Insights

Are you a local elected or appointed official looking to better understand the complex process behind development proposals? Centralina Learns: UrbanPlan for Public Officials is a hands-on, interactive workshop designed just for you. This engaging session will offer a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a developer, helping you gain valuable insights into the trade-offs and financial considerations that shape our communities.

With nearly 30 years of service to the City of Albemarle, Michael Ferris has left an enduring mark on his community through visionary leadership, ethical standards and a deep commitment to public service. Beginning his career with Albemarle in 1997 as Assistant City Manager and serving as City Manager from 2014 until his retirement in February 2024, Mr. Ferris guided the city’s remarkable transformation from a former textile mill town to a thriving, modern community.

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature. Chronic health issues, age-related changes in the skin and certain medications can all interfere with our natural cooling processes. Older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, and in severe cases, heat can even be life-threatening. 

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…

The future of FEMA and federal disaster response remains uncertain as the Trump administration, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, proposes significant changes. Amid criticism of FEMA’s lack of efficiency and transparency as well as ongoing funding challenges, the administration and Congress are both re-examining how the federal government responds to disasters across the country.

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.

Every year, preventable falls and house fires claim the lives of countless older adults, a stark reality underscored by national statistics. Individuals aged 65 and older are twice as likely to die in a fire, with the risk growing significantly with age. Meanwhile, one in four older adults falls each year, often resulting in injury or death. In response, the Council on Aging in Union County launched the S.L.I.P. program to proactively address these risks…