Mecklenburg County is preparing for its fiscal year 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant Program Annual Action Plan and funding allocation. The county anticipates receiving approximately $1,000,000 in funding that will be available for qualifying public service programs and public projects. Learn more and apply.

For the first time since 2019, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is hosting an in-person conference for aging service providers and professionals across the region! This year’s conference theme, Tackling Aging, will empower attendees to conquer these obstacles and provide quality service to older adults efficiently and effectively. 

As the 118th Congress concludes, several reauthorizations important to regional councils and local governments were passed in 2024 while others remain unresolved. Significant programs with lapsed authorizations, such as those under the Older Americans Act and other federal laws, will likely shape priorities in the 119th Congress that started on January 3, 2025. 

The Town of Norwood has received a CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant was prepared through a partnership with Centralina Economic Development and will be put toward the renovation of 15 homes, predominately owned by low-income older adults.

Like countless other communities, the City of Gastonia has noticed excessive litter along its roadways in recent years. The short-term solution was to turn to the Public Works Department’s mowing crew. These crews were being pulled from their daily duties to address litter complaints, so Gastonia made a change.

The City of Albemarle’s strategic plan was developed to make the most of city operations and resources and provide maximum value to Albemarle residents. Within two years, city staff completed or started nearly 150 tactics tied to the plan.  

Cooler air and the region’s first snow fall have officially ushered in the holiday season! After you’ve hung your wreath and written your wish list, get to know the region better by visiting the many sites and events that make this time of year feel extra warm and fuzzy. Centralina staff has a few recommendations to help you get started:

The commission will be charged with identifying duplicative programs, functional inefficiencies and unnecessary regulations. Reported first steps include targeting federal spending not authorized by Congress and trimming the workforce by requiring federal employees to work in the office five days a week and by offering early retirement incentives.

The deadline for local governments to obligate funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA or SLFRF if State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds ) is December 31, 2024. Local governments may not have completely spent their allotment; however, all units of government must obligate their entire allotment by the deadline through their grant project ordinance (GPO).

Like many NCWorks events, Fall Fest showcased a blend of traditional job-hunting activities that appealed to a diverse audience of students. This job fair specifically catered to senior students on the brink of graduation, helping them explore career opportunities and prepare for the transition out of college.