N.C. STEP Selection Process
Ten towns will be added to the NC STEP program in early 2010. They will join 45 existing STEP communities working to revitalize their communities.
Successful applicants will participate in the demonstration for two years and receive coaching, technical assistance and training. Each town is eligible for planning grants to assess project feasibility and implementation grants to carry out desired projects. Planning grants are in the amount of $25,000, and implementation grants are available for up to $100,000.
NC STEP is designed for municipalities with fewer than 10,000 people, either within the state’s 85 rural counties or within economically distressed (Tier 1) urban counties. County seats in counties with no incorporated municipality also are eligible to apply.
Towns selected for participation will represent a broad range of characteristics, including geographical distribution, population size and diversity, and management structure. The center also considers resource availability and degree of readiness.
Applications are due February 12, 2010, for awards to be made in April 2010.
