Downtown Statesville Development Corporation Designated as a 2025 Accredited Program by Main Street America

Downtown Statesville Development Corporation Designated as a 2025 Accredited Program by Main Street America

Statesville, NC – The Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) has earned national recognition as an Accredited Main Street America program, achieving the organization's highest designation for meeting strict performance standards in community development and downtown revitalization. 

Main Street America awards two levels of national recognition each year—Affiliate and Accredited—with Accredited being the top tier. This designation signals to local stakeholders, government officials, and potential funders that DSDC operates as part of a proven nationwide movement with a 45-year track record of generating strong economic returns and creating vibrant communities.

"Main Street America is proud to recognize this year's 821 Accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities," said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. "Their tireless efforts show what's possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation."

To earn Accredited status, DSDC demonstrated exceptional performance in six critical areas: broad community support for revitalization efforts, inclusive leadership and organizational strength, diversified funding and sustainable operations, strategic programming, preservation-focused economic development, and measurable impact and results.

The evaluation process involved comprehensive assessments conducted by DSDC's staff and board of directors, working alongside the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. This state organization partners with Main Street America to ensure local programs meet rigorous national standards.

The Main Street America network delivers impressive nationwide results. In 2024, participating programs generated $7.65 billion in local investment, helped launch 6,324 new businesses, created 33,835 new jobs, restored 10,126 historic buildings, and mobilized 1.9 million volunteer hours. The programs demonstrate exceptional return on investment, with every dollar spent on operations generating an average of $21.73 in local reinvestment.

“First and foremost, our re-accreditation reflects the dedication of all who invest their time, talent, and treasure into downtown,” says Matthew Pierce, Downtown Business & Development Manager. “In the past year alone, we’ve welcomed nine new businesses and seen over $1.6 million invested in building improvements. Accreditation also signals our ongoing commitment to the Main Street approach—an economic development strategy rooted in historic preservation. As one of the oldest Main Street programs in North Carolina, we remain proud to contribute to the vitality of our community and to the broader movement to keep our downtowns thriving.”

“Re-accreditation not only reflects the professionalism and quality of the DSDC staff, but also the hard work that the DSDC board, committee members, volunteers, and our community partners put in on a daily basis. Downtown is alive with new residents, businesses, community events, and construction. Since our 2024 accreditation we have seen the renovation and opening of the Statesville Historic Collection so that we can cherish our history, as well as breaking ground on $39 million dollars of public and private construction on East Front Street so we can enthusiastically embrace our future. Downtown Statesville remains a great place to live, work, worship, play, and raise a family.” ~Trey Robertson, Chairman of DSDC Board of Directors.