Rural Building Reuse Program

The Rural Building Reuse Program, administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Economic Development Division, is a grant initiative aimed at promoting economic development in rural areas of the state. Specifically, the program supports building improvements that lead directly to the creation of new, full-time, private sector jobs. Funding is allocated to units of local government in qualifying geographic areas, with the intention of incentivizing renovations and upfits that drive business growth and healthcare access in underdeveloped or underserved regions. The program is structured around three main funding categories: Vacant Building, Existing Business Building, and Rural Health Care. For the Vacant Building category, eligible projects involve buildings that have been unoccupied for at least three months prior to application, and allowable expenses include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, carpentry, drywall, paint, and other interior improvements. The Existing Business Building category supports renovations or expansions of facilities occupied by a business for at least 12 months, provided the business meets the county's wage standards and offers a minimum of 50% employer-paid health benefits. The Rural Health Care category encompasses renovation, expansion, or construction of licensed healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, urgent care, hospice, elder care, or mental health offices. Grants are awarded only to units of local government located in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or within a rural census tract of a Tier 3 county. A rural census tract is defined by North Carolina statute as having a population density below 500 persons per square mile, based on the most recent federal census. The funding amount for each project is assessed based on location, job creation, and economic impact. However, awards cannot exceed 50% of total project renovation or construction costs, and a dollar-for-dollar cash match is required from the applicant. Projects must also adhere to claw-back provisions, meaning if committed jobs are not created or maintained for six continuous months within the two-year grant period, repayment may be enforced. The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) oversees the review and awarding of grants. This body convenes six times per year, and application cycles correspond to these meetings. For 2025 and early 2026, there are clearly defined submission and award dates occurring bimonthly. For example, applications submitted by January 9, 2025 will be reviewed with awards announced by February 20, 2025. This predictable cycle allows for strategic planning and reapplication, and reflects the program's recurring nature. Applications must be submitted by local government entities and should include detailed project plans that align with the job creation and infrastructure improvement goals of the program. Contact for further information is Hazel Edmond, Director of Rural Engagement & Investment, reachable via mobile at 984-297-5082 or email at hazel.edmond@commerce.nc.gov. Additional materials, including application instructions and eligibility details, are available through the North Carolina Department of Commerce website. Given its focus on public-private collaboration, economic revitalization, and rural health and employment outcomes, the Building Reuse Program is a critical tool for fostering sustainable development across North Carolina’s rural communities.

Engage early through the required pre-application call; ensure job creation documentation matches state wage standards and insurance criteria.