Albemarle, North Carolina

Textiles to Tech

A hub of innovation steeped in tradition

Once a bustling textile town, Albemarle, North Carolina has evolved into a hub of education, healthcare, and diversified industry. Under the guidance of Mayor Ronnie Michael and Lindsey Almond, the Director of Economic Development, the city embraces this transition, fostering a dynamic community that values its rich history and promising future.

Textile roots to educational hub

“Our city is in a transition from what used to be a textile town to now we think we’re becoming a little bit of a university town.” says Mayor Michael. With Pfeiffer University and Stanly Community College, Albemarle is positioning itself as an educational center. “Pfeiffer University’s Health Sciences building, with programs in Physician’s Assistance and Occupational Therapy, is just one example of the investments we’re seeing,” Mayor Michael notes.

Almond adds, “The $18 million investment in the Center for Health Sciences is helping diversify our local economy and demographics. We see young people walking downtown, contributing to a vibrant community.”

The Health Sciences Center is a significant asset, fostering a university-town atmosphere that attracts students, educators, and healthcare professionals.  Additionally, Stanly Community College constantly ranks as one of the nation’s best, further solidifying Albemarle’s reputation as a center for higher learning.

Economic diversification and growth

Albemarle’s economic landscape continues to diversify. Quality Enclosures is bringing 36 new jobs with a $1.5 million investment. Albemarle Paper is also expanding, doubling its warehouse footprint.

Almond emphasizes the importance of controlled growth: “We are growing steadily, not at an uncontrollable rate, which is great for our local infrastructure and schools. Following COVID-19 and the shift to remote work, we attracted individuals seeking more affordable living outside Charlotte.”

The careful management of growth ensures that infrastructure, schools, and community services can keep pace with development, maintaining a high quality of life for residents. Albemarle has also seen interest from various sectors such as technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Infrastructure and workforce development

One of Albemarle’s key advantages is its municipal-owned business park, the Albemarle Business Center. “We own the business park, providing us with site control over the companies we recruit,” says Almond. “Our infrastructure is robust, with 10 megawatts of available power and over a million gallons of excess water capacity.”

Mayor Michael elaborates on infrastructure projects: “We’ve received a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation, making our site pad-ready for new businesses. Additionally, we’re upgrading our wastewater plant and expanding our water plant with support from the state.”

The city’s consistency in upgrading and maintaining roads, bridges, and public transportation systems ensures that Albemarle remains competitive and appealing to potential investors.

Supporting local businesses

Local businesses are the backbone of Albemarle’s economy. Almond describes the Downtown Catalyst Grant, which provides $90,000 annually to support local downtown businesses. “This grant helps speed up projects by providing upfront funds rather than reimbursements, enabling businesses to start working immediately,” she explains. “Developers appreciate working with our city. We’re small, nimble, and responsive, able to turn projects around quickly without many middlemen.”

Lifelong resident, local developer and entrepreneur, Dusty Mason has been doing business in Albemarle for 20 years, bringing a Gold’s Gym to the community in 2004.  “The support staff is probably the best of anywhere that we do business. As a developer and a business owner, when I feel like I have the support of Lindsey and her team, and the planning department, and it’s backed up by the city council, it makes me just want to do more business here.” says Mason.

Supporting local businesses is a top priority for Albemarle. The Downtown Catalyst Grant is a prime example of the city’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth, removing financial barriers and providing upfront funding.

Revitalizing downtown

The historical downtown of Albemarle is undergoing significant revitalization. “We’ve seen investments in residential-commercial mixed-use projects, such as the $10 million renovation of the Lowder Hardware building into apartments over commercial space,” says Almond. “Our alleyway project, funded by ARPA, enhances walkability and activates spaces.”

“We’re investing in our downtown, converting old buildings like the former bank into a police department. We’re also transforming the old police department into commercial space,” Mayor Michael underlines.

