The region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a five-year strategy that guides priorities for economic development and outlines a coordinated growth approach that builds on the regionâs strengths, addresses barriers to future growth, prioritizes key regional industry clusters and emphasizes collaboration.
Centralina acts as an advocate for key issues and opportunities within our region at the state and federal levels. Each year we put together formalized actions plan that address specific needs and desired policy outcomes. Learn more about our advocacy work with policy makers in Raleigh and Washington D.C.
Each year, the National Association of Regional Councils honors organizations and regional leaders for exceptional programs, service delivery and impact on their respective region. We are pleased to announce that Centralina was honored with the 2023 Major Metro Achievement Award for our work on the ARPA Fund Implementation Support Program. This is an outstanding recognition of the collaborative work of staff who offered their technical expertise to support our member governments with the complex ARPA funding requirements. Learn more about the award-winning program.
As our world evolves and innovates, seniors struggle to keep up and effectively utilize the newest tools and gadgets on the market. In addition, older adults are more prone to physical limitations of getting around and staying involved in community activities, as well as an increased likelihood to develop feelings of depression and social isolation. In 2019, entrepreneurs Neil Dsouza and Lawrence Kosick put their heads together to determine how they could elevate these tools to help elevate what older adults have to offer and empower them to keep learning and thriving. Using their backgrounds in ed-tech, software and product development, they banded together to create GetSetUp, an online community that offers live classes, social hours and special events tailored to benefit and entertain older adults.
Though Spencerâs roots are aligned with connectivity, town officials still saw that easy access to recreational amenities was missing and desired by members of the community. Spencer sits right in between the Yadkin River Park and the Grants Creek Greenway, two popular attractions in the area. In response to this unmet need, stakeholders worked together to plan and begin executing a trailhead initiative that would offer seamless connection to surrounding amenities.
Studies have shown that engaging in the arts can positively impact stress levels, enhance self-confidence and even improve academic performance among children and young adults. Communities that incorporate arts in their events, program offerings and gathering spaces provide a competitive economic edge and help to foster neighborhood vitality. The Town of Cornelius was honored this year with one of our two awards in this category for their development of the new Cain Center of the Arts, a community hub for visual arts, performing arts and social experiences.
Studies conducted by the National Association of Manufacturing show that nearly 2.1 million jobs could remain unfilled by 2030 due to the lack of skills within the manufacturing industry. Leaders in Rowan and Cabarrus County took note of these skill gap discrepancies and recognized a need to address recruitment issues head-on in order to keep the industry growing and competitive with the community. In response, both counties banded together to develop The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute, a training program that teaches individuals essential skills to work in a full-time manufacturing industry job.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2023 was signed into law on Saturday, June 3rd. It suspends the debt ceiling allowing the federal government to continue borrowing to fund federal programs through January 1, 2025. The FRA also caps discretionary spending (the money Congress appropriates each year to fund federal agencies and programs, exempting mandatory programs like Medicare and Social Security) for two years. In addition, the FRA rescinds approximately $28 billion in unobligated COVID-19 funding, including funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and other pandemic-related spending bills. However, ARPAâs State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) and Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF), are not affected by this legislation.
Access to transportation options is critical to enhancing the quality of life of residents throughout our region. Without it, individuals may struggle to attain essential goods and services they need to thrive. A group that is particularly affected by the lack of options is workers and job seekers. Learn how Centralina Workforce and some of their partners helped one job seeker find reliable transportation to help them grow and advance their career path.
As our region grows, our population is also aging, which adds increased demands on public, private and volunteer transportation options. In honor of May being National Older Americans Month, National Mobility Month and National Transportation Week, we’re highlighting timely resources that showcase our ongoing commitment to promote transportation considerations affecting older and disabled adults.