comfortable living spaces.” The comprehensive development plan includes a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes, ensuring a diverse housing market. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Strategic partnerships and initiatives have bolstered New Bern’s economic development.The Craven 100 Alliance (C1A), a regional economic development group, has played an important role in attracting major employers like White River Marine Group and facilitating expansions for companies like Bosch and Moen. Beginning this month, New Bern is working with Retail Strategies to focus on commercial and retail business recruitment. Hughes explains,“They’ll work with local developers and landowners to bring new businesses to the city.” Swiss Bear, New Bern’s main street organization, has been a key partner in downtown development for nearly 40 years.“They focus on our downtown area, driving sizable economic growth and revitalization,” Hughes adds. LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES Education plays a large role in New Bern’s community 53 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 NEW BERN, NC
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