2026 Federal Advocacy Update: Advancing Regional Priorities in the Nation’s Capitol

Mar. 5, 2026 — In early February, Executive Director Geraldine Gardner traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the annual National Conference of Regions hosted by the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC). While in DC, she participated in numerous advocacy meetings, with the assistance of Centralina’s federal government relations expert Shirley Speidell from Strategics Consulting, to discuss Centralina’s federal priorities as listed on the approved Federal Action Plan. These discussions provided critical insights into the legislative calendar and the evolving priorities of the administration as we move into a pivotal year for federal policy.

Safety and Families at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)

The meeting with the USDOT included representatives from the Build America Bureau and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs. The department emphasized that safety remains their top priority, specifically focusing on data-driven approaches to reduce fatalities. Officials highlighted a “help families” framework, which prioritizes making travel safer for families and ensuring reliable access to essential services like hospitals. Regional discussions centered on the status of Centralina’s Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Grant application, I-85 reconstruction project, freight mobility, and the expansion of transit in Charlotte.

Workforce and Housing with the Office of Representative Alma Adams (NC-12)

The conversation with Representative Alma Adams’ staff focused on the status of the reauthorization of federal workforce legislation, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Congresswoman serves on the House Education and Workforce Committee which will be taking the lead on drafting new legislation. The office is actively seeking local stories and examples of successful WIOA efforts including apprenticeships to inform the final bill. Additionally, the team discussed the North Mecklenburg Housing Preservation Initiative, which was a project sponsored by the Congresswoman as a FY23 Community Project Funding recipient. 

Transportation Reauthorization with the Office of Representative Addison McDowell (NC-6)

Transportation is a key issue for the Centralina region and Representative Addison McDowell sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which is actively working on the federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization, which expires in September. Discussions with staff provided a strategic look at the reauthorization process and current status of the Committee’s work. While the House is moving quickly to draft legislation, the Senate is reportedly further behind. The next surface transportation act is likely to emphasize project delivery speed, regulatory flexibility, and core infrastructure performance, while scaling back climate‑ and equity‑driven policy requirements from the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law and discretionary grant programs. Centralina is actively monitoring the progress on reauthorization and the impacts of potential policy and funding shifts on our region.

Funding Formulas and the North Carolina Washington Office (NCWO)

Jim McCleskey, the Director of North Carolina’s Washington Office provided a candid assessment of the surface transportation reauthorization process and funding landscape, noting that we may see funding focused more on formula-based grants over discretionary or competitive funding opportunities. This shift could impact rail funding, which currently remains 100% discretionary but may transition partially or even fully to a formula model. NCWO highlighted the possibility of improved allocations for new/future interstate miles. 

Perspectives from the Offices of Senator Tillis and Senator Budd

Centralina and Central Pines Regional Council teamed up for meetings with staff from the offices of Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. Both regions share a similar set of strategic regional priorities: aging, workforce, transportation and grant predictability Senator Tillis’ staff expressed a strong interest in Older Americans Act reauthorization, and restoring the pandemic-era flexibility, and restoring the predictability and reliability of federal funding. 

Senator Budd’s office reported that the Senate timeline for Surface Transportation Reauthorization has not yet fully materialized. Although no major action has been taken yet, the committee is focused on finding efficiencies. 

Housing Reform with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Following the February DC advocacy trip, a meeting with the HUD was held virtually, allowing Centralina Community Economic Development Director Christina Danis to join Executive Director Geraldine Gardner in the discussion. The Centralina team met with a robust HUD cohort, including Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Grant Programs, General Deputy Assistant Secretary of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations to explore collaborative ways to pursue regulatory relief on certain HUD projects. 

Centralina highlighted potential opportunities for improvement, such as the bi-annual DRGR recertification and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance for small public housing improvements. HUD officials expressed an understanding of the barriers and desire to work together on addressing these issues. They also shared that Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for programs like Pathway to Removing Obstacles (PRO) Housing and Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) will be released soon.