Through collaborations and creative partnerships, this program directs human and financial resources and provides technical assistance to targeted communities that support the expansion of broad-based and comprehensive economic development plans and initiatives.
Initiated in 2001 in response to business and industry closures and the loss of thousands of jobs in the manufacturing and textile industries, the 21st Century Communities program has positively impacted the state’s most challenged communities and helped jump start economic development.
Program Overview
We identify communities that are experiencing economic sustainability challenges and help them advance in today’s global economy with these premises in mind:
- Economic development success comes from investing in education and a skilled workforce, attractive and prepared communities and an exceptional business climate
- Targeting counties that are economically challenged, but have local leaders committed to making progress yields the greatest results
- Building upon the specific strengths of each county is essential in the formation of economic development strategies.
The 21st Century Communities program comprises 26 counties of participation which are the following: Anson, Beaufort, Burke, Caldwell, Caswell, Columbus, Cherokee, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gaston, Graham, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Mitchell, Montgomery, Northampton, Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Sampson, Warren, Washington and Yancey.
In January 2008, Alexander, Camden, Clay, Nash and Scotland counties were selected for participation thus raising the total to thirty-one. Each of these counties has been officially launched with visits that have begun their assessment process.
21st Century Communities Map
For more information read our 21st Century Communities Brochure
Program Details
The program takes these steps to achieve long-term positive outcomes at both the state and local levels:
- Conduct a complete assessment of the local economy
- Meet with local leaders to identify areas of greatest concern
- Assess economic development assets such as available building sites, natural and heritage resources
- Identify infrastructure needs
- Develop a comprehensive economic development plan
- Coordinate available resources to maximize impact
Open to most North Carolina counties, the selection process is based on objective criteria that include specific economic and demographic variables and subjective criteria that assess a county’s ability to partner with the Department of Commerce effectively.
Program Partners
21st Century Communities partners have played a vital role in our success by providing:
- Community assessment assistance
- Economic development planning
- Policy assistance
- Direct financial support
Our partners have included:
- Participating county and municipal governments
- North Carolina’s Regional Partnership Organizations
- N.C. Department of Transportation
- N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- N.C. Department of Public Instruction
- N.C. Department of Cultural Resources
- N.C. Community College System
- N.C. Cooperative Extension Service
- N.C. Department of Agriculture
- Appalachian Regional Commission
- UNC's Institute of Government
- Rural Center
- Golden LEAF Foundation
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- N.C. Partnership for Children
For more information, contact the Office of Rural Development Programs Director Mark A. Roberts at 919-733-4979, or your regional 21st Century Communities Program Representative:
J. Bradley Hufford
Northeastern Regional Office
Division of Community Assistance
128 East 2nd Street Washington, NC 27889
(252) 974-1308
bhufford@nccommerce.com
Ravin Gore, MPA
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Community Assistance
4313 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699
Phone: (919) 733-2853, ext. 272
rgore@nccommerce.com
Sara Day Evans
Western Regional Office
Division of Community Assistance
31 College Place, Bldg. B
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 251-6914, ext. 201
sevans@nccommerce.com