On June 25, nearly 100 local leaders, planners and emergency management professionals gathered in Kannapolis, North Carolina, for Centralina Regional Council’s Built to Last: Moving Hazard Mitigation Initiatives Forward workshop. This dynamic, day-long event convened representatives from all nine Centralina counties, 15 municipalities and 18 state and federal agencies to strengthen regional disaster preparedness and foster vital partnerships.
Morning Training: Blue Sky Preparedness
The day began with a training session sponsored by High Street Consulting, where attendees explored “blue sky preparedness,” the proactive measures communities can take before disasters occur. Presenters Zach Becker and Christian Montz shared actionable strategies and stressed the importance of having shovel-ready projects tied to approved hazard mitigation plans. Interactive PollEV exercises followed, prompting participants to assess their preparedness levels and engage in lively discussions with peers.
State and Federal Updates: Funding and Coordination
In the afternoon, state and federal leaders provided key updates on available support and funding opportunities. Steve McGugan from North Carolina Emergency Management highlighted current Hazard Mitigation Grant Program opportunities and underscored the importance of interagency coordination and strategic planning to protect local infrastructure and enhance grant competitiveness.
Hands-On Workshops: Identifying Opportunities 
Centralina staff then guided participants through an interactive workshop to evaluate project readiness, identify funding needs and explore regional collaboration opportunities. Breakout groups focused on topics such as dam safety, nature-based solutions and engineering strategies, allowing teams to tailor approaches to their specific community needs.
Building Connections: Networking for Resilience
The day concluded with a networking session, giving attendees the chance to connect directly with federal, state and local agency representatives and fellow stakeholders. These new connections will help turn mitigation concepts into funded, actionable projects and strengthen regional collaboration.
Continuing the Work: A Regional Commitment
Funded in part by the Office of State Budget and Management Helene grant and developed through Centralina’s Regional Resilience Collaborative, the event builds on more than four years of work bridging emergency management and local government planning. As Christina Danis, Centralina’s Director of Community Economic Development, noted, “Our emergency management departments are the response team, but it’s local governments that form the backbone of long-term recovery and resilience.”
All workshop materials, including presentations and the attendee list, are available at centralina.org/RRC. Communities interested in joining the Regional Resilience Collaborative Working Group are encouraged to reach out by July 15, 2025. For more information, contact Anna Lu Wilson at alwilson@centralina.org.
