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.
This August, residents across the greater Charlotte region are invited to breathe easier by participating in Fresh Air Rides: a month-long challenge that promotes clean air and healthy transportation habits. Participants can earn entries for prizes simply by taking smarter trips, like packing lunch instead of driving out, using transit or coordinating a…
Backed by a BAND-NC grant from the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University, Centralina launched a regional initiative in 2023 to address the critical need for digital access, affordability and skills. While Mecklenburg and Stanly counties had already made strides independently, Centralina’s efforts built on that momentum to…
Every five to six years, Congress passes a bill that authorizes federal surface transportation programs and sets national priorities for highways, transit, rail, bike and pedestrian infrastructure. The current authorization was included in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which provided historic funding levels to…
We are proud to announce that three Centralina-led initiatives have received 2025 NADO Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations. These prestigious awards celebrate innovative projects that enhance regional resilience and improve quality of life across the country.
In addition to project accolades, Centralina’s leadership has also received national recognition. Executive Director…
Centralina Regional Council is proud to share that our City of Albemarle Staffing Study has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 NADO Impact Award in the Local Government category.
Completed between September 2024 and March 2025, the staffing study was…
We are proud to announce that Centralina Area Agency on Aging’s Home Safety and Repair Program has been honored with a 2025 National Association of Development Organizations Impact Award in the category of Aging, Health and Human Services.
This national recognition celebrates innovative and impactful projects that promote…
Centralina Regional Council has been honored with the prestigious Aliceann Wohlbruck NADO Impact Award for its CONNECT Centralina Regional Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan: a groundbreaking initiative that reshapes how residents across the region move through their communities.
As the first regional TDM program in the area…
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Across the greater Charlotte region, local governments are collaborating with their communities to drive meaningful progress. The people of our region experience these efforts through well-planned communities, economic opportunities, improved systems and targeted service delivery that reaches those who need them most, to name a few.
On July 3, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 218 to 214 to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as amended and passed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, July 1. The primary purpose of the legislation is to extend the provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, increase funding for Defense and Border Enforcement and cut federal spending. The legislation also features a broad range of provisions that will directly influence municipal operations, public finance, infrastructure investments, health and human services and economic development.
Centralina’s Integrated Mobility Center is taking bold steps to transform how residents move throughout our region with the introduction of mobility hubs. But what exactly is a mobility hub, and why should your community consider applying for funds to have your own?
Federal funds are commonly passed through state agencies in North Carolina before being awarded to local governments, which can make the original funding source less obvious. Before proceeding with a procurement, local governments should verify whether an award originates from a federal source. This determination affects compliance obligations, including procurement standards, reporting, and audit requirements.
When a construction or repair contract over $300,000 involves a building, the procurement and contract are subject to additional requirements under N.C.G.S. 143-128. Therefore, this question must be answered to determine whether the additional statutory requirements apply to this procurement scenario.
The micro-purchase threshold is a federal procurement threshold under which competitive procurement is not required. The default micro-purchase threshold is $15,000, but local governments may increase the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. An explanation of increasing the micro-purchase threshold and a template for the required annual self-certification is available here.