The Local Government Issue: Strategic Planning

Our November newsletter is dedicated to local governments and the tireless work they do to help our region thrive. In this Insight, we’re highlighting one of the services we provide to local governments so that they can reach their organizational goals.

From 2020 to 2022, we supported the City of Albemarle in developing a three-year strategic plan. Many local governments have taken the same step as their communities grow and needs change. In addition to Albemarle, Anson County and Gaston County have called on Centralina for assistance in navigating the process.

Strategic planning is necessary for any organization’s success, but going through the process can be daunting and demanding for local government staff. As part of Centralina’s meeting facilitation services, we offer help with strategic planning that will reenergize your staff and encourage productive discussions to ensure your goals are met.

Are You Ready for Retreat Season?

Centralina staff serve our member communities by designing and facilitating effective meetings for a range of group sizes, subject matter and formats. We work closely with clients to define specific meeting objectives, develop a customized, outcome-oriented agenda and design interactive activities to engage participants and meet desired objectives. Whether it’s a one-time event or a series of public engagement activities, we work with you to find the right approach to get results.

Let’s get to work.

Federal funds are commonly passed through state agencies in North Carolina before being awarded to local governments, which can make the original funding source less obvious. Before proceeding with a procurement, local governments should verify whether an award originates from a federal source. This determination affects compliance obligations, including procurement standards, reporting, and audit requirements.

When a construction or repair contract over $300,000 involves a building, the procurement and contract are subject to additional requirements under N.C.G.S. 143-128. Therefore, this question must be answered to determine whether the additional statutory requirements apply to this procurement scenario.

The micro-purchase threshold is a federal procurement threshold under which competitive procurement is not required. The default micro-purchase threshold is $15,000, but local governments may increase the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. An explanation of increasing the micro-purchase threshold and a template for the required annual self-certification is available here.