COORDINATE Our Future is a collaborative, regional effort to develop land use, population and employment inputs for the Metrolina Regional Travel Demand Model. Outputs from the model provide the basis for decision-making around transportation planning and investments for the transportation planning organizations across the greater Charlotte region.

One in three older adults are economically insecure and have incomes 200% below the federal poverty level. In addition, older adults are often the target of financial fraud. Understanding the importance of economic security begins with avoiding scams, utilizing basic money management and finding planning tools that work for individual needs. Centralina AAA has partnered with NCOA and Bank of America to pilot the Savvy Saving Seniors program, helping seniors develop smart financial management skills.

Access to high-quality, affordable child care is a growing challenge for working families across North Carolina. In response, Centralina Economic Development District hosted an in-person Child Care Forum on February 15, 2024, bringing together economic developers, child care providers, and local government leaders to develop actionable solutions.

Recognizing that human resources professionals could benefit from additional support as they navigate recruitment, retention and other personnel-related issues, Centralina sought to create a peer networking opportunity for these staff. Our objectives for this effort were to gain a better understanding of the issues affecting human resources professionals, share insights to help address common challenges, identify additional resources to support their work and build peer connections.

Shirley and Melvin Springs reside in Charlotte where they were referred by their insurance company to Centralina AAA for support services. Melvin was diagnosed five years ago with dementia. Melvin, due to his diagnosis, needs 24-hour supervision and hands-on assistance with activities related to daily living. Centralina AAA provided Shirley with opportunities to take time back for herself while knowing Melvin was in good hands. Read on to learn how.

Transportation choice is critical to ensuring a high quality of life, access to opportunities and economic vitality. Building new roads or lanes is expensive, long-term and creates more demand for driving in a single-occupancy vehicle. By changing preferences and travel behaviors, TDM programs increase the efficiency of existing infrastructure and allow travelers to better understand and increase their use available options. 

Finding a new Town Manager is a major decision for any community as the Town Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of their municipality, helping bridge the expertise and experience of staff with the desires and will of the public. This requires a unique skillset that is not easily acquired. Centralina can help.

Hurricane Helene barreled through western North Carolina in September 2024, proving that unprecedented disasters can destroy communities, take lives and wipe out vital lifelines in a matter of hours while leaving long lasting impacts. Preparing for disasters like Hurricane Helene on “blue-sky” days, or days where no disaster is imminent or on the horizon, plays a critical role in disaster recovery and enhances resiliency in our region.

Accommodating growth, growing economic competitiveness and achieving goals of sustainability and equity are reliant upon our ability to create livable communities that support a variety of mobility options. Mobility-friendly land use and development patterns need clear intent through land use plans and development codes, both of which occur at the local level. Read on to see our mobility-friendly communities playbook.

In NC, individuals who are “Hispanic or of Latino Origin” comprise roughly 3% of the state’s 65+ age group and are the third-largest ethnic population. In order to meet the needs of this often underserved group, Centralina Area Agency on Aging spearheaded a variety of new collaborations to reach out to the region’s Hispanic older adult population. This included hiring consultant Myra Green, a community health worker who is not only bi-lingual but is also an expert in services for older adults.