UPDATE: 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The Office of Management and Budget has released a memo rescinding memo M-25-13, which was issued on January 27, 2025. Federal agencies are no longer freezing federal financial assistance payments as previously directed. This action does not rescind Executive Orders issued by President Trump that were referenced in the original memo; therefore, additional action related to review and funding of programs noted in those orders may be forthcoming. We will continue to keep members informed as the situation evolves.

The executive order “Unleashing American Energy” pauses disbursements of certain funds under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Agencies are directed to suspend payments of grants, loans and other financial mechanisms until the new administration completes a 90-day review to ensure alignment with its energy policy.

We’re excited to share Centralina Regional Council’s draft Digital Opportunity Plan and request your valuable feedback. This plan aims to support counties in bridging digital gaps by improving access, affordability and digital skills for all residents.

We are asking for less than 10 minutes of your time to answer 10 questions in our Strategic Priorities Survey. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this survey, whether you’re an elected official, a Board member, a local government staff member, a participant in one of our programs, a leader in a partner organization or a friend of the organization. 

For the first time since 2019, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is hosting an in-person conference for aging service providers and professionals across the region! This year’s conference theme, Tackling Aging, will empower attendees to conquer these obstacles and provide quality service to older adults efficiently and effectively. 

The Town of Norwood has received a CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant was prepared through a partnership with Centralina Economic Development and will be put toward the renovation of 15 homes, predominately owned by low-income older adults.

Cooler air and the region’s first snow fall have officially ushered in the holiday season! After you’ve hung your wreath and written your wish list, get to know the region better by visiting the many sites and events that make this time of year feel extra warm and fuzzy. Centralina staff has a few recommendations to help you get started:

The commission will be charged with identifying duplicative programs, functional inefficiencies and unnecessary regulations. Reported first steps include targeting federal spending not authorized by Congress and trimming the workforce by requiring federal employees to work in the office five days a week and by offering early retirement incentives.

The deadline for local governments to obligate funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA or SLFRF if State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds ) is December 31, 2024. Local governments may not have completely spent their allotment; however, all units of government must obligate their entire allotment by the deadline through their grant project ordinance (GPO).

Like many NCWorks events, Fall Fest showcased a blend of traditional job-hunting activities that appealed to a diverse audience of students. This job fair specifically catered to senior students on the brink of graduation, helping them explore career opportunities and prepare for the transition out of college.