The City of Monroe has reached a major milestone in its economic development strategy with the official certification of the Monroe Smart Site. The designation confirms that one of the City’s key industrial properties is fully prepared for development and ready to support new jobs and investment from advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology driven companies.
The Smart Site certification is awarded through a partnership between the City of Monroe, the North Carolina Department of Commerce Certified Sites Program, and ElectriCities of North Carolina. Properties that receive the designation must meet rigorous standards for infrastructure capacity, transportation access, and development readiness. These requirements ensure that prospective companies can move quickly from site selection to construction.
Located in the Monroe Opportunity Zone and close to US Highway 74 and Interstate 485, the site provides direct access to the Charlotte region, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and regional rail connections. The property is fully served by water, sewer, natural gas, and high capacity electric infrastructure, making it an attractive location for modern industry.
In October, Mayor Robert Burns, Council Member Franco McGee, City Manager Mark Watson, Office of Economic Development Director Teresa Campo, Existing Business and Industry Manager Donna O’Keefe, Assistant City Managers Jeff Wells and Lisa Hollowell, and General Manager of Energy Services Rob Miller met with representatives from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to review the site. The visiting group included Will Best, Director of NC Certified Sites, and Casey Verburg, Senior Economic Developer with ElectriCities. The City provided a guided tour and discussed opportunities to market the property to site selectors and expanding companies.
Mayor Robert Burns said the designation reflects Monroe’s focus on long term planning. “By investing in infrastructure and certification, we are preparing Monroe for the industries of tomorrow. This site strengthens our competitiveness and opens new doors for high quality jobs.”
City Manager Mark Watson said the recognition underscores the City’s strategic priorities. “The Monroe Smart Site demonstrates our readiness for growth. It shows prospective companies that the City is committed to planning ahead and supporting their long term investment.”
Office of Economic Development Director Teresa Campo said the certification expands the City’s ability to recruit industry. “This designation sends a clear message that Monroe is open for business. It is a powerful tool that will help us attract advanced manufacturing and technology driven companies that want to grow in a supportive community.”
Partners who helped guide the process echoed the importance of the designation.
Will Best, Director of the North Carolina Certified Sites Program, said the collaboration strengthens industrial development efforts across the region. “NC Certified Sites is excited to have the opportunity to work with the City of Monroe and organizations like ElectriCities and their Smart Sites program. NC Certified Sites looks forward to continuing the review process for the City of Monroe’s available industrial sites and greatly appreciates their commitment to the program.”
Casey Verburg, Senior Economic Developer with ElectriCities of North Carolina, said the designation positions Monroe for future success. “The Smart Site program was designed to help our public power communities be ready when companies or end users come to them ready to expand their business footprint. These sites have proven to be valuable as companies analyze the existing product that is available and are able to obtain all the due diligence already completed on the site. We are excited to have a site in Monroe and hope this is a bridge to having many other sites as well.”