Having just spent a week in Charleston and the recent discussion from Raleigh’s historic neighborhoods, I came across this article about downtown Charleston’s current state which I think presents some hard truths about places that don’t embrace upward growth and rely heavily on an industry like tourism as a major economic driver. It mentions a notable issue many other popular places face - the workforce, particularly in pay, housing, and affordability.
Unlike Charleston, it’s encouraging that many of Raleigh’s restaurants and retail are smaller businesses and continue to be so. Despite rising housing costs, Raleigh’s leadership and residents are indicating a commitment to resilience, sustainable growth, and prosperity.