Our Rural Planning team provides economic development planning and related assistance to rural communities across the state. Part of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, the Rural Planning program has staff members based in each North Carolina Prosperity Zone.

Services Offered

Strategic Economic Development Planning

• Five-year strategic economic development plans
• Community economic development assessments
• One-day action planning workshops

Technical Assistance

• Long-term economy-building efforts in communities
• Shorter-term project development and implementation support
• GIS mapping and analysis
• Market analysis

Training & Education

• Workshops and other regional and statewide training
• Community-specific training

Grants & Funding Guidance

• Comprehensive funding guide sharing
• Resources identification

For more information about Rural Planning program services or to discuss your community's specific needs, please contact Karen Smith, Rural Planning Program Manager, at ksmith@commerce.nc.gov, or the Prosperity Zone planner assigned to your region.