SCRC’s Commitment to Regional Economic Growth and Sustainability 

Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) is an economic development partnership agency whose mission is “to build sustainable communities and strengthen economic growth across the Southeast Region.” It was established as a partnership between the federal government and seven state governments through the 2008 Farm Bill, which promotes the continuation of prosperous agriculture subsidies focused on energy, conservation, nutrition and rural development. In December of 2021, the U.S. Senate officially activated the commission with the confirmation of Federal Co-Chair Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed, thus priming the Southeast for greater investment in economic opportunities and cooperation towards regional vitality. Member governments across the Centralina region are some of the hundreds of counties and municipalities who can benefit from grant opportunities offered through the commission.  

SCRC actively works toward implementation of its six primary goals, which include:

• Investing in critical infrastructure 
• Improving health and support services access and outcomes 
• Strengthening the workforce capacity  
• Fostering entrepreneurial and business development activities objectives 
• Expanding affordable housing stock and access 
• Promoting environmental conservation, preservation and access

The commission is currently focused on launching the Local Development District (LDD) Capacity Building Program for FY24, which is set to invest $2 million into grant programs that help regional organizations like Centralina Regional Council better serve their communities. SCRC has also recently created the State Economic and Infrastructure Development (SEID) grant program to help boost less-advantaged municipalities through $4.4 million in grant awards. This program is specifically designed to help economically distressed or transitioning municipalities in improving telecommunications systems, building transportation networks and projects related to SCRC’s defined primary goals. Anson County, Cabarrus County, Gaston County, Rowan County, Stanly County and “Isolated Areas of Distress” in Iredell and Mecklenburg Counties have been identified as applicable areas who may greatly benefit from federal assistance.   

Interested parties can click here to learn more about the SCRC’s full plan for North Carolina Economic and Infrastructure Development. Applications for grants for your community can be completed through the SCRC online portal.