Leverage Regional Assets:
- Business Accelerator Programs: Explore programs for start-up companies. One global accelerator has expressed interest in Zebulon as their first NC location, and discussions are underway with a second program.
- Tourism Marketing Reach: Zebulon joins Wake County as a participant in the Wander app to encourage tourism. (release scheduled for late August)
- Uplift Tourism: The Zebulon Downtown Development Association engaged with Uplift Tourism to host several community-driven workshops to create day trip itineraries to encourage visitors. Future workshops will refine those itineraries and potentially lead to the development of a signature event for Downtown Zebulon.
- Inclusive Economy:
- Housing Study: Implement and manage a study to understand Zebulon's housing needs and provide recommendations. TPMA is performing the housing study and will present a summary of findings in January of 2026.
- Rehabilitation Grant Partnership: Collaborate with Wake County to expand home repair services for qualified residents. The advertising for the program will kick off in early 2026 to coincide with their open application season.
- Key Economic Growth Districts:
- Downtown: Establishment of Zebulon Downtown Development Association (ZDDA) with committees for organization, beautification, vitality, and promotions, along with a Downtown Masterplan process to begin in late 2025.
- Five County Stadium Area: A new tenant will provide sports entertainment at the stadium in 2026. Details will be released in the fall of 20205.
- Support for Businesses:
- Entrepreneurial Training: The Launch program will host the 2nd cohort in partnership with the Zebulon Chamber and Wake Tech.
- Downtown Business Support: ZDDA visits and supports local businesses weekly.
- Business Retention and Expansion Program: Conduct interviews and surveys to identify business needs. The program begins in August of 2025.
- Economic Readiness:
- Finalize a marketing video; the new business recruitment webpage will debut upon completion. (Fall 2025)
- Solicit downtown infrastructure assessment proposals to guide future investments. (Fall/Winter 2025)
Primary Contacts