Topics Related to Community

The North Carolina Department of Commerce invites local governments, economic development professionals, and all members of the public to review and provide recommendations on a set of candidate areas across the state that could eventually be certified as North Carolina’s new Opportunity Zones.  Governor Josh Stein tapped the Department to solicit broad input regarding which of the qualifying low-income census tracts hold the most potential to attract investment and economic and housing development opportunities for the state.

Governor Josh Stein today announced that North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved seven grant requests for local governments totaling $1,657,500. The grants include commitments to create a total of 215 jobs, 26 of which were previously announced. As a result of these grants, the additional investment in these projects, from private and public sources, is expected to reach approximately $41 million and create 189 new jobs.

Today the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) announced a first-round Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), making $40 million in federal funding available to help restore and reinvigorate commercial districts in western North Carolina damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Governor Josh Stein today announced nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants to support small business recovery in western North Carolina. The funding will assist 13 local projects through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), continuing the state’s coordinated response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce will recognize 42 individuals and organizations at the N.C. Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony on March 12 in New Bern.  Nominated by their respective Main Street communities, these award winners are honored for their commitment to downtown revitalization and building strong communities in 2025.

Thirteen communities will receive awards for excellence in downtown revitalization during the North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, March 11 in New Bern. North Carolina Department of Commerce Chief Deputy Secretary Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Reginald Speight, and Director of the North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center Liz Parham will present the awards in categories that include Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it received $75.8 million from the

Governor Josh Stein today announced that North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 12 grant requests for local governments totaling $5,876,853. The grants include commitments to create a total of 277 jobs, 71 of which were previously announced. As a result of these grants, the additional investment in these projects, from private and public sources, is expected to reach more than $43 million.

North Carolina community and economic development leaders will convene in downtown New Bern for the 2026 North Carolina Main Street Conference March 10-12. Registration is now open for the 25th annual meeting where community leaders can gather inspiration, practical tools, and proven strategies to advance their local revitalization efforts.

Today Governor Josh Stein joined North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and local partners to unveil the state’s 2026 schedule of premier events supported by the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund. The lineup features crowd-pleasers that create jobs, support local businesses, boost tourism, and reinforce the reasons North Carolina consistently ranks as a top state for business, workforce development, and travel.