The N.C. Downtown Development Association (NCDDA) recognized Christina Haley, president and CEO of Wilmington Downtown Inc., as an emerging leader.
The honor came as part of the inaugural Downtown Excellence Awards, "recognizing outstanding leadership, innovation and impact in downtowns across North Carolina," according to a news release. "The awards program honors projects, programs, and individuals advancing the vitality of downtown districts through economic development, placemaking, organizational leadership, clean and safe initiatives, strategic planning, and community-building efforts."
The awards recognized one Downtown Leader of the Year, two Emerging Leaders and 12 outstanding Downtown Impact Award-winning projects and programs. Award recipients represent communities and organizations of varying sizes from across the state, reflecting the diversity and strength of North Carolina’s downtowns.
Shakira Hodges of University City Partners received the other emerging leader award.
The other NCDDA award winners were as follows:
Downtown Leader of the Year
- Hayden Plemmons — Asheville Downtown Association
Downtown Impact Awards
- Brand Camp SouthPark — SouthPark Community Partners
- Downtown Dickinson Giveaway — Downtown Greenville Partnership
- Downtown Holiday Lights Program — Wilmington Downtown, Inc.
- Gem Theatre Renovation — City of Kannapolis
- Hillsborough Street Trick or Treat — Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation
- Small Business Initiative — University City Partners
- SouthPark Skipper — SouthPark Community Partners
- SouthPark Window Walk — SouthPark Community Partners
- The Bull Ride — Downtown Durham, Inc.
- The Lofts at Osage Mill — City of Bessemer City
- Two-Hour Free Parking Program — Downtown Raleigh Alliance
- Wilson Visitor Center — Wilson Downtown Development Corporation
“The breadth and quality of submissions reflects just how much outstanding work is happening in downtowns across the state,” said Jeff Murison, president of NCDDA, in the release. “These recipients represent some of the most impactful and forwardthinking work in North Carolina, and their leadership and creativity help strengthen local economies, improve quality of place and advance vibrant community centers throughout the state.”
Award recipients were selected by a jury of experienced downtown professionals and industry leaders based on criteria including community impact, innovation, measurable results and applicability as a best practice for other downtowns and districts, according to the release.
The awards were announced as downtown leaders from across North Carolina gathered in Wilmington for NCDDA’s 2026 Large Cities Conference, hosted by Wilmington Downtown Inc. July 8-10.
NCDDA is a statewide organization "supporting professionals and organizations working to strengthen downtown districts and Main Streets across North Carolina," according to the release. "Through networking, professional development, advocacy and peer learning, NCDDA advances best practices in downtown revitalization, place management and community development."
The NCDDA's board also elected Haley as its secretary.
