Wake Forest, North Carolina has once again made the cut, being honored with a 2025 National Main Street Accreditation, placing it among an elite group of communities dedicated to maintaining vibrant and economically prosperous downtowns. According to a recent announcement by the Town of Wake Forest, it is one of 821 programs across the country to earn this recognition for its continued commitment to community revitalization and economic development, following the Main Street Approach.
The Main Street America program, with its 45-year history of supporting community-driven success, serves to readily identify towns that go above and beyond mere maintenance, instead to continuously breathe new life into their streets and storefronts. Accreditation is a mark of distinction, signaling that a program not only champions local culture and business but also pursues growth strategies that respect and enhance their community's historical character. "Main Street America is proud to recognize this year's 821 Accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities," said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America, as reported by the Town of Wake Forest.
Evaluation for this prestigious designation is thorough, based on assessments conducted by the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center in partnership with Main Street America. Programs have to not only meet a baseline of requirements but also to exhibit exceptional performance in areas like community commitment, inclusive leadership, diversified funding, strategic programming, and preservation-based development. Wake Forest, according to Barnes, represents a shining example of what can be achieved when leaders work together to reflect the communities they serve.
And the numbers speak for themselves. Main Street America programs have generated impressive economic results nationwide; in 2024 alone, they spurred $7.65 billion in local reinvestment, opened over 6,300 new businesses, and were instrumental in creating more than 33,800 jobs. Downtown Development Director Jennifer Herbert, in a statement echoed by the local announcement, captured by the Town of Wake Forest's sentiment: "Receiving Main Street Accreditation is a true testament to the collaboration and commitment that define Wake Forest," and credited the town’s downtown businesses as the heartbeat of their community’s success.
