For communities across our region, finding innovative ways to manage growth and revitalize underused properties is essential to creating vibrant, functional spaces. Brownfield redevelopment offers a powerful solution by transforming abandoned or underutilized sites into valuable community assets. 

On June 17, Centralina Regional Council hosted the From Dirt to Dollars…

Event participants left with practical next steps for evaluating solar energy for their homes and businesses, a clearer understanding of how solar power works and information on financial incentives available through energy providers like Duke Energy. Most importantly, they learned that the more people who join, the lower the cost of installing solar panels, making it a true community effort.

Funded in part by the Office of State Budget and Management, the event built on more than four years of work bridging emergency management and local government planning. As Christina Danis, Centralina’s Director of Community Economic Development, noted, “Our emergency management departments are the response team, but it’s local governments that form the backbone of long-term recovery and resilience.”

Centralina is funding four pilot projects to kickstart mobility hubs in the region. Communities within Centralina’s nine counties are being asked to submit potential mobility hub locations in their community to be considered for this effort. If selected, Centralina’s consultant will work with the community to develop a plan to advance the mobility hub.

Across the country, local government officials and staff are increasingly facing a concerning trend: citizen incivility. Like many others, local governments in our region have to find ways to navigate this challenging issue. In Centralina’s recent membership survey, citizen incivility emerged as a topic our members expressed interest in discussing.

Centralina’s annual Region of Excellence Awards are back, and this year, we’re raising the bar to celebrate the incredible strides made across our communities. These awards recognize local governments, nonprofits, individuals and regional stakeholders who have gone above and beyond in expanding opportunities…

Iredell County is setting a statewide example for workforce innovation through its Iredell Ready initiative, a collaborative effort to connect residents of all ages to meaningful career pathways. Spearheaded by the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation and supported by the Centralina Workforce Development Board, Iredell Ready is building a more skilled, equitable and resilient workforce for the future…

The Ombudsman Program operates under federal mandate to investigate complaints, support residents’ autonomy and improve care standards in long-term care settings. In 2023 alone, the statewide program in North Carolina investigated 2,860 complaints, made over 4,300 resident visits, and delivered more than 6,100 consultations…

In a partnership with local govenments and Solar Crowdsource, Centralina Regional Planning is excited to announce the launch of Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg, a community-driven solar group-purchase program aimed at making solar energy more affordable and accessible for local homeowners and businesses…

Caregiving can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with challenges that can take a toll on emotional and physical health. To support the well-being of informal caregivers and their loved ones, Centralina’s Family Caregiver Support Program continues to offer innovative tools and resources, including the recent introduction…