Newton, North Carolina is in Western North Carolina with a population of 13,150. The City's tag-line is Brilliant Legacy and Bright Future. The City of Newton continues to invest in Downtown Development by adding 1.6 million in street-scape and 2.4 million in infrastructure improvements. These improvements are spurring private investment locally and attracting new residential ownership in the Downtown district. Newton recently added a local brewery, 2 tap-rooms, wine bar, upper story residential units and several independent businesses, along with the legacy businesses which are the cornerstone of the downtown experience. The legacy and new businesses all come together in creating an authentic slice of small-town life supported by real people supporting their business dream. Cultural Arts continues to be a pillar of the Downtown Newton experience bringing people together providing a sense of belonging. The Cultural Arts committee recently added a new "greetings from Newton" mural, to its already large public art collection. Art in Newton attracts people, and people attract more people who support the health and vitality of downtown's economy. Downtown Newton is the heart and soul of the City and the place where real people can meet, shop, play, live and work sustaining the vibrant energy of the community. Should Newton win the $25,000, funds will be used as "Jump Start" incentives to recruit new independent businesses into Downtown. Recruiting new businesses will build a broader foundation for economic vitality and sustainability in Downtown Newton. This funding will aid in reducing building vacancy, by potentially introducing as many as 5 business types new to the district by seeking additional retail, creative arts or small manufacturing. Adding a broad collection of new independent businesses in and around Downtown will inspire fresh perspectives and encourage leadership, stakeholders, citizenry and visitors to rediscover and reimagine Newtons Bright Future.
