The National Main Street Center has designated 42 North Carolina communities as accredited Main Street America™ programs for 2023, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced today (May 4). Each year, the national group and the Commerce department’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center recognize communities demonstrating exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

The Main Street & Rural Planning Center works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet the organization’s performance standards. In our area, the following communities earned national Main Street accreditation: Hickory, Lenoir, Marion, Morganton, and Statesville. Congratulations to all involved.

Click here to read more about the North Carolina program and here for more on the national organization.