In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response are partnering to provide at-home COVID-19 tests at no charge to aging and disability networks. Through this partnership, Centralina Area Agency on Aging can order test kits at no charge directly from the Strategic National Stockpile to help distribute to older adults and people with disabilities within the region.  

Access to affordable housing is essential to cultivating healthy, equitable and prosperous communities. The lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the national economy, population growth and other factors have increased housing prices and rental rates and decreased the supply of housing units that are affordable for low- and middle-income households. A recent Centralina Learns session’s panel shared insights and identified opportunities for addressing the affordable housing crisis and the missing middle.

Upon identifying a significant gap in disaster recovery processes, the Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) embarked in a collaborative process that connects the region in developing long-term disaster recovery plans. In April 2021, the EDD partnered with Centralina Regional Council and the nine-county emergency management (EM) directors to launch the Regional Resilience Collaborative (RCC) program.

While transportation choices benefit the entire community, gendered differences emerge when considering issues such as poverty and earnings, how women are employed and caretaker roles for children and aging parents. This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting why transportation is important to women and how planners can make it more effective and successful by featuring women in the process.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on and honor the contributions of women in American history. In celebration of the work and accomplishments of women who have paved the way for progress and equality, we’re highlighting Centralina’s first female Executive Director*, Geraldine Gardner.  

2021 James D. Prosser Award Winner Mike Legg has worked for the City of Kannapolis for more than two decades. We sat down with him to discuss his successes in his role as City Manager and advice he’d give to people interested in pursuing a career in local government.

Mike Down’s long-serving career and commitment to the success of Cabarrus County were honored through the 2022 James D. Prosser Award for a large community. We sat down with Mike to more about his time working on the County level and what he’s looking forward to in the future.

We sat down with Jonathan Blanton, Ranlo’s first Town Manager and small community winner of the 2022 James D. Prosser Award, to discuss how, in just three years on the job, his hard work and passion for local government have had a tremendous impact on the community.