City recognized for strong downtown revitalization performance
WHITEVILLE, NC — Whiteville has been named a 2026 Accredited Main Street America community, the NC Department of Commerce announced this week. The designation is the program’s highest level of recognition and is awarded to downtowns that demonstrate strong results in preservation‑based economic development.
Whiteville earned accreditation for its 2025 performance, joining 48 other North Carolina communities that met Main Street America’s rigorous standards.
To qualify, local programs must show measurable progress in areas such as community commitment, organizational capacity, sustainable funding, strategy‑driven programming, and demonstrated economic impact.
State officials said accredited communities continue to play a key role in strengthening local economies.
“Strong downtowns fuel prosperity,” said NC Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “These communities show what’s possible when people come together with vision and purpose.”
Since the program began in 1980, North Carolina Main Street districts have leveraged more than $6.1 billion in public and private investment and created 39,530 net new jobs. In 2025 alone, participating communities recorded nearly 128,000 volunteer hours and hundreds of building rehabilitations and façade improvements.
More information about the program is available through the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
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