Resources for small towns
The Small Towns Initiative seeks to provide small towns with resources and information to help them thrive in the 21st century.
Small Towns Resource Directory
The resource directory profiles agencies and organizations that offer services to small towns on a wide range of issues. The profiles include program descriptions and contact information. The directory may be downloaded from the link above or ordered in its print version.
Small Towns Fact Book
A report on North Carolina’s 478 small towns with populations of 10,000 or less. The fact book contains a short history of small towns, an overview of key trends and issues, a summary of small town concerns expressed as part of 21 focus groups and a set of data tables that include economic and social indicators for all municipalities in the state.
Small Town video
This 40-minute video, “Small Town, NC: Embracing Change, Taking Charge,” travels around the state to explore the history, culture and economy of North Carolina’s small communities. Some promising economic turnaround stories are featured. Available in VHS or DVD format for $20.
Building Reuse and Restoration
The Rural Center’s Small Town Building Reuse and Restoration Program helps communities create jobs by returning vacant properties to productive use.
Rural Economic Development Institute
Each spring, the Rural Center’s signature training program takes 30 rural leaders through an in-depth curriculum in economic and community development.
N.C. STEP workshops
Some N.C. STEP workshops welcome participants from other communities.