Revitalizing downtown Albemarle is a multifaceted effort that combines preservation with modernization. Transforming historical buildings into mixed-use developments breathes new life into the area, attracting residents, businesses, and visitors. These projects enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown and promote economic activity and community engagement.

Residential development and managed growth

“In the last three years, we’ve approved over 4,000 housing units,” says Mayor Michael. “One development is selling homes as fast as they can build them. Others are waiting to break ground, but we anticipate significant growth as the economy stabilizes.”

“We’re entertaining a large condo developer looking to do 300-400 units in Albemarle, and as him and I have been negotiating on how this is going to go, one of the biggest things that drew them wanting to pursue Albemarle is the planning department and Lindsey” says Mason.

Albemarle’s residential development strategy focuses on meeting the growing demand for housing while maintaining the city’s character and quality of life. The approval of thousands of new housing units emphasizes Albemarle’s commitment to providing market attainability for residents.

As these developments progress, Albemarle is poised for substantial population growth, further stimulating the local economy. The city is also exploring innovative housing solutions, and mixed-use developments, to ensure all residents can access quality housing options.

Enhancing parks and recreation

Investment in parks and recreation is a priority for Albemarle. “We’re updating our master plan and replacing lighting on two of our ball fields,” says Mayor Michael. “Our parks are fantastic, with City Lake Park being a major attraction, hosting food trucks and bands on the first Friday of every month.”

Tourism and recreation are also key focuses. “We have many walking trails and marked routes throughout downtown,” Mayor Michael explains. “We hope to develop more greenways to support tourism and encourage walking and running.”

Albemarle continues to invest in sports facilities, playgrounds, community centers, and the development of walking trails and greenways to provide diverse recreational opportunities for all ages.

Embracing innovation and technology

The city is making significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support businesses and residents, particularly in response to the rise of remote work. “We have two internet providers ready to expand services as soon as businesses need them,” says Mayor Michael. This digital infrastructure is key to attracting tech companies and empowering local entrepreneurs.

Albemarle is also delving into smart city initiatives to enhance public services, investing in traffic management systems, energy-efficient street lighting, and digital public service platforms. By embracing cutting-edge technology and innovation, Albemarle aims to elevate the quality of life for its residents and create a more sustainable, interconnected community.

Community engagement and inclusivity

Albemarle places a strong emphasis on community engagement and inclusivity. The city actively seeks input from residents through public forums, surveys, and community meetings. The collaborative approach ensures that development projects and policies align with the community’s needs and desires. “Our local community survey ranked economic development as very important, focusing on well-paying jobs and advanced manufacturing,” says Almond.

Ensuring equal opportunities for all residents, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, is a top priority. This commitment includes initiatives to support minority-owned businesses, affordable housing projects, and programs that promote workplace diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Priorities and vision

As Albemarle looks to the future, Mayor Michael outlines the city’s top priorities: “We’re developing a new land development plan and focusing on the Albemarle Business Center as a major draw for economic development. We expect several businesses in the park over the next few years.”

“It’s just as much about the development side as it is about bringing in viable business.  We may be in a smaller market, but it doesn’t mean we can’t do certain things, there are enough people here, and its growing” says Mason.

Almond concludes, “With over $28 million in commercial investment in recent years and ongoing tourism and hospitality projects, we’re positioned for regional growth. Our managed growth reflects the community’s historical fabric, balancing development with maintaining our unique identity.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Ronnie Michael, City of Albemarle Mayor, Lindsey Almond, the Director of Economic Development, and Dusty Mason, Local Business Owner and Developer

What: Albemarle offers opportunity, affordability, and space to grow, making it an ideal place to find a forever home, or start a business, while surrounded by natural beauty and endless outdoor recreational opportunities.

Where: A small city in the central part of North Carolina, known for its proximity to outdoor recreational areas such as the Uwharrie National Forest, Badin Lake, and Lake Tillery.

Website: https://www.albemarlenc.gov/