About Wilmington Downtown, Inc.

The Organization

Recent years have brought increased focus on the downtown area, as we have faced the consequences of our successes, and the demands for the future.  Wilmington Downtown was organized over 20 years ago with the express purpose of coordinating the revitalization of the downtown business district.  This Public-Private partnership, involving local government (City & County), private business interest, property owners, and residents (of not only downtown, but throughout New Hanover County), has been a vital force in the development of the area.

The organization is well positioned to continue the process of coordinating and facilitating revitalization activities through a permanent staff and working board comprised of representatives from throughout New Hanover County.

The Vision

The vision of the organization is for Wilmington's Historic River Area to be the business, cultural, professional, and governmental headquarters of Southeastern North Carolina and recognized nationally for its outstanding quality of life for those working, residing, visiting, and shopping here.

Wilmington Downtown's directive is to facilitate and coordinate activities which will enhance the economic opportunity of life for people who live, work, play, and visit in Wilmington's Historic River Area.

The Mission

The implementation of Wilmington Downtown's mission is accomplished by managing and directing its resources toward providing services in specific areas.  These include planning, economic development and finance, and constituent services.  All Wilmington Downtown activities are designed to facilitate organization of the diverse elements of Wilmington's Historic River Area in a unified approach toward achieving its potential as a place to work, shop, live, and play.  Wilmington Downtown, Inc.'s Standing Committees are established to address these areas through their statements of purpose.

Wilmington Downtown's thirty-seven member Board of Directors and four Standing Committees reflect a community-wide approach to revitalization; and represent a wealth of volunteer resources in the form of time and talent that leverages the public commitment many-fold.  The combined expertise of Board Members could not be assembled at any price, and is possible only because of contributions to the economic security and quality of life in Southeastern North Carolina.