Insights

Centralina Regional Council seeks an experienced and dynamic local government leader for the position of Director of Government Affairs & Engagement.  The Director will provide leadership of the department and direct its core functions: local government services, inter-governmental relations, communications and board administration. The candidate must understand the importance of building positive relationships within the region and exhibit strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

In 2021, the Town of Indian Trail received $12.7 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to offset negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, $10 million was used to support non-profits and service organizations throughout the community. Since 2022, the Town has assisted numerous non-profits, service organizations, schools and first responders in providing additional resources to residents in Indian Trail and Union County, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, including children, senior citizens and those experiencing food and shelter needs. 

In May of 2023, the Town of Davidson Police Department announced the implementation of a new Co-Responder Program. The Co-Responder program is housed within the Davidson Police Department (DPD) and utilizes a unique relationship between law enforcement officers and a trained clinician who provides a mobile, community-based service focused on mental health, substance use and situational crisis intervention services.

From historic neighborhoods and civil rights landmarks to museums and dedicated institutions, our region is rich with Black history. Between Centralina’s nine counties, there are countless sites that serve as essential touchpoints for education and reflection. This Black History Month, we invite you to learn about, honor and celebrate the stories that have shaped our communities. Here are three to get you started:

COORDINATE Our Future is a collaborative, regional effort to develop land use, population and employment inputs for the Metrolina Regional Travel Demand Model. Outputs from the model provide the basis for decision-making around transportation planning and investments for the transportation planning organizations across the greater Charlotte region.

One in three older adults are economically insecure and have incomes 200% below the federal poverty level. In addition, older adults are often the target of financial fraud. Understanding the importance of economic security begins with avoiding scams, utilizing basic money management and finding planning tools that work for individual needs. Centralina AAA has partnered with NCOA and Bank of America to pilot the Savvy Saving Seniors program, helping seniors develop smart financial management skills.

Access to high-quality, affordable child care is a growing challenge for working families across North Carolina. In response, Centralina Economic Development District hosted an in-person Child Care Forum on February 15, 2024, bringing together economic developers, child care providers, and local government leaders to develop actionable solutions.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) expects to release Request for Proposals (RFP) on or about Monday February 10, 2025 soliciting offers to utilize federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to provide services to Adults, Dislocated Workers, Youth and Young Adults-NextGen, Employer/Business Services, and for One-Stop Center Operation & Management through an Integrated One-Stop Delivery System.   

Recognizing that human resources professionals could benefit from additional support as they navigate recruitment, retention and other personnel-related issues, Centralina sought to create a peer networking opportunity for these staff. Our objectives for this effort were to gain a better understanding of the issues affecting human resources professionals, share insights to help address common challenges, identify additional resources to support their work and build peer connections.