Leverage Regional Assets:
- Affordable Housing Forum Series: Create and host a series in East Wake County to contextualize Zebulon's situation and highlight successful organizations. This forum aims to inform municipal leaders, builders, and investors, with events planned for late April and early May.
- Business Accelerator Programs: Explore programs for start-up companies. One global accelerator has expressed interest in Zebulon as their first NC location, and discussions are underway with a second program.
- Tourism Marketing Reach: Extend marketing efforts to include the Visit Raleigh guide, the Zebulon Chamber’s Welcome Home guide, and digital itineraries focusing on downtown businesses, ready by Summer.
- Inclusive Economy:
- Housing Study: Implement and manage a study to understand Zebulon's housing needs and provide recommendations. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected to be released in April 2025, with the study estimated to span four months.
- Rehabilitation Grant Partnership: Collaborate with Wake County to expand home repair services for qualified residents, with promotions starting in April but applications open now.
- Key Economic Growth Districts:
- Downtown: Establishment of Zebulon Downtown Development Association (ZDDA) with committees for organization, beautification, vitality, and promotions, along with a Downtown Masterplan slated for 2025.
- Five County Stadium Area: Assist in the RFP process for future stadium area use, with public announcements expected in 3-6 months.
- Support for Businesses:
- Entrepreneurial Training: Partner with Zebulon Chamber and Wake Tech for a business training cohort.
- Downtown Business Support: ZDDA visits and supports local businesses weekly.
- Business Retention and Expansion Program: Conduct interviews and surveys to identify business needs, starting this, Summer.
- Economic Readiness:
- Finalize a marketing video; the new business recruitment webpage will debut upon completion.
- Solicit downtown infrastructure assessment proposals to guide future investments.
Primary Contacts