January 03rd, 2020

​December 31, 2019

The Honorable Rick Ramsey Mayor, Town of Murphy 5 Wofford Street Murphy, NC 28906

Dear Mayor Ramsey:

On behalf of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, I am pleased to announce that Murphy has been selected to participate in the Downtown Associate Community Program, coordinated under the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. As you are aware, this was a competitive application process and your community was selected as one of six communities that will receive services over the next 12 months. The NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center staff believes that your interest in improving the downtown along with the existing business mix and building stock, make Murphy an excellent candidate for this program.

There were many strong applications to consider during this selection process. Due to limited staff and resources, we have determined the most efficient way to move forward is to take communities in on a staggered basis. We will begin work with Murphy and Graham in early 2020.

We look forward to working with you and your community leaders to develop a sustainable downtown organization that will position your downtown for economic growth and development. We believe that your community’s participation in this program will lead to designation as a North Carolina Main Street community in the next three years.

The NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center staff will be in contact with your town staff to set up an initial kickoff visit. We anticipate that visit will take place in late January or early February 2020.

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Downtown Associate Community program and thank you for your ongoing commitment to improve the vitality of your downtown. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Parham, Director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center at 919-814-4658.