The Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition (CCFC) is the designated Clean Cities Coalition for the greater Charlotte region through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This year saw CCFC redouble our efforts through a variety of innovative, collaborative projects. As 2022 draws to a close, let’s look back at the top five successes for clean, equitable transportation across the region over the last year.

Linda Miller is the Director of Centralina Area Agency on Aging. She has more than 30 years of experience in the aging field and has been a part of the Centralina team for 25 years. Linda was instrumental in developing Centralina’s evidence-based health program that has been delivering wellness programs in the community since 2007. We sat down with her to learn more about her on a professional and personal level, along with her tips and resources for others working in the aging field.

Transportation choice – the ability to select from a variety of transportation modes to meet one’s daily needs – is critical to ensuring a high quality of life, access to opportunities, and economic vitality. How can our region enhance connectivity and accessibility through expanded transportation choices without breaking the bank on infrastructure investments? Transportation Demand Management is one proven strategy.

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 nation’s 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.