Across the country, the regulatory environment for medical and recreational marijuana is changing rapidly. Based on the history of legalization nationwide, once a state legalizes cannabis for medical purposes, the legalization of recreational usage often follows within several years. Both medical and recreational legalization, especially recreational, have implications on land use regulation, permitting processes, law enforcement operations, administrative procedures at the local and state levels, equity considerations and more. The North Carolina General Assembly is currently considering the Compassionate Care Act, which would establish the statutory and organizational framework for legally using cannabis products to treat debilitating medical conditions. What would these new laws mean for NC local governments, and how can communities best prepare for the future of medical and recreational cannabis?

Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) pursues volunteerism all year round through their annual “Centralina Year of Giving” initiative. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we’re highlighting several of the volunteer efforts WDB provided throughout the region this past year.

In addition to the “on the ground” work they do in the region, the Centralina Area Agency on Aging team utilizes volunteers to help support individuals and their families and champion important aging issues. In honor of National Volunteer Month, we want to inform members of the community how they can get involved in bolstering and advocating for the rights of those we serve every day.  

When municipalities and counties join Centralina as a member, they are given a variety of opportunities to shape regional and local action, which in turn helps to shape and support our organization’s work. We are proud to work alongside more than 60+ member governments and value the unique perspectives they provide. This month, we’re highlighting the Town of Norwood, one of our newest member governments.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response are partnering to provide at-home COVID-19 tests at no charge to aging and disability networks. Through this partnership, Centralina Area Agency on Aging can order test kits at no charge directly from the Strategic National Stockpile to help distribute to older adults and people with disabilities within the region.  

Access to affordable housing is essential to cultivating healthy, equitable and prosperous communities. The lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the national economy, population growth and other factors have increased housing prices and rental rates and decreased the supply of housing units that are affordable for low- and middle-income households. A recent Centralina Learns session’s panel shared insights and identified opportunities for addressing the affordable housing crisis and the missing middle.

Upon identifying a significant gap in disaster recovery processes, the Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) embarked in a collaborative process that connects the region in developing long-term disaster recovery plans. In April 2021, the EDD partnered with Centralina Regional Council and the nine-county emergency management (EM) directors to launch the Regional Resilience Collaborative (RCC) program.

While transportation choices benefit the entire community, gendered differences emerge when considering issues such as poverty and earnings, how women are employed and caretaker roles for children and aging parents. This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting why transportation is important to women and how planners can make it more effective and successful by featuring women in the process.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on and honor the contributions of women in American history. In celebration of the work and accomplishments of women who have paved the way for progress and equality, we’re highlighting Centralina’s first female Executive Director*, Geraldine Gardner.