CONTACT US
CAREERS
MEMBER PORTAL

Type To Search

Type To Search

Insights

Our Insights page offers original content developed by Centralina's experts, including commentary and analysis, reports and our Capitol Corner, which highlights the latest news from Washington D.C. and Raleigh. You'll also find links to resources and meeting materials.

Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA Skyline Aerial
Federal Government SupportThe Latest

Census Bureau Proposed Criteria for Urban Areas

Since the 1950’s, many federal and state agencies have relied on the Census Bureau’s determination of urban areas to deliver funds, set standards and accomplish goals and objectives. The Census Bureau re-evaluates urban determination criteria with each Census year to ensure fair standards. On February 19, 2021, the Census Bureau published a notice in the Federal Register of newly proposed criteria for determining urban areas under the 2020 Decennial Census.

Read More
April 7, 2021
Audits & Annual ReportsCommunity Economic Development

Annual Action Plan for Mecklenburg County’s Community Development Block Grant

Beginning Thursday April 1, 2021, Mecklenburg County residents will be able to review the 2021 Annual Action Plan (2021AAP) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

Read More
April 6, 2021
Capitol CornerThe Latest

Capitol Corner April 2021

President Biden released his American Jobs Plan on Wednesday, March 31.
The package includes transportation, water, housing, broadband, public schools, community colleges, climate action and more. At more than $2 trillion, it is also only the first part of the President’s plan. The President is planning another press conference in the next few weeks on a second large package that includes more people-focused spending priorities favored by Progressives, such as expanded childcare, free community college, universal prekindergarten and more.

Read More
April 6, 2021
Job Opportunities

Centralina is Hiring: Assistant Director of Community Economic Development

Centralina Regional Council seeks an experienced economic development practitioner to serve as the Assistant Director of Community Economic Development. The successful candidate will bring expertise in regional economic development planning, experience federal grant administration and a track record of successfully partnering with public and private sector stakeholders.

Read More
April 2, 2021
Electric car charging
The LatestTransportation & Mobility

City of Charlotte Sustainable Vehicle Policies

As Earth Day approaches, Centralina is thinking about how we can help promote sustainability in our region. We sat down with Sarah Hazel, City of Charlotte’s Chief Sustainability and Resiliency Officer, to discuss the benefits of setting and accomplishing sustainability goals.

Read More
April 1, 2021
Job Opportunities

Centralina is Hiring: Regional Planner

Centralina Regional Council seeks an energetic, self-directed individual for the position of REGIONAL PLANNER to assist in the coordination of land use, transportation, healthy community and public engagement projects related to outcomes from the CONNECT Our Future Regional Growth Framework.

Read More
March 25, 2021
Planning & PlacemakingThe Latest

Did We CONNECT Our Future? A Look Back at Land Use

CONNECT Our Future was an initiative that united residents, businesses, educators, elected officials, non-profit organizations and other interest groups around a common desire for more cooperation in the region and the need to work together to fulfill shared goals.

Read More
March 9, 2021
New house concept, happy senior couple holding small home model
Aging & HealthPlanning & PlacemakingThe Latest

Older Adult Housing: Helping Communities Avoid a Crisis

Older adults often express a desire to remain living independently in their homes as long as possible. In order to meet this collective preference, especially in the coming decades, communities will not only need to offer more senior housing, but also housing that is more accessible and affordable. Continue reading to learn about 1) older adult housing trends 2) ways communities can help 3) housing grants / programs and 4) community planning policies.

Read More
March 5, 2021
Capitol CornerThe Latest

Capitol Corner March 2021: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

On Wednesday, March 10, Congress completed passage of the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The President is expected to sign it into law on Friday, March 12. The 620-page bill includes $350 billion in emergency relief for states, local governments, tribes and territories and other funding for housing, education, food and nutrition, unemployment assistance, vaccines, testing and FEMA assistance. The legislation was considered under the budget reconciliation process that allowed passage in the Senate with a simple majority, so the legislation was approved by House and Senate with no Republican votes supporting it.

Continue reading to see what recovery funds will be available in your area.

Read More
March 4, 2021
Three businessman working and discussing business together in a meeting
Local Government SupportThe Latest

Building Budget Champions: Budgeting Tips for Good and Tough Times

As part of the Centralina Learns local government training series, Centralina Regional Council partnered with the UNC Charlotte MPA Public Management Academy to give a sample of what they have to offer participants. The webinar, Building Budget Champions, pulled information from the Academy’s The Power of Data for Managers session, which features budget and resource strategies.

Professor Jim Douglas provided best practices on how to advocate for and secure resources in a competitive environment.

Read More
March 4, 2021