North Carolina Main Street Center

10/23/2026

Discover spooky stories across North Carolina’s Main Street communities this season. From haunted walks to lantern-led tours, Main Street towns bring history to life.
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What if the stories you've heard about Downtown Statesville are actually true?

The mysterious sightings. The unexplained encounters. The historic buildings with stories that have been passed down for generations.

There's a whole other side of Downtown Statesville waiting to be discovered.

Join us for Haunted Statesville Ghost Tours and hear the stories that might make you look at your favorite downtown spots a little differently. 👀

🎟️ Ready to uncover the mystery? Get your tickets: https://www.downtownstatesville.com/ghost-tours

The Historic Sharpe House

10/22/2026

GROWING Downtown Professional Phase:

Whether you’re building on early momentum or stepping into an established program, the Growing phase is designed to help you strengthen what’s working and expand your impact. This part of the journey shifts toward more advanced strategies for managing your organization, deepening relationships, and leading with clarity.

In this phase, you’ll find paid, project-based courses that go further than the foundational guidance in earlier stages. Led by subject matter experts from Main Street America and across our network, these courses guide you step by step toward creating tangible deliverables, such as action plans, strategic templates, and practical frameworks you can put to work in your own program.

Through invaluable expert insights, case studies, and interactive scenarios, the Growing phase helps you refine your approach, scale your successes, and navigate the increasing complexity of your role.

Learn More:

From starting to succession, this multi-phase learning experience pairs real-world guidance rooted in the values of place-based revitalization with strategies, templates, and resources that local Main Street leaders can use to strengthen their program and lead with confidence.

10/21/2026

North Carolina’s downtowns thrive when small businesses thrive. Main Street America's latest insights shed light on how business owners are feeling this fall. Explore the trends and what they mean for our communities: https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-how-are-small-businesses-feeling-this-fall?utm_campaign=14701666-Main%20Spotlight&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8okBicDGrA7G-BPTPhm8D8E3G95mO-2NpYLR04Yy5-VYHUDdG1413FyraBVfe7mfSJWeFvpbgE8NGafhN6sVmjM96SoA&_hsmi=445198730&utm_content=445198730&utm_source=hs_email

10/17/2026

NC Main Street is celebrating Great Trails State Day by highlighting the places that connect our communities. How are you enjoying the trail in your community today? Share where you’re spending the day in the comments. Photo: City Walk in Downtown Hickory, City of Hickory, NC - Government . Photo credit: Revival Creatives

10/16/2026

The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is Hiring!

Community Development Planner II – Southeast Region

The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is seeking a Community Development Planner II to support rural communities across southeastern North Carolina. This position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through economic development planning, strategic planning, technical assistance, and grant guidance that supports community revitalization and long-term economic growth.

Application Deadline: October 27, 2026

View the position and apply: https://nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Careers/job/New-Hanover-County-NC/Community-Development… (https://nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Careers/job/New-Hanover-County-NC/Community-Development-Planner-II---Southeast-Region_JR-126180)

Agency Dept of Commerce Division Rural , Economic Development Job Classification Title Community Development Planner II (NS) Position Number 60081200 Grade NC17 About Us The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state's lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The depart...

10/15/2026

With Governor Stein announcing new investment and jobs for rural NC, Clinton and Elkin demonstrate how NC Main Street communities lead local growth and downtown revitalization.

Read more: https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/10/15/governor-stein-announces-504-million-investment-and-78-new-jobs-rural-north-carolina

10/15/2026

LAUNCHING Downtown Professional Phase:

The Launching level as a downtown professional is your moment to bring your Main Street vision to life.

You have built a strong foundation, and now this phase helps you turn plans into real progress. Launching gives you the tools to build public trust, track your program impact, and tell your Main Street story in ways that spark energy throughout your district.

You will learn how to set realistic goals, sustain funding, and engage your community in meaningful and visible ways. Whether you are navigating your first grant or planning a community event, this phase supports your growth while helping you avoid burnout.

Through scenario based learning, stakeholder engagement strategies, and storytelling tools, you will gain clarity in your next steps and confidence in your leadership.

Explore courses like Market Analysis for Community Transformation and Empowering Leadership and Shaping Organizational Culture to keep moving forward.

Learn more:

From starting to succession, this multi-phase learning experience pairs real-world guidance rooted in the values of place-based revitalization with strategies, templates, and resources that local Main Street leaders can use to strengthen their program and lead with confidence.

10/14/2026

It's National Dessert Day! Treat yourself and support your local restaurants and bakeries that serve up the sweetest delights in town.

Where do you get your favorite sweet treats? Let us know in the comments!

10/13/2026

Small improvements can make a big impact in downtown!

Williamston Downtown Inc. is adding a little fall color to Main Street with a new downtown beautification effort. Mums donated by downtown business owner and WDI board member Walter Whitfield were planted with help from the Town of Williamston’s Public Works Department. 🌼

It’s a great example of how local businesses, volunteers, and municipal partners can work together to create a welcoming downtown for residents, visitors, and businesses.

We love seeing our NC Main Street communities in the news for the work happening every day to make their downtowns stronger!
https://wcti12.com/news/local/public-works-preps-beds-and-plants-mums-in-williamstons-latest-beautification-push?utm_source=chatgpt.com

WILLIAMSTON, Martin County — Williamston Downtown Incorporated and the Town of Williamston have started another phase of downtown beautification work.The effort