Here We Grow NC

"Cities and towns play a critical role in North Carolina’s economic growth. As we move forward at the local, state and federal level, we must ensure that our municipalities can continue to play that role."

The development in Pembroke may seem sudden. New apartments, mixed-use facilities, expansions to the local university. Yet, this period of growth, like all growth, sprouted from well-laid groundwork, courtesy of the town and its local leaders. herewegrownc.org/local-stories-…

With the economy grinding to a halt, utility payments became a problem. Communities had hard-to-pay bills. Towns had expensive utility systems to fund. Jacksonville (@COJacksonville) found a solution. A case study from @Hometown_Strong. herewegrownc.org/local-stories-…

N.C. communities are no stranger to difficult times. But, time and again, they've proved ready to answer the call. Just look at Rockingham, where strong, forward-thinking leadership created opportunity amidst economic upheaval. Featured on @WRAL: wral.com/for-one-town-p…

At the N.C. Main Street Conference in New Bern? Stop by the @NCLeague table to learn how we can share and promote your community development success stories.

"A new investment underway in western North Carolina could be a critical element in solving the rural broadband crisis. And it’s an investment that would have never been made if not for the work of Forest City and Rutherford County." -@herewegrowNC herewegrownc.org/local-stories-…

What do local investments in critical infrastructure allow? They allow for economic growth. For partnerships. For new ideas. Forest City (@TOFCofficial) and @RutherfordCnty made those investments. And now the entire region is benefiting. herewegrownc.org/local-stories-…

Newton's downtown revitalization project is underway. To be completed in 2021, this represents the largest downtown infrastructure investment in generations -- building @cityofnewtonnc's and @CatawbaCounty's brilliant legacy into a bright future. buff.ly/37CFdJB

To revive a town, get the community engaged. That was what Elkin did with 'Explore Elkin.' It asked the town to invest in itself. Two years in, they've done just that. "People were starving for an optimistic message, something they could believe in.” buff.ly/37F0wef

A thread of 2019's local successes...

Check out this Recent piece on @WRALTechWire @herewegrowNC featuring Wilkesboro!

In @LaurinburgNC, a Christmas celebration--led by volunteers, backed by the city--has revived the community. “People now believe Downtown Laurinburg can be reinvented. There is hope. There is excitement.” Our final (and most festive) feature of 2019: herewegrownc.org/local-stories-…

For decades, Lake Rogers has represented the best of @CityofCreedmoor. A multi-phase project to further elevate that natural resource is now underway. Once complete, the city will be primed for growth, and the lake will be a crown jewel of the area. herewegrownc.org/local-stories-…

"Special places do not happen by accident." That's the mantra of Wilkesboro, which took a long look at itself, saw a rich heritage, and took action. Those investments have paid off. From new festivals to new businesses, downtown is now full of life. wraltechwire.com/here-we-grow/w…

During the peak season, Seven Devils' population balloons by 800 percent. With an influx like that, Town staff--and the beautiful new Town Hall itself--become a valuable local resource. “We’re not a Chamber of Commerce, but we act like one.” buff.ly/2XYFJPb

It’s Election Day across North Carolina’s cities and towns. We congratulate the candidates on their well-run campaigns, encourage North Carolinians to take part in the electoral process, and look forward to the future leadership of our state’s great municipalities!

Mebane built up a robust industrial economy without sacrificing its charming downtown. In fact, the two areas complement each other. Read about how strong leadership and local investments have made Mebane a great place to live, work and play. wraltechwire.com/here-we-grow/m…

The first impression of Mebane, to many, is the industry on the outskirts. But drive into town and there’s a far different picture. “You see beautiful areas. You see the town and the trees. The success we’ve had is allowing us to stay ahead of the game." buff.ly/367IiSH

Oxford's annual Hot Sauce Festival brings people to town. But their ambition extends beyond a single event. With an eye towards the future, Oxford has put long-term plans in place to make its historic downtown a true NC destination. buff.ly/2p4b8lU