As communities across the nation wrap up observations of Public Service Week, we take time to recognize the essential contributions of local government employees: the planners, public works staff, emergency responders and administrators who keep our communities functioning. Yet behind the scenes of public service, many of these professionals face an increasingly common and troubling challenge: citizen incivility.
Centralina’s Integrated Mobility Center is taking a major step forward in transforming how residents move through our region with the upcoming launch of Mobility Hubs. Even more exciting, Centralina is funding four pilot projects to kickstart the effort. Selected communities will receive support for site selection, conceptual design and the development of an implementation roadmap.
It’s important for local governments to use their money wisely and plan for the future. But as communities grow and change, it can be hard to meet all their needs with limited resources. That’s where Centralina Regional Council comes in. Our facilitation services, like helping with strategic planning and budget retreats, support local governments in making smart decisions and staying focused on their goals…
Centralina is revising the City of Locust’s land use plan to provide a roadmap that will serve the city and its residents for the next 20 years. On April 12, 2025, our staff attended an event hosted by the City of Locust to form a connection with community stakeholders and develop an understanding of the community’s needs. By taking advantage of an existing community event, we were able to meet more residents and have a casual conversation about their priorities…
Our FY26-28 Strategic Plan update was informed by robust internal and external engagement. This engagement yielded several key themes, like expanding local support and capacity building for implementing regional plans, enhancing programs that connect leaders from across the region and prioritizing relationship building.
ARPA reporting season is upon us and as a reminder, all local governments that received State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) must submit reports to the US Treasury by April 30, 2025. For many local governments, this ARPA reporting period will cover activity from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Here are a few tips and reminders to consider as you prepare to submit this report…
Transportation remains one of the most pressing unmet needs among older adults and individuals with disabilities. Access to transportation is more than just a convenience, it’s a vital link to healthcare, food, employment and social engagement, all of which are essential components of community well-being. Recognizing this, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has released an updated version of its Transportation Guide, offering local governments a powerful tool to support residents, improve planning and advance health.
Christen Robinson, recently hired as Assistant Director at the Centralina Workforce Development Board, is a dynamic professional whose career and personal passions blend creativity, community engagement and a commitment to empowering others. Since beginning her career in 2009 during the economic recession, Christen has amassed extensive experience in workforce development and grant management…
The demand for college degrees in the workforce is starting to decline, particularly in counties that blend urban and suburban communities. At the same time, new job opportunities are growing in skilled trades, logistics and manufacturing. These shifts suggest that traditional four-year degrees may no longer be the only path to a successful career…
This annual joint MPO roundtable has been a long-running tradition that celebrates collaboration between the organizations as they look to better connect our roads, communities, and most importantly, our people. The event included contributions from City of Gastonia, CRTPO, NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and business representatives from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Gaston Business Association…