ECDI - Main Street Program

 Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc.- A Revitalization Corporation

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.

 

The Main Street Program’s success is based on a comprehensive strategy of work - tailored to local needs and opportunities - in four broad areas, called the "Main Street Four Point Approach:"

• Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems and long-term planning.

• Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.

• Promotions: Marketing the traditional commercial district’s assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens, and visitors.

• Economic Revitalization: Strengthening the district’s economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying developments. Under the refreshed program definition, all of four points much contributed to Economic revitalization.