Thomasville and Siler City Join NC Main Street and DAC Programs

In a significant development for North Carolina’s downtown areas, Thomasville has been awarded the prestigious North Carolina Main Street Community designation, while Siler City joins the Downtown Associate Community (DAC) program. These designations, effective as of July 1, 2025, mark a new chapter in economic growth and revitalization for these towns.

State Leaders Celebrate Milestones

Governor Josh Stein expressed enthusiasm, stating, “North Carolina’s main streets attract millions of visitors each year while providing jobs, culture, and community. I am pleased to welcome Thomasville and Siler City to the Main Street program, and I look forward to seeing them continue to bring economic opportunity to their towns.” Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential for increased economic activity through the Main Street programs’ support in historic preservation and strategic planning.

Thomasville’s Journey to Main Street Designation

Thomasville’s elevation to a Main Street community follows its successful participation in the DAC program, where it fulfilled rigorous national downtown development requirements over two years. This new status grants Thomasville access to resources aimed at implementing a comprehensive downtown revitalization strategy, focusing on key aspects like economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.

Siler City’s Strategic Path Forward

Siler City embarks on a two-year engagement with the DAC program, receiving technical assistance services valued at $30,000. This initiative is structured around the Four-Point Approach® methodology, targeting economic vitality and transformational downtown strategies. Should Siler City meet the necessary criteria within the allotted time, it could ascend to an official Main Street designation by 2027.

Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development, Reginald Speight, acknowledged Thomasville’s achievements and anticipated Siler City’s growth, stating, “We congratulate Thomasville on its incredible work to earn its Main Street designation, which will lead to economic growth beyond its downtown. In due time, Siler City will see the benefits of its early investments through the Downtown Associate Community program.”

A Broader Impact Across North Carolina

With Thomasville’s addition, North Carolina now boasts 72 designated Main Street communities. Since 1980, these communities have harnessed over $5.58 billion in public and private investments, generating more than 37,605 net new jobs and rehabilitating 7,500 buildings. Liz Parham, director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, expressed optimism about both towns’ future projects and economic growth.

The N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center functions as the state’s coordinating body for Main Street America™, an initiative supporting the revitalization of historic and older commercial districts. Main Street America promotes economic development through the lens of historic preservation, fostering vibrant downtowns across the nation.

For further information, visit the N.C. Main Street page here.