Drexel, Gastonia, La Grange, New Bern, Newton, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, each received $10,000 through ElectriCities’ Downtown Revitalization Grant program to help boost downtown economic development and support their revitalization goals.
Drexel’s Downtown Master Plan
The Town of Drexel will put its funds toward creating a Downtown Master Plan that will serve as a strategic roadmap for revitalization, economic development, and long-term sustainability in the community’s historic core. The plan will focus on strengthening downtown’s appeal, improving access, and supporting local businesses while attracting new investment. The plan will also highlight ways the Town can use its municipal electric system to support business recruitment and smart infrastructure.
Gastonia’s Vibrant Downtown Initiative
The City of Gastonia will use its funding to launch a first-phase effort to activate public spaces and strengthen downtown’s identity. Building on strong public and private investment, the project will make downtown more welcoming and support continued growth through coordinated streetscape, branding, and public art improvements. Initial elements include murals, interactive sidewalk art, planters, and branded banners. This visible, scalable approach will help build momentum, attract visitors, and support local businesses while laying the foundation for continued downtown revitalization, ElectriCities noted.
La Grange’s Downtown Public Lot Beautification Project
The Town of La Grange will put its funds toward transforming a Town-owned parking lot located in the heart of historic downtown into a welcoming, Garden Spot-themed space that celebrates La Grange’s identity and better serves residents, businesses, and visitors. Planned improvements include a feature mural, decorative lighting, landscaping, seating, and enhanced pedestrian access. The project will build on community input and use additional local investment, helping the Town lead by example and strengthen downtown as a vibrant gathering place.
New Bern’s Downtown Master Plan
The City of New Bern will use its grant funds to develop a Downtown Master Plan in partnership with Swiss Bear, Inc. The project will gather community input and assess current conditions to create a clear, actionable roadmap to guide growth, revitalization, and development. It will identify redevelopment opportunities and recommend improvements to infrastructure, public spaces, and connectivity, supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and encouraging housing and mixed-use development to help strengthen downtown as a vibrant, walkable destination.
Newton’s Sidewalk Enhancement Project
The City of Newton will use its grant to close a key gap in its downtown pedestrian network, improving access between a high-traffic parking area and nearby businesses. The project will add level sidewalks, curb improvements, an ADA-compliant ramp, and protective bollards to enhance safety and accessibility. Building on recent streetscape investments, these improvements will strengthen connectivity, support local businesses, increase foot traffic, and create a more welcoming downtown experience for residents and visitors.
Wake Forest’s Downtown Gateway Mural
The Town of Wake Forest will use its grant to install a large-scale mural on a prominent downtown building, creating a welcoming gateway into its commercial district. The project will enhance the building’s appearance, support redevelopment, and strengthen downtown’s visual identity. By drawing attention to a key entry point, the mural will encourage foot traffic, support local businesses, and make downtown a more vibrant, inviting destination for residents, visitors, and potential investors.
“These projects show that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to strengthening downtowns and supporting growth,” said Carl Rees, ElectriCities Manager of Economic and Community Development. “No matter the scope, these investments deliver meaningful benefits that go well beyond the grant itself, helping improve everyday life in these public power communities.”
ElectriCities awards the competitive Downtown Revitalization Grants twice a year -- each spring and fall -- to its members in the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) and in North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1).
Grant proceeds must be used for projects that advance the community’s downtown revitalization goals and are approved by the city or town manager or chief executive.
The next application cycle for ElectriCities Downtown Revitalization Grants opens in the fall of 2026.
