NC Commerce Rural Planning Program

05/29/2026

“Downtown development is important because it paints a picture of the broader area. When prospective residents and businesses are evaluating a community to decide whether they want to move there, they often consider the area’s downtown district as a key indicator of the larger community’s offerings,” shared Liz Parham, Director of the North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center.

Each of North Carolina's 100 counties are supported by a Community Economic Development Planner working to strengthen rural downtowns, support local leadership, and advance asset-driven economic development strategies. Thank you to the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal for highlighting the impact of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center and the importance of downtown vitality across our state.

When prospective residents and businesses are evaluating a community to decide whether they want to move there, they often consider the area’s downtown district as a key indicator of the larger community’s offerings. Photo courtesy of the City of Lumberton.The Main Street America program started...

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Join us in reflecting on their sacrifice and expressing gratitude for their service.

05/22/2026

Read more about North Carolina’s new "First in Opportunity” Strategic Economic Development Plan here:

05/21/2026

As part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) Program, the Town of Seven Springs is partnering with East Carolina University to jumpstart implementation work that will strengthen local capacity.

Yesterday, ECU faculty, students, and RPP staff sat down with the town to kick off this process, followed by a walking tour and a meal at Mae’s!

05/20/2026

Did you know that North Carolina is a national leader in the agritourism industry? All 100 North Carolina counties produce strawberries, and most strawberries are grown on small-medium sized family farms (NC State Extension). With nearly 5,000 farms offering agritourism opportunities, this growing industry supports rural economic development across the state.

Where is your favorite strawberry-picking destination? 🍓Check out the NC Strawberry Association's Farm Locator Tool to find a patch near you.

https://ncstrawberry.com/farm-locator/

Photo Credit: Obermiller's Strawberry Farm

05/19/2026

Congratulations to the City of Gastonia Government on the completion of its new Senior Activity Center. A $237,500 Rural Downtown Economic Development (RDED) grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce supported lighting upgrades and flooring and windows replacement in the facility. City leaders and staff, community members, partners, and others gathered at a ribbon-cutting event last week to celebrate the Center’s grand opening.

More about the RDED grant program: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/downtown-development-funds

05/18/2026

The NC Commerce Rural Planning Program and North Carolina Main Street Center recently facilitated a Resource Recovery Team in Hot Springs, NC.

The objective of Resource Recovery Teams is to partner with local leaders, organizations, and businesses, while listening to local needs, concerns, opportunities, and visions, in an effort to co-design actionable strategies and projects that support both short-term and long-term economic recovery and revitalization.

The three-day Resource Recovery Team visit included a community-wide tour, focus group conversations, and drop-in discussions with local businesses. Thank you to The Town of Hot Springs, NC, Rebuild Hot Springs, and the many partners involved in Hot Springs' recovery from Hurricane Helene.

For more information on NC Commerce's Economic Recovery and Rebuilding Services, visit: https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/recovery-resources/resource-team-opportunity-helene-impacted-communities

05/15/2026

Community Economic Development Planners Sharon Smith (Northeast) and Bruce Naegelen (North Central) recently attended the Community Development Grant Workshop hosted by the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments in Rocky Mount, NC.

The workshop featured the following insights:

-Overview of the Resilient Communities Program by Brian Byfield (NC DEQ)
-“Lessons Learned” from recent CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization projects
-Remarks from Lorenzo Claxton and Cynthia T. Jones of NC Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division (REDD)
-Insights from Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary for REDD

In addition to learning more about CDBG-NR opportunities, Sharon and Bruce also connected with community partners from across their regions.

05/14/2026

What we love most about this work is the people.

Hear from David McRae, ARC and a a SCRC Assistant Program Manager, as he shares what inspires him about partnering with rural communities to strengthen local economies, build on existing assets, and help communities shape a future that reflects their values and vision.

The NC Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center offers strategic economic development planning, technical assistance, training, education, and grants.

More: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/about-us/divisions-programs/rural-economic-development-division/nc-main-street-rural-planning-center/rural-planning

05/12/2026

Staff with the NC Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Program and Outdoor Economy Office were grateful to attend the Saluda Grade Site Walk.

The tour included six stops: Saluda Visitors Center, Saluda Historic Depot Museum, Henry’s Nature Center, Green River Adventures, McCreery Park, and Green River BBQ—each exploring ways the proposed trail corridor can support local businesses, strengthen regional connectivity, and drive rural economic development.

Many thanks to Conserving Carolina and partners for coordinating a collaborative and exciting Site Walk. The proposed Saluda Grade Trail would span 31.5 miles from Inman, SC to Zirconia, NC. This multi-state project is supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission's ARISE Program.🚴‍♀️