Residents in the North Carolina towns of Pineville and Hobgood will soon have more opportunities for community and connection in their downtowns.
Pineville and Hobgood have both received an infusion of $10,000 each from ElectriCities' Downtown Revitalization Grant program.
This initiative is designed to assist North Carolina public power communities in revitalizing their downtowns and fostering economic growth, highlighting the untapped potential of these vibrant areas.
"The Downtown Revitalization Grant empowers public power municipalities to beautify and enhance their downtowns, making them more appealing for business investment and stimulating visitor spending," said Carl Rees, Economic and Community Development Manager at ElectriCities.
In the Town of Pineville, the grant will fund a community mural project that promises to invigorate the downtown area. It aims to draw more visitors to local businesses while strengthening community ties, fostering inclusivity among residents.
With a population of about 10,000, Pineville is eager to unite long-time locals and newcomers through this collaborative effort.
Local muralist Russ Petty will lead the artistic design. The mural will prominently display the phrase "Welcome to Pineville," with each letter creatively filled with hand-painted historical artifacts, images, and contributions from residents.
The town will have three days where community members will be invited to sign up and participate in painting the wall alongside the muralist.
Meanwhile, in Hobgood, a multi-county charter school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The community is eager for spaces that offer snacks, coffee, and more.
The Town of Hobgood plans to leverage the grant to establish an entrepreneurial incubator in its downtown by repairing vital infrastructure for three commercial buildings.
This initiative will create a welcoming environment for community gatherings and attract new businesses, propelling the town’s economic growth forward, ElectriCities said.
ElectriCities provides power supply and related critical services to over 90 community-owned electric systems in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
ElectriCities manages the power supply for two power agencies in North Carolina and provides technical services to assist members in operating their electric distribution systems. ElectriCities also helps these locally owned and operated public power providers thrive today and in the future by delivering innovative services, including legislative, technical, communications, and economic development expertise.
