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When Julie Metz joined the City of Goldsboro staff in 1999, the downtown vacancy rate was 80%. She completed a Comprehensive Master Plan and assembled a team to support a vision to restore Downtown Goldsboro.
Julie led a tireless campaign resulting in $22 million in grants and $19 million in private investment, supporting major infrastructure and redevelopment. An expansive streetscape project literally transformed Goldsboro’s entire downtown, setting the stage for a rebirth of private investment and community pride. Since 2013, under Julie’s positive leadership, downtown Goldsboro has had 70 new businesses open, 313 new jobs created, and 51 properties acquired.
Julie embodies what it means to be a North Carolina Main Street Champion – leading and affecting change, one project at a time.