Insights

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.

Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Trump has taken dozens of executive actions to implement his priorities and deliver on promises made during his campaign. These executive actions span a broad array of topics including immigration, trade, technology, energy, environmental policy, national security, workforce policy and social initiatives. 

UPDATE: 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The Office of Management and Budget has released a memo rescinding memo M-25-13, which was issued on January 27, 2025.

The executive order “Unleashing American Energy” pauses disbursements of certain funds under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Agencies are directed to suspend payments of grants, loans and other financial mechanisms until the new administration completes a 90-day review to ensure alignment with its energy policy.

We’re excited to share Centralina Regional Council’s draft Digital Opportunity Plan and request your valuable feedback. This plan aims to support counties in bridging digital gaps by improving access, affordability and digital skills for all residents.

We are asking for less than 10 minutes of your time to answer 10 questions in our Strategic Priorities Survey. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this survey, whether you’re an elected official, a Board member, a local government staff member, a participant in one of our programs, a leader in a partner organization or a friend of the organization. 

For the first time since 2019, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is hosting an in-person conference for aging service providers and professionals across the region! This year’s conference theme, Tackling Aging, will empower attendees to conquer these obstacles and provide quality service to older adults efficiently and effectively. 

As the 118th Congress concludes, several reauthorizations important to regional councils and local governments were passed in 2024 while others remain unresolved. Significant programs with lapsed authorizations, such as those under the Older Americans Act and other federal laws, will likely shape priorities in the 119th Congress that started on January 3, 2025. 

The Town of Norwood has received a CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant was prepared through a partnership with Centralina Economic Development and will be put toward the renovation of 15 homes, predominately owned by low-income older adults.