Lincolnton, North Carolina

4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 L INCOLNTON, NORTH CAROL INA Mecklenburg County. Our population is now almost 12,000 within our town limits. Lincolnton is very unique in that it is the only incorporated town in Lincoln County, so almost everybody in Lincoln County says that they are from Lincolnton.” One of the main attractions of the town stems from its developed walking trail that runs adjacent to the old railroad. Hatley explains, “We are a typical southern town where the railroad ran right through the middle of the city limits and we converted the old railroad to a trail. We are a walking town. What also attracts most people to Lincolnton is that it is a very good place to raise a family. This is what attracted me to Lincolnton several years ago. We have a small downtown which is about three blocks and we are very fortunate in that we have been able to revitalize downtown and it is now almost 100% occupied.” With very good transportation links that include major highways connecting to nearby Charlotte, a rail network, and boasting access to two airports (Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and Lincoln County Airport), Lincolnton is very well-situated for attracting major retailers and industry players into the region. Beyond the transportation links, Lincolnton is also able to provide an economic-friendly atmosphere for businesses, both large and small, with a low tax rate and affordable utilities. “We have a good distribution of services,” Hatley outlines. “We have everything from boutique shops to antique shops, we have a men’s clothing store, a butcher shop, and around six restaurants that have a uniqueness about them that makes it attractive to people to come and dine.” The city works closely with the Lincolnton Economic Development Association (LEDA) to help recruit, develop and attract new business to the town. “In addition to the traditional industrial recruitment and support side of economic City Council and Mayor, from left to right: Christine Poinsette, Dr. Marty Eaddy, Mayor Pro-Tem, Mayor Ed Hatley, Roby Jetton and Mary Frances White development, we also have professional team members that work with small businesses and entrepreneurs,” Cliff Brumfield, Executive Director with the Lincolnton Economic Development Association (LEDA), states. “People are wanting houses and they are buying them and people are voting with their dollars,” Brumfield adds. “They are pulling the lever on Lincolnton because they want to be here. We have new residential construction for single- family detached and it has been decades since we have seen construction at this level. In addition, we have constructed new townhomes.” Lincoln County has very strong industrial roots and a proud history of manufacturing mostly textiles and furniture. Agricultural roots are also deeply seeded in the area with farms that date back many years, including one of the oldest dairies in the state which is about to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. “This background has helped us to be very attractive to international industry, as well. Most of our