Downtown Smithfield Contributes to Strong Main Street Investment Across North Carolina

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Downtown Smithfield is contributing to a powerful story of downtown revitalization taking place across North Carolina.

The N.C. Department of Commerce announced this week that designated Main Street and Small Town Main Street communities generated nearly $514 million in public and private investment during fiscal year 2025–26, along with 318 new businesses and nearly 2,500 jobs. Since North Carolina's Main Street program began in 1980, participating communities have leveraged more than $6.6 billion in downtown investment. 

Here in Smithfield, that statewide momentum can be seen in new businesses, building improvements, job creation, public spaces and continued private investment throughout the downtown district.

During FY 2025–26, Downtown Smithfield reported $2,704,600 in private investment and $489,000 in public investment — more than $3.19 million invested in downtown in a single year.

Other local results reported for the year include:

• 35 new jobs created — 26 full-time and 9 part-time
• Market Street Commons, a major new public-space improvement completed through partnerships with Johnston County, the Town of Smithfield and the Johnston County Visitors Bureau
• More than 1,140 volunteer hours contributed to downtown programs and initiatives
• Approximately $68,000 in sponsorship support generated for downtown programming
• Approximately $1.14 million in estimated economic impact from DSDC events held under normal weather conditions, in addition to an estimated $500,000 impact from the rain-affected 40th Ham & Yam Festival

The results are especially meaningful as the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) celebrates the return of its Main Street America accreditation in 2026, recognizing the organization's commitment to preservation-based economic development and the standards of the national Main Street program.

“No single entity can revitalize a downtown on its own—it takes an entire community pulling in the same direction,” said Heidi Gilmond, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation. “The growth and vitality we reported this year belong to everyone who has invested their time, resources, and heart into Smithfield. As we look ahead, that strong foundation of community support will drive even greater success for our downtown in the year to come.”

Across North Carolina's 72 designated Main Street communities alone, FY 2025–26 resulted in more than $507 million in investment, 2,393 new jobs, 308 new businesses, 276 building renovations and 347 façade improvements. Volunteers contributed 83,942 hours valued at more than $2.8 million. 

The statewide results demonstrate the economic role that historic downtown districts continue to play in North Carolina communities.

“Strong downtowns support small businesses, create jobs, and help North Carolinians thrive,” said Governor Josh Stein in the state's announcement. 

For Smithfield, the numbers also show that downtown revitalization is producing measurable results beyond festivals and community events.

Over the past two fiscal years, Downtown Smithfield has recorded approximately $5.6 million in private investment alone, while businesses have continued to open, buildings have been renovated, new jobs have been created and significant public improvements have been made within the district.

“We often talk about downtown in terms of how it feels — whether the sidewalks are active, storefronts are occupied and people are gathering,” Gilmond said. “But these statistics allow us to measure what is happening economically. More than $3 million invested in one year is significant for our downtown, and it gives us a strong foundation for the work still ahead.”

DSDC's work is guided by the Main Street Four-Point Approach — Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization — and focuses on creating a downtown that is economically vital, socially active and visually attractive.

The organization works with businesses, property owners, local government, community partners and volunteers to encourage investment, support entrepreneurs, improve the physical downtown environment, market the district and create experiences that bring people into Downtown Smithfield.

The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, part of the N.C. Department of Commerce, provides participating communities with strategic economic development planning, technical assistance, training, education and funding guidance. North Carolina's program serves as the state coordinating program for Main Street America. 

About Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation

Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the organization responsible for administering Smithfield's designated North Carolina Main Street program. DSDC works to develop and maintain an economically vital, socially active and visually attractive downtown through economic development, historic preservation, business support, marketing, events, placemaking and community partnerships.

For more information about the statewide results, visit the N.C. Department of Commerce announcement.