DSDC reports downtown gains, asks council to prioritize volunteer recruitment and targeted investments

Statesville — The Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) reported modest downtown growth and asked the City Council for direction on priorities for the last year of its five‑year plan.

Matthew Pierce, the DSDC executive director, told the council the downtown business district recorded a net gain of nine businesses, 39 new jobs and roughly $1.4 million in private investment as of June 30. Pierce summarized the five‑year strategic plan framework used by Main Street communities — economic vitality, design, promotions and organization — and said the current plan lists about 30 major projects.

Pierce said the DSDC board proposed two low‑cost, volunteer‑driven emphases for the next 18 months: (1) develop a robust volunteer recruitment and retention program to support events and ongoing work, and (2) make targeted downtown investments that enhance historic preservation, facades, public art and welcoming public spaces. He noted infrastructure work coming to downtown — including a public power project to underground utilities by mid‑2028 — as an opportunity to improve alleys, streetscapes and other public spaces.

Councilmembers asked questions and suggested ideas: one asked that DSDC do more with landscaping and vegetation downtown; another recommended outreach to younger volunteers and local schools for service hours. Pierce said staff and the board are preparing volunteer recruitment efforts and that the nonprofit is shifting its fundraising model to direct certain donations to preservation and facade work. He also described internal administrative improvements — record keeping, money‑handling practices and a sanitation study — and said the nonprofit and city staff would continue to coordinate on upcoming priorities.

Pierce asked the council for feedback on the proposed emphases and said the DSDC will return with an updated plan of work ahead of the full plan rewrite in 2026.