"Trek on Down to Main Street"

The key to creating a strong, healthy downtown is to make it THE destination for people’s everyday needs and activities, for celebrations and special events, for socializing with friends, or for recreational activities.  For centuries, downtown was the location of choice of a community, and the Main Street program has worked for more than 40 years to bring attention back to the central business district.   

Trek on Down to Main Street is an exploration of the many ways that Main Street programs, in collaboration with their stakeholders and partners, are creating reasons to explore downtown and its many offerings.  Through physical enhancements, such as streetscaping, trail development, public art installations, and building improvements; innovative business creation and entrepreneurial ecosystem development; and activities and opportunities to build community, downtown is the axis of a vibrant economy.  What brings you downtown?  Is it where you live or work?  Is there a destination business that you like to frequent?  Or maybe the unique architecture and community assets offer you a sense of place that provides comfort and a connection to your community? 

2023 is the Year of the Trail in North Carolina, and this year’s North Carolina Main Street Conference will celebrate North Carolina towns and cities that are creating walkable/bikeable downtown districts that connect businesses, neighborhoods, and city, county, and state trail systems and that encourage residents and visitors to trek on down to Main Street.  Local government leaders and Main Street program boards are using every tool that they have available to make downtown a destination, including marketing efforts, social media, and itinerary development; historic tax credits, financial incentives, and effective downtown development ordinances; physical enhancements that create great places and great spaces; and programming efforts that help retain, expand, and recruit a vibrant mix of uses.  North Carolina Main Street communities have seen more than $4.5 billion in investment since the inception of the program in 1980, and more than $439.9 million in investment in fiscal year 2021-2022.  

The North Carolina Main Street Conference is the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the country.  The 2023 event will be the state’s first in-person Main Street conference since March 2020.  Attendees include downtown economic development professionals, elected officials and local government staff, rural leaders, volunteers, business and property owners, consultants, vendors, and sponsors that are all interested in trends, initiatives, and success stories they can use to leverage downtown and community revitalization at home. 

This milestone event will be held in downtown Statesville, North Carolina, as it celebrates more than 40 years as a Main Street community.  Expect to be wowed when you arrive in March.  You will see beautiful, historic architecture, an incredible streetscape, and a restored City Hall, while feeling Statesville’s distinctive vibe.  Built over two centuries ago on the business of whiskey and medicinal roots and herbs, downtown is the center of community life for Statesville and Iredell County and exemplifies the characteristics of a livable and walkable neighborhood.  Since becoming a Main Street community in 1982, downtown Statesville has achieved more than $123.38 million in public and private investment.  With a flurry of activity every day, from the sight of people in school uniforms and business suits on weekdays, to the sounds of live music and night life, downtown is a hub of diverse cultural amenities, entertainment, and governmental and educational experiences.  The community is dedicated to creating a strong culture of fun and charm; guaranteed to be experienced outdoors on its sidewalks and in its welcoming seating areas, through its public art, inside its restaurants and breweries, and within its unique shops and boutiques.  Statesville leaders are proud of their city’s history and the investment they are making in its future as an entertainment and destination business hub.  They look forward to sharing their story with you! 

Inspiring keynote addresses and breakout sessions with experienced presenters will provide you with renewed energy to go home and tackle any challenges that come your way.  The North Carolina Main Street Conference offers the most innovative approaches to downtown revitalization and redevelopment available in the state and, perhaps, in the southeast. 

We will see you in Statesville in March! 

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