Today, Governor Josh Stein visited Bethel to discuss a $950,000 grant awarded to the town for sustainable housing reconstruction. Bethel is among four towns—alongside Elm City, La Grange, and Nashville—to receive these Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) aimed at improving housing and public spaces. The initiative seeks to help families build stability and promote long-term economic growth.
“Updating old housing and public infrastructure is vital to ensuring neighborhoods remain safe and prosperous,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Unfortunately, many of these upgrades are unaffordable for North Carolina families. The Neighborhood Revitalization program will help provide folks with safer homes, updated infrastructure, and lower electricity bills.”
“These investments are about strengthening Bethel’s neighborhoods and supporting the families who call this town home,” stated Bethel Mayor Carl Wilson. “This funding will help repair aging homes, improve safety, and ensure our residents can continue to build their lives right here in Bethel.”
Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of the Rural Economic Development Division at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, added: “Safe, stable housing is the foundation of strong rural communities. Through the CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization program, we’re helping towns like Bethel address critical housing needs while supporting long-term economic growth.”
Earlier in January 2026, the North Carolina Department of Commerce distributed over $12 million in CDBG funds across eight local governments to support improvements for low- and moderate-income residents. The federally funded CDBG-NR program allows municipalities and counties to tailor projects to meet their most urgent community development needs.
Communities receiving awards include Avery County ($5 million), Town of Bethel ($950,000), Town of Elm City ($950,000), Jackson County ($2.53 million), Town of La Grange ($950,000), Town of Nashville ($950,000), Town of Sandyfield ($143,412), and Town of Wallace ($556,400).
During his visit today, Governor Stein toured several houses in Bethel that will benefit from the grants and met with one homeowner who will receive assistance.
The CDBG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division. Since 2017, more than $355 million in CDBG grants has been awarded statewide to support adequate housing, improved living environments, infrastructure development, and expanded economic opportunities.
