How to be an active stakeholder
If you run a business or own property in Downtown Salisbury, officially known as the Downtown Municipal Service District (DMSD), you are one of our Stakeholders. If you are not certain that your business or property is located within the geographic area that defines the DMSD, click here to access an interactive map.
First, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! We send downtown business updates to your inbox each month and whenever the Downtown Board of Directors and staff need to inform you of important stakeholder topics. To be added to the stakeholder’s newsletter list, email dsiinfo@salisburync.gov
Second, request access to our private Facebook Group, as a communication tool exclusively for our Downtown Stakeholders, so you can share information and ask questions of your peers in the district. Third, follow Downtown Salisbury, NC on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. We can share your latest news, too, if you tag us by using the following in your social media posts: #downtownsalisburync and @downtownsalisburync
Lastly, network, discuss the hot topics, and give feedback at our quarterly Stakeholders Meetings. These meetings will be located at various places of businesses throughout downtown that can accommodate 25-45 people. Let us know if you are interested in hosting!
Stakeholder meetings are held via Zoom and in-person (hybrid). The registration link is shared through the Stakeholder newsletter.
2025 Stakeholders Meeting Dates: January, April, July, and October (4th Wednesday)
If you are new to Downtown or considering opening a business in the district, please make sure to review the City’s Permitting, Signage & other regulations here, as well as DMSD grants by clicking here for beautification, exterior and interior renovations specifically for downtown tenants and property owners. Please drop us a note so we can welcome you and help you take advantage of all of the benefits of being part of the Downtown community.
If you need to submit an event, request social media coverage, or add or update your business listing, click here.
Many local banks and credit unions offer small business loans and assistance on how to best utilize your personal assets. Many also work directly with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Please contact your local banker for assistance and guidance. DSI works closely with several institutions with business lending capabilities.
Economic Position/Vision:
Downtown Salisbury is the authentic, historic center of arts, culture, and entertainment, the hub of technology, shopping, and business, and the center for urban living in Rowan County.
Mission:
Downtown Salisbury Inc. plans and promotes the enhancement of the central business district to encourage its continued growth as the economic, governmental, social, and cultural center of Rowan County.
Downtown Dollars
Downtown Dollars are a type of currency, offered by Downtown Salisbury, Inc., that is specific to the downtown, matching cash dollar for dollar. Downtown Dollars can be used at any participating Downtown Salisbury restaurant, store, or spa! Downtown Dollars make the perfect gift. Individuals, corporations, civic groups, and anyone wanting to support “buying local” can purchase Downtown Dollars as gifts, rewards, or for any reason. They come in increments of $5.
You can purchase Downtown Dollars from the DSI office at City Hall, 217 S. Main St., Salisbury NC 28144. If you would like to order more than $20, please call 704-637-7814 at least two hours ahead of pickup.
Downtown Dollar vouchers can be used at any participating business in the place of cash and then are turned into DSI for a full cash exchange.
It is a simple process that connects DSI with our town’s merchants in an effort to promote the flow of money through the local economy with something simple and fun for the customer.
Downtown Dollars will have an expiration date depending upon the group or individual receiving this downtown-specific monetary substitute. For example, if a group is visiting for a conference consisting of only a day or two, those dollars may be limited to the dates the attendees are in town. Other expiration dates could be three months or six months, but no longer than 1 year from issuance.
Downtown Dollars are non-refundable, non-transferable, and they cannot be reissued.
Businesses are NOT required to give change for Downtown Dollars. Despite how much is spent by the customer, the rest of the money goes to the merchant to ensure all revenue generated by Downtown Dollars stays local.
Businesses save the Downtown Dollars vouchers and turn them into DSI at 217 S Main Street. DSI will process them and give the business a check. Note: We cut checks on the 15th and the end of the month, so it is possible that it could take two weeks to receive your check.
Downtown Dumpster
As inquiries about the new Downtown Dumpster in the Wallace Parking Lot continue, we have assembled these frequently asked questions. The dumpster will be installed just before or after the new fiscal year on July 1.
A dumpster has been installed as pilot program to centralize trash collection in the 100 Block of E. Fisher Street. The pilot program is expected to reduce the number of roll out trash bins in the downtown area and help property owners by disposing of their waste in a centralized location.
Our goal is to begin the new dumpster and collection process by Monday, July 1. Discussion of a dumpster in the Wallace parking lot along South Lee St. began last year. Public Works crews built the fence structure surrounding the dumpster some months ago.
The current dumpster program is a pilot program that is expected to later include other quadrants in the downtown. The dumpster program will transition from residents and property owners rolling trash bins to the curb to using the centralized dumpster.
The garbage collection charge for a limited number of customers who were not previously charged will begin on Monday, July 1, 2024. Otherwise, there will be no change in billing for solid waste.
We anticipate the dumpster being emptied approximately three times per week. Dumpster usage will be monitored and collection frequency adjusted accordingly.
The City will contract with Waste Management as it does at our other City of Salisbury-owned dumpster locations.
The dumpster will feature a combination code distributed to residents in the pilot area so that others will not dump in this location.