Downtown Murphy Director Laura Lachance Retires After Transformational Tenure

Photo from the Downtown Murphy NC Facebook page.

The Town of Murphy has announced the retirement of Downtown Director Laura Lachance, crediting her with accelerating economic development efforts and elevating the town’s profile across the state.

During her tenure, Lachance guided Downtown Murphy to designation in the North Carolina Main Street Program in just two years—surpassing the typical three-year timeline and positioning the town for long-term growth and recognition.

Mayor Tim Radford praised Lachance’s leadership and impact on the community.

“Laura has poured her heart into Downtown Murphy,” Radford said. “Her vision, creativity, and determination helped bring people together, strengthen our community, and move Murphy forward in ways that will benefit us for many years to come.”

Lachance’s work spanned infrastructure, economic development, and community engagement. She helped transform Fain Alleyway off Valley River Avenue into a public gathering space and played a pivotal role in the “Murphy in Motion” comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plan, which will help guide future infrastructure investments and potential funding through the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

She was also instrumental in the Town Square renovation, including the addition of the Center Stage of Murphy, and helped secure grants to bring projects to completion. Among those efforts was a $500,000 grant supporting the Primitive Loop boardwalk on the Murphy River Walk.

Beyond infrastructure, Lachance focused on building organizational capacity. She established the nonprofit Friends of Murphy to support the Main Street program and expand fundraising and partnership opportunities. Under her leadership, Downtown Murphy’s social media presence grew to more than 12,000 followers.

Lachance also developed a full calendar of events aimed at boosting tourism and community engagement, including recurring programs like Tasty Tuesdays, Third Thursdays, and the Fain Alley Music Series, along with seasonal events such as Paint the Town Fall and Restaurant Week. She coordinated large-scale events including the Capitol Christmas Tree celebration and maintained longstanding traditions like the Murphy Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.

In 2024, she partnered with the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association to bring the Cycle NC Mountain Ride to downtown Murphy, drawing approximately 350 cyclists for a weekend event that highlighted the town’s hospitality and outdoor assets.

Her work also emphasized cultural and environmental preservation. Lachance managed the Murphy River Walk, organizing volunteer workdays and advocating for continued improvements. She also introduced a Downtown Murphy QR History Tour, providing residents and visitors with an interactive way to explore the town’s heritage.

Reflecting on her time in the role, Lachance said it was an honor to serve the community and collaborate with local leaders, businesses, and volunteers.

Town Manager Chad Simons said Lachance’s contributions will have a lasting impact.

“Most of us in public service want to leave our respective communities better off than when we started, and Laura has done that,” Simons said. “Her work on the Main Street program, the bike and pedestrian plan, the comprehensive plan, and the Murphy River Walk will pay dividends for years to come.”

Before stepping down, Lachance spent two months helping transition the role to her successor, Sara Posey Davis, ensuring continuity for the Main Street Murphy program.

Town officials expressed gratitude for Lachance’s years of service, calling her leadership instrumental in shaping a more vibrant and connected downtown.