Local elections were held November 8, 2022, and the results are in with a couple of changes in our region. In the nine-county Centralina region, 68 total member seats were on the ballot in the 2022 local government general election. Out of these positions, 43 were contested.
Transportation choice â the ability to select from a variety of transportation modes to meet oneâs daily needs â is critical to ensuring a high quality of life, access to opportunities, and economic vitality. How can our region enhance connectivity and accessibility through expanded transportation choices without breaking the bank on infrastructure investments? Transportation Demand Management is one proven strategy.
New district maps played a significant role in North Carolinaâs 2022 state legislative elections. With the redrawn district lines, the Centralina region saw a net gain of two districts in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, a few districts in both the Senate and the House experienced a reshaping that changed their coverage areas.
In March 2022, Centralina awarded the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Electric Vehicle (EV) Bus Fleet the Clean Cities Award. The CLT EV Bus Fleet provides sustainable solutions to employees, tenants, passengers, the local community and region.
In March 2022, Centralina Regional Council awarded Gaston County Tourism Development the Local Government Innovation Award at our annual Region of Excellence Awards. Gaston County Tourism Development is the official tourism department for Gaston County. They have been leaders in local government innovation with an emphasis on partnerships and developing innovative solutions to community development issues.
Tuesdayâs elections resulted in four new members for North Carolinaâs congressional delegation and one new Senator. Representative Ted Budd (R) won the Senate race and will succeed the retiring Senator Richard Burr (R). Having gained a new seat in the House of Representatives from the 2020 Census, the North Carolina House delegation in the next Congress will consist of 14 members. The new NC delegation will be evenly split with seven Republicans and seven Democrats. Of the four newly elected members, there are three Democrats and one Republican. All four have served in the state senate.
The greater Charlotte region is nearing three million residents and is expected to add over one million more by 2045. To meet growing transportation challenges, Centralina adopted CONNECT Beyondâs regional mobility plan in October 2021. We want to acknowledge the one-year milestone and recognize all the work being done in the region to implement and move forward the planâs recommendations.Â
The Centralina Economic Development District’s 2023 -2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is now available for review.
Centralina Regional Council received three 2022 Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), a membership association of regional development organizations. The NADO Impact Awards recognize organizations for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nationâs regions and local communities.
Did you know that one in five older adults may experience depression? Studies show that the burden of depression tends to be higher among those who are isolated, live alone, live in poverty, speak a different language and have complex health issues in addition to people of color. Depression can impact the quality of life, function, health and risk of death among older adults. Centralina Area Agency on Aging is responding to this need by partnering with UNC-Asheville on a pilot initiative called PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives).