Hurricane Helene barreled through western North Carolina in September 2024, proving that unprecedented disasters can destroy communities, take lives and wipe out vital lifelines in a matter of hours while leaving long lasting impacts. Preparing for disasters like Hurricane Helene on “blue-sky” days, or days where no disaster is imminent or on the horizon, plays a critical role in disaster recovery and enhances resiliency in our region.

Centralina Regional Council has received grant funding through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be put toward brownfield revitalization projects throughout our region’s communities. Special guests from EPA’s Region 4 office visited Centralina on October 15, 2024 to recognize the work of local municipalities in turning former development sites into local resources.

The next election is a General Election which will be held on November 5th, 2024. You can find information about early voting, precinct locations and candidates by visiting your county board of elections website.

Residents’ Rights Month is an annual celebration of residents living in long-term care facilities. This opportunity focuses on enhancing awareness around the dignity and rights of individuals receiving long-term services and support. 

Centralina Regional Council is pleased to highlight the Regional Planning Department’s leadership duo of Jason Wager and Lynne Hair. Jason and Lynne bring over 45 years of combined expertise in urban and regional planning to Centralina.  In their roles, Jason and Lynne focus on advancing Centralina’s strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration among local governments and promoting growth principles that support and augment the quality of life available in our diverse region.   

Each year, the CLT Aviation Academy gives participants a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the inner workings of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Through a series of weekly interactive sessions, the Academy takes participants on a behind-the-scenes journey of various aspects of CLT’s operations and planning efforts. The CLT Aviation Academy is open to leaders in the public and private sectors, as well as community members from across the Centralina region. Apply today!

Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) on Wednesday, September 25, extending funding of the federal government for an additional 12 weeks through December 20. When Congress returns for the lame duck session on November 12, 2024, the top priority will be to address funding for the federal government for the next fiscal year.

In early 2024, the Centralina regional AI working group pooled together expertise and research to craft the “Generative AI Policy Guidance Document for Local Governments.” This detailed guide provides a structured framework, practical insights and policy template language to help municipalities effectively manage and implement generative AI technologies.

Did you know that every second of every day, an older adult age 65 and older falls? In recognition of Falls Awareness Month, held each September, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is highlighting the work it does to support older adults so they can remain living in their homes and communities.

Federal lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on September 9 for a three-week session before breaking again on September 27, 2024, until after Election Day. In those three weeks, the House and Senate are expected to draft and vote on a stopgap spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, to avoid a full or partial government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins October 1, 2024.