This is the fourth episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. In the coming months, we’ll be visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the positives going on in their towns, and the challenges they face.

The Beaufort County town of Aurora, population 450, is one of a number of rural communities staking their economic futures on industrial park developments designed to attract employers. Longtime Mayor Clif Williams has been working for years on a 25-acre industrial park that will bring more jobs and a community college campus to the town that's seen a declining population — despite a thriving phosphate mine nearby that employs hundreds of people.

WUNC spoke with Williams about the project, and other initiatives to bring growth to Aurora.

This is the third in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the positives going on in their towns, and the challenges they face.

Historically Black neighborhoods in southeast Raleigh are rapidly changing, as older homes get torn down to make way for pricey new houses -- and many longtime residents are being pushed out by gentrification. WUNC visits southeast Raleigh to look at the shift and the city's efforts to create affordable housing and manage the growth pressures. Colin Campbell visits a barbershop and new restaurant and spoke with community activist Octavia Rainey and City Councilman Corey Branch.

This is the second in a new season of our Main Street NC series. In the coming months, we’ll be visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the positives going on in their towns, and the challenges they face.

Mitchell County, about an hour northeast of Asheville, was hit hard by Helene in September. The storm flooded its downtown business districts, wiped out water and sewer systems and damaged homes and roads. More than two months from the storm, WUNC's Colin Campbell visited the county to find out where the recovery stands and what assistance from state and federal governments is still needed. Small business grants, private bridge replacements and infrastructure funding are among the needs, according to County Manager Allen Cook.