Centralina Regional Council received three 2022 Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), a membership association of regional development organizations. The NADO Impact Awards recognize organizations for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nationâs regions and local communities.
Did you know that one in five older adults may experience depression? Studies show that the burden of depression tends to be higher among those who are isolated, live alone, live in poverty, speak a different language and have complex health issues in addition to people of color. Depression can impact the quality of life, function, health and risk of death among older adults. Centralina Area Agency on Aging is responding to this need by partnering with UNC-Asheville on a pilot initiative called PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives).
Michelle was recently promoted to Senior Director, a new position at Centralina. In this role she manages regional planning and community economic development services in the nine-county greater Charlotte region. To celebrate her successes, we sat down with her to learn more about Michelle, and her goals as Senior Director and her “secret sauce” that drives her in her personal and professional life.
October is Community Economic Development month! The Centralina Community Economic Development department is celebrating this month by reflecting upon the ongoing economic development projects. This year Centralina supported Mecklenburg and Union County with their Community Development Block Grant Entitlement programs.
Fall risks impact everyone from infancy into older age. From the moment babies take their first steps to running errands as an older adult, fall risks exist. However, older and disabled adults are affected more by the potential effects of falls. A fall can be a gateway to other problems, leading to a decline in health. BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) recognized this risk and is piloting a program that focuses on fall prevention education and home modifications.
Centralina Regional Council held a Centralina Learns session on Wednesday, August 17 about American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending for allocations under $10 million. We had a great turnout and participation as our session provided an overview of the updated guidance the U.S. Treasury released on July 27 as well as considerations for spending approaches and following good governance. If you missed the session, here are six points that you need to know.
Christina was promoted to Director of Community Economic Development at the start of the fiscal year. To celebrate her successes with Centralina, we sat down with her to pick her brain and learn more about Christina and her goals as Director of Centralina CED.
AICP has announced new mandatory educational requirements for the Certification Maintenance (CM) program. The update aims to ensure AICPâs certification remains relevant to the dynamic and ever-changing needs of todayâs planners and communities. Under the previous iteration of the CM program, planners were required to obtain 32 CM credits during each two-year reporting period, with at least one and a half credits each in the areas of Law and Ethics. While the 32-credit requirement remains in place, the CM program update will require credits in two new topics, Equity and Sustainability and Resilience, which were identified by the AICP Commission as essential knowledge areas for planners.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and other federal and state funding programs are bringing unprecedented transportation and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure funding to North Carolina. As a result, EV infrastructure planning is top of mind for many Centralina communities. To assist our member communities in tracking the variety of funding programs available and capitalizing on these historic opportunities, the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition has developed resources that support these planning and funding activities on a regional level.
On March 31, 2022, NCWorks Career Center-Cabarrus and partners held a reentry event designed to simulate one month in the life of someone who has just been released from prison, navigating their way through the system while trying to comply with all the requirements of supervised release. This event provided an opportunity for over 70 individuals associated with our service providers, non-profits, government, health and human services and workforce partners to experience the barriers one faces when getting reestablished after returning from incarceration, treatment and/or homelessness.