues, but it requires strong local leadership, public-private partnerships, and state support to sustain momentum.
“We’re not just revitalizing buildings,” said Parham. “We’re revitalizing communities. And that’s work that never stops.”
As the event wrapped up, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose—and a commitment to ensuring that Main Streets across North Carolina continue to thrive for generations to come.
Stay connected with the Bull City Citizen for more updates on economic development, local business success stories, and North Carolina’s evolving downtown landscapes.
