ALBEMARLE — Now a few weeks into her full-time position after a previous interim role, Albemarle’s Main Street Manager Katie Lynn addressed the Albemarle City Council during the council’s March 17 meeting.
Economic Development Director Lindsay Almond spoke to councilmembers as a prelude to Lynn’s introductory presentation.
“After a highly competitive selection process, Katie emerged as a top candidate and for good reason,” Almond said. “She’s been serving as our interim Main Street manager since December, and she has led with a calm confidence, exceptional organization, and professionalism. She’s a self-starter and immediately began overseeing key projects and engaging with downtown businesses.”
Holding prior experience as Albemarle’s administrative and events coordinator for its downtown development office, Lynn will now lead efforts to advocate for the city’s historic downtown district as the newest director of the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC).
She will also be responsible for organizing events and bringing in economic development efforts to Albemarle.
“With a strong background in nonprofit management, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and event planning, she brings the skills and vision needed to drive downtown revitalization forward,” Almond said of Lynn. “I have no doubt under Katie’s leadership that our downtown development efforts will continue to gain momentum.”
In her address to the council, Lynn stated that she had recently attended the North Carolina Main Street Conference in Mooresville, where she took part in educational sessions that she now plans on implementing on a local level.
She referenced the importance of the Outdoorsman’s Bonanza at the Farm Bureau Livestock Arena, and also revealed that the city was making a modification on another event based on community feedback.
The Stanly County Winter Wine Fest will now be rebranded as the Summertime Sit Festival and will debut in its new form at Albemarle’s Courthouse Plaza on May 31.
“Beyond events, I’m focused on downtown revitalization through economic development, beautification projects, and engaging with existing businesses in our downtown. We’re exploring new ways to attract businesses, activate underutilized spaces, and enhance the downtown experience,” Lynn said.
“Another thing I’m committed to is developing the Board of Albemarle Downtown and recruiting volunteers to help us accomplish our mission. Thank you so much for the opportunity, and I’m excited to continue serving the city.”
Lynn is Albemarle’s first full-time Main Street manager since former manager Joy Almond finished up her role with the city in December; Almond stepped down from her job with the ADDC after nearly a decade to accept a position as a Main Street program specialist for the NC Main Street program.
“Katie, we welcome you to our home here and we look forward to what you’re going to bring to our downtown,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said.
Albemarle is a NC Main Street community designated by the NC Department of Commerce Main Street and Rural Planning Center, while the ADDC is a nonprofit focused on carrying out the Main Street program at the local level by seeking measurable outcomes of investment, business growth, and job creation.
The Albemarle City Council is set to meet again on April 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.