Have you ever stopped to consider where you’ll be at age 85? Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff often ask this question in aging and disability sensitivity training to encourage participants to think about the aging experience. The aging population is growing in the U.S. and by 2040, about one in five Americans will be age 65. Centralina Area Agency on Aging, in an effort to help increase awareness of the challenges this demographic will face, began offering aging and disability sensitivity training.

The Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) launched the 2023-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Action Plan which serves as the region’s roadmap for supporting a diverse economy that ensures coordinated growth via the prosperity for all regional lenses. The CEDS Action Plan includes 26 urgent recommendations implemented during the next 24 months being led by the 28 regional subject matter experts across the region.

Senior Community Connections SCC is a nonprofit organization that helps older adults remain independent in their homes and actively engaged in the community. This Davidson-based organization was recognized in 2022 for its work in the aging field, receiving the 2021 Centralina Region of Excellence ‘Aging in Action’ Award.

Lake Norman Economic Development is a nonprofit focused on increasing economic outcomes in the community by addressing workforce gaps. In 2022, it received the 2021 Cross Community Collaboration Award (small community) for its Journey 360 program and virtual speed networking events that were developed to address workforce trends and provide high school students with educational opportunities.

The global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the landscape of daily life, including how we choose to travel. Since early 2020, public behaviors and mindsets around transportation have drastically transformed. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of a reliable and resilient transportation network, and we have also seen the crucial role transportation plays in the supply chain and the distribution of essential goods and services.

Stay up to date on CONNECT Beyond Advancing the Plan Committee meetings.

Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) recently held its annual holiday event at the Speedway Club to celebrate the work of service providers, volunteers and those serving on advisory councils in 2022. The theme “Innovations in Aging” highlighted best practices across the region and featured successes that often stemmed from challenging situations.

As the COVID virus continues to impact our region, Centralina is proud to release the impressive results of our older and disabled adult outreach campaign. The one-year public health initiative was designed to increase Covid-19 vaccination rates among at-risk populations and expand vaccine access and awareness for older adults and people with disabilities.

Stormwater management has been identified as a critical component of hazard mitigation plans across the Centralina region and beyond. Natural and manmade disruptions will continue to emerge, threatening the health, safety, and economic vitality of our communities.