Community Development Initiatives

Strengthening The Eastern NC
Economy

Eastern North Carolina’s communities have rich history and are rife with potential, but many have lived through economic instability and decline and are still feeling the impact. NC East is committed to supporting the revitalization of these communities as led by the citizens who call them home. We will partner with underserved communities to address systemic challenges, build collaboration and support, and create pathways for growth and opportunity.

Community Redevelopment Goals:

Building pathways back to prosperity

Through our community redevelopment initiatives, we aim to:

  • Address persistent poverty by creating opportunities for economic mobility
  • Revitalize underserved communities through investment, partnerships, and support of hyper-local initiatives
  • Strengthen the infrastructure that will support growth, attract businesses, and reconnect communities to our economic ecosystem
  • Build collaboration between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to support long-term revitalization strategies and create real impact
  • Enhance quality of life across communities to retain current talent and attract new residents

What We Do:

Reconnect striving communities with our region and its resources 

We achieve our goals through impactful programs and partnerships, including:

  • Infrastructure Development:
    Improving transportation, utilities, and broadband access to attract businesses and support community growth
  • Community Inventory and Master Redevelopment Planning:
    Assessing community needs and developing comprehensive plans to guide redevelopment efforts
  • Coaching Through Action Plans:
    Providing hands-on guidance and support to help communities devise and implement actionable redevelopment strategies
  • Eco-Tourism and Cultural Trails:
    Helping establish and promote eco-tourism, history trails, and other cultural attractions to boost local economies and celebrate regional heritage
  • Capacity Building & Advocacy:
    Offering grant writing assistance, and administrative and consulting support, to help small communities secure investment
  • Volunteer Opportunities:
    Organizing region-wide volunteer initiatives focused on revitalizing central business districts in our poorest communities

Help us Transform Eastern North Carolina by Investing in Small but Special Places.

NC East Alliance’s Key Initiatives:

Education Initiatives

STEM East builds a strong regional talent pipeline by equipping educators and students with STEM resources, curriculum, and real-world career pathways.

Economic Development & Employer Initiatives

We partner with regional employers to strengthen Eastern North Carolina’s workforce pipeline, promote career opportunities, and support efforts to prepare, attract, and retain top talent.

Marketing Initiatives

We elevate Eastern North Carolina’s story through region-wide marketing that highlights the area’s opportunity, beauty, and creativity for residents and audiences beyond.

Lost & Hidden Talent

We strengthen the region’s talent ecosystem by surfacing untapped opportunities and supporting overlooked individuals in accessing training and career pathways.

Community Development Initiatives

We help restore vibrancy and pride in Eastern North Carolina’s small towns and rural communities through redevelopment planning and revitalization efforts.