“We are in grand company with the 863 Accredited and 383 Affiliate Main Street America programs across the nation,” according to a post on Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc.’s Facebook page.
Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. is a 501c3, nonprofit organization that administers the Main Street Program, a downtown revitalization program.
The Main Street Program was created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980. Over 2,000 communities across the country in over 40 states coordinate the Main Street Program in their efforts to improve the viability of their central business districts.
Elizabeth City is one of the 110 communities in North Carolina that is designated as a North Carolina Main Street City or Associate. The North Carolina Main Street Program is coordinated under the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Community Service.
The local program is managed by a volunteer board of directors, volunteer committees and one full time paid staff person, who works closely with the City Manager to implement goals.
Both the City of Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County benefit from a vitalized downtown business district. ECDI provides a return on investment to taxpayers through increased tax generation. Local government receives increased tax revenue from improved property values due to property enhancements. A healthy downtown helps reduce sprawl and costly infrastructure.
“Thank you to the ECDI Board of Directors, our many volunteers and committee members, community partners, The City of Elizabeth City, the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center and Main Street America!” ECDI said.
