Wilson investments continue tech business momentum

The City of Wilson is proud of its continued growth and innovative progress for residents and businesses. With funds received from the American Rescue Plan, the City of Wilson continues to make impactful choices which improve quality of life and economic stability.

Posted 9:00 a.m. Apr 24, 2023 — Updated 1:07 p.m. Mar 26

This article was written by our sponsor, NCLM

Wilson is experienced in pursuing new ideas to serve the community. That mission has been on clear display over the past decades, seen through both their thoughtful investments and innovative offerings of public amenities. By way of a public park, they sparked a downtown renaissance; by leveraging investments and partnerships, they developed a burgeoning innovation economy. It’s not by accident, but rather through the work of local leaders that some have called Wilson "the next innovation hub in North Carolina."

With that foundation firmly established, the American Rescue Plan’s influx of support offers an unprecedented opportunity to Wilson. They’re taking full advantage.

"This accelerates our ability to meet the demand and requests of both the people living here and the people coming here," said Wilson’s Communications and Marketing Director Rebecca Agner. "I see it really helping us focus and make sure that we are on track to have the quality-of-life amenities, and stay ahead of the demands that we’re seeing here."

Wilson’s investments touch every corner of town, and they begin with the focus intended by the American Rescue Plan (ARP): to support the economic recovery of communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With $2 million, a housing redevelopment program will address substandard structures in many low-income neighborhoods. Another $2 million will go toward a commercial redevelopment project at the former Wilson Mall. An investment of $2.75 million in water, sewer and storm drain improvements will address some long-standing infrastructure needs in critical areas. Also, $2 million put into the RIDE transit system aims to reduce transportation barriers for the city’s residents.

This forward-thinking city will also put more investment into its Gig-East programs which support tech -and other- entrepreneurs as Wilson continues to expand its economic footprint in this area.

Keeping in mind the need to continue momentum in making Wilson an attractive community for residents across the region, $3.75 million is earmarked for lifestyle amenities, including renovations at Wiggins Mill Reservoir Park.

These investments came with both previous and ongoing citizen input, including surveys about transit needs.

"People have choices where to live, with remote working, cost of housing, and so on," said Assistant City Manager Rodger Lentz. "Can Wilson be a community of choice? That’s something we’ve talked about for years here. We’re accomplishing that through amenities and quality of life."

This article was written by our sponsor, NCLM

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