About the Tarboro Development Corporation
The Tarboro Development Corporation exists to support, strengthen, and celebrate the heart of our community—downtown Tarboro.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalization through thoughtful planning, strategic partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. Our work focuses on creating a downtown that is vibrant, welcoming, and positioned for long-term success.
We are an Accredited Main Street America Community
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Tarboro is a recognized leading program among the national network of neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
We are also NC Main Street Designated Community
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Tarboro is a recognized leading program among the national network of neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
North Carolina Main Street Rural Planning Center
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program. Main Street America™ is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As one of the first Main Street America™ Coordinating Programs designated in 1980, NC Main Street inspires placemaking through building asset-based economic development strategies. The NC Main Street staff is charged by the NC Department of Commerce to facilitate downtown economic development using the Main Street America Four-Point Approach. The Main Street Approach™ focuses on economic development strategies to transform downtown. These strategies articulate a focused path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown economy. Designated NC Main Street community’s work is organized around the Four-Point Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
Learn more about the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
The National Main Street Program | Main Street America™
Main Street America™ has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts since 1980. Today it is a network of neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, that share both commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Main Street America™ is a movement. It is the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization across the country. Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, Main Street America represents the broad diversity that makes this country so unique. Working together, the programs that make up the Main Street America network help to breathe new life into the places people call home.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the economic vitality, visual appeal, and overall experience of downtown Tarboro by fostering collaboration, encouraging investment, and creating opportunities for community engagement.
What We Do
We take a hands-on approach to building a stronger downtown. From hosting events that bring people together to supporting beautification efforts and local businesses, our work is rooted in creating a place people are proud of.
Our efforts include:
- Community events and activations
- Downtown beautification and improvement projects
- Business support and economic development initiatives
- Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
Every project we take on is designed to contribute to a more connected, thriving Tarboro.
Why It Matters
Downtown is more than just a location—it’s the foundation of Tarboro’s identity.
A strong downtown drives economic growth, supports small businesses, and creates a space where residents and visitors can gather, celebrate, and connect. By investing in downtown, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.
Powered by Community
Everything we accomplish is made possible by the people who show up—our volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters.
Their time, resources, and passion allow us to turn ideas into action and vision into reality. The Tarboro Development Corporation is truly a community effort, and we’re proud to work alongside those who care deeply about where we live.
