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Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation has once again been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting performance standards.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”

In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.

Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation’s performance is annually evaluated by North Carolina Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces and cultural assets.

During the 2020-21 fiscal year, Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation reported $860,000 in public investment and $22,504,500 in private investment in downtown Albemarle, with a total investment of $23,364,500.

“The recent growth in downtown Albemarle has added excitement to our already-vibrant district,” said Joy Almond, Albemarle main street manager/liaison for Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation. “The programs available through both NC Main Street and Main Street America have been vital to the success of our community, and it is a privilege to once again be recognized as an accredited program.”