retail occupying ground floors and apartments rising above. The growth hasn’t come without resistance. “Some folks are resistant to change and sometimes resistant to growth, which I understand,” Mayor Hayes acknowledges. “However, if you look at where our community has come from with a loss of textile and furniture opportunities and jobs, we had a void that really needed to be filled.” The diversification now taking shape addresses that void while creating opportunities across skill levels. Advanced manufacturing jobs today differ markedly from decades past, offering pathways through credentialing and certifications available at Davidson-Davie Community College, which graduated 1,120 students this past May. A greenway plan currently in development will connect the city’s 25 parks, supporting the walkability focus central to uptown and Depot District planning. The average commute time of 22 minutes sits well below the national average of 26.6 minutes, with proximity remaining a defining characteristic as new developments take shape. STRATEGIC APPROACH TO ATTRACTING THE RIGHT MIX Lexington’s approach to economic development balances aggressive recruitment with careful consideration of industry mix and workforce sustainability. Mayor Hayes, who serves as vice chair of the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, notes that companies considering investments above $50 million typically expect local incentives.The city and county have responded by offering half of tax obligations for three to Nucor’s new reinforcing bar (rebar) micro mill in Davidson County, Nucor Steel Lexington, produces clean, sustainable steel for our modern U.S. economy. With 200 teammates in the county – and over 900 teammates across the state, Nucor is proud to be a part of the Davidson, North Carolina community. Locally made steel, locally made impact – Davidson County’s future is built here. Learn more at www.nucor.com BUILT HERE. STRONG EVERYWHERE. 34 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
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