Strategic Planning Workgroup for the Town of Wallace

2025-2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan

Matthew Walker was part of the Strategic Planning Workgroup for the town of Wallace. In recent months, he collaborated with the team to create a strategic plan for the town. On May 22, 2025, the workgroup unveiled the 2025-2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan to the Wallace Mayor and Town Council. This plan detailed primary goals for the upcoming five years, concentrating on revitalizing the town, boosting community engagement, and establishing a strong network of local businesses while maintaining Wallace's charm.

North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center

Nine months earlier, the town council sought help from the North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center to develop this plan, with community economic development planner Samantha Darlington at the helm. Matthew Walker's presentation highlighted three specific projects designed to enhance the downtown area's sense of place and culture through public space enhancements by 2030. The team proposed turning downtown Wallace into a lively, culturally rich destination with three main initiatives: installing new public art, burying overhead power lines, and rerouting large trucks. These initiatives aim to boost the town's identity, walkability, and attractiveness, ultimately promoting community pride and stimulating economic growth.

New Public Art Installation

There is a plan to commission a significant art piece to define the downtown area, working alongside local artists. Stakeholders will collaborate to choose a highly visible location, and a call for artists with community ties will be announced. The design, anticipated to reflect the area's heritage, will be chosen based on public feedback. The aim is to have the art piece installed and unveiled by 2030. Funding will come from a mix of grants, business sponsorships, and crowdfunding, aiming to enhance tourism and foster local pride.

Burying Power Lines

Burying overhead power lines is recognized as a way to create a cleaner and more welcoming streetscape. In places like Elizabethtown, NC, removing overhead lines and installing attractive street lamp lighting has been shown to enhance both aesthetic appeal and safety. This change is expected to improve pedestrian visibility and accessibility for fire trucks and emergency responders. At present, overhead power lines can impede ladder truck responses to fires in downtown Wallace and present risks for first responders..

Rerouting Trucks with the DOT

A proposal has been put forward to divert trucks away from the downtown area to improve safety and walkability. This adjustment could enable the creation of outdoor dining spaces, which may boost economic activity in the region. The current scenario, where dining takes place on the sidewalk amid passing large trucks, is considered suboptimal. Moreover, redirecting trucks is anticipated to enhance both pedestrian and vehicle safety, potentially decreasing accidents throughout the town. Data will be gathered on the impacts of truck traffic, including noise levels, safety issues, and effects on the downtown shopping district and pedestrian activity. The plan involves working with the Department of Transportation to suggest bypass routes and infrastructure improvements, such as crosswalks and street signage.