NC Commerce Rural Planning Program

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 8 grants requests to local governments totaling over $4 million. The funded projects include two that received Rural Downtown Economic Development grants:

- Town of Badin (Stanly County) - $241,700 to support renovation of a 109-year-old former hospital building for use as a community meeting and event space.

- City of Asheboro (Randolph County) - $225,000 to help rehabilitate infrastructure on North & Trade Streets as part of a streetscape project.

Read about the latest RIA funding: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/.../governor-stein-announces...

Photo: Future Badin Conference and Meeting Center

A faculty and student team from the NC State University Pappas Real Estate Development Program recently visited the Town of Edenton to jumpstart implementation of projects in its Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) strategic plan. The team and town staff evaluated potential project sites, focusing on ways to enhance outdoor spaces and connect the community. The CORE program, with partners like NC State, helps communities leverage outdoor assets to support economic growth.
View Edenton's CORE plan: https://www.townofedenton.com/media/6256.

Looking to move a community project from idea to implementation? The Rural Investment Collaborative’s Community Investment Training will equip twenty leaders from rural communities with the tools and support needed to develop investment-ready projects.

Applications for the 2027 cohort are due July 10. Learn more and apply:

Rural Investment Collaborative™ Small towns, big opportunities: improving economic investment in rural communities through strong project proposals and training.

The Rural Planning Program recently facilitated a Community Visioning Session in the Town of Pikeville
as part of the Community Economic Development Assessment process.

Residents, business owners, and community leaders shared ideas about Pikeville’s strengths, opportunities, and priorities for the future. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped shape the conversation.

Happy Friday!
Still trying to decide on weekend plans? Check out what our staff thinks are some of the most under rated beaches in North Carolina! What is your favorite North Carolina Beach to visit?

Pictured:
Carova Beach, Currituck County, NC
Bertie Beach, Merry Hill, NC
Ocracoke Island, NC
Surf City, NC
Sunset Beach, NC

Several NC Commerce Rural Planning Program team members attended the Appalachian Regional Commission's 2026 Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth, in Starkville, Mississippi.

The conference was a great opportunity to connect with partners from across the Appalachian region and learn about innovative approaches to economic development. Starkville’s vibrant downtown and active streetscape enhancements also highlighted the local community’s investment in placemaking.

The team returned to North Carolina with new connections, fresh ideas, and renewed excitement for supporting rural economies.

For National Great Outdoors Month, we’re looking back at the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) program, designed to help rural communities strengthen local economies through tourism and outdoor recreation industries.

The Town of Sylva is one community involved in the CORE program, a hub of outdoor recreation in Western North Carolina. Sylva boasts several green spaces, like Poteet Park, and outdoor activities include weekly Concerts on the Creek, with a number of small businesses that strengthen the local economy.


The Town of Sylva North Carolina Main Street Center NC Commerce Rural Planning Program Visit North Carolina The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

Mural Monday brings us to the Town of Snow Hill. As communities across the country prepare to commemorate America 250, Greene County's Charter of Freedom installation in downtown Snow Hill offers a meaningful way to connect with the documents that have shaped our nation's history.

The installation features replicas of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Civil Rights Amendments, creating a permanent educational and civic resource in the heart of the community.

Saturday, June 6, is National Trails Day - a day of action hosted by the American Hiking Society for people to enjoy trails and outdoor spaces while leaving them better than they find them. Communities and organizations around NC have scheduled a variety of activities in connection with the event, from hikes, bike rides, and paddling trips, to trail workdays and festivals. Check out the Great Trails NC events calendar for some ideas: https://greattrailsnc.com/events-calendar.