Murphy selected for economic program

    Murphy – Step one is complete.
    North Carolina officials selected the Town of Murphy to participate in the Downtown Associate Community Program, which helps facilitate economic development tailored to local conditions. Towns with a traditional downtown business district and less than 50,000 residents can apply to participate in the program, which allows chosen municipalities to seek services and other revitalization assistance from the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
    “We were one of six towns selected throughout the state,” Mayor Rick Ramsey said. “It’s very unusual for a first-time applicant to be accepted. We are very excited.”
    Now that Murphy has been selected, town lawmakers will spend up to $5,000 per year over the course of three years to reimburse state officials for travel-related expenses. This year’s financial commitment was in the 2019-20 fiscal year budget.
    State staff will work with selected communities to conduct strategic economic planning and equip them with tools to build a sustainable foundation, thereby strengthening downtown development efforts. Towns also gain access to funding opportunities not available outside of the program.
    “It’s not an organization that tries to change your hometown,” Ramsey said. “It works to promote what you want your hometown to be. If we are successful in this program, within three years we’ll be eligible for the Main Street program, which is the premiere program across the country.”
    Main Street America is a network of more than 1,600 communities across the nation. There are 45 North Carolina towns accredited as “Main Street” communities and another 14 municipalities designated as “Small Town Main Street” communities, including nearby Hayesville.
    Council members Karen Watson and Gail Walker Stansell volunteered to be Murphy’s liaisons throughout the Downtown Associate Community Program. Officials plan to employ another person to assist them as well.
    “The hard work starts now, but it’s going to be well worth it if we do this correctly,” Ramsey said. “There could be some small changes in 2020, but it would be more about developing plans and conducting analysis.”
    Town leaders expect to have their first meeting with state officials regarding this program in the next two months.
    “I see this as a boost to the positive direction in which we’re already heading,” Ramsey said.