Insights

Our FY26-28 Strategic Plan update was informed by robust internal and external engagement. This engagement yielded several key themes, like expanding local support and capacity building for implementing regional plans, enhancing programs that connect leaders from across the region and prioritizing relationship building.

ARPA reporting season is upon us and as a reminder, all local governments that received State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) must submit reports to the US Treasury by April 30, 2025. For many local governments, this ARPA reporting period will cover activity from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Here are a few tips and reminders to consider as you prepare to submit this report…

Transportation remains one of the most pressing unmet needs among older adults and individuals with disabilities. Access to transportation is more than just a convenience, it’s a vital link to healthcare, food, employment and social engagement, all of which are essential components of community well-being. Recognizing this, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has released an updated version of its Transportation Guide, offering local governments a powerful tool to support residents, improve planning and advance health.

In 2020, Carrie Black launched Integrity Home Mobility, Inc., combining her expertise as a physical therapist assistant with her newly acquired general contractor license to fill a critical gap in home care. Through her unique fusion of healthcare and construction knowledge, Carrie created a full-service company focused on helping older adults live safely and independently in their homes…

Christen Robinson, recently hired as Assistant Director at the Centralina Workforce Development Board, is a dynamic professional whose career and personal passions blend creativity, community engagement and a commitment to empowering others. Since beginning her career in 2009 during the economic recession, Christen has amassed extensive experience in workforce development and grant management…

Five new priorities were listed for USDOT projects that now apply to all USDOT-funded projects, including grants, loans and contracts. Navigate these new requirements with insight from our federal government relations team.

The demand for college degrees in the workforce is starting to decline, particularly in counties that blend urban and suburban communities. At the same time, new job opportunities are growing in skilled trades, logistics and manufacturing. These shifts suggest that traditional four-year degrees may no longer be the only path to a successful career…

Centralina Regional Council seeks an energetic, self-directed individual for the position of Regional Mobility Program Planner. The individual in this role will assist in managing strategic initiatives for Centralina’s Integrated Mobility Center, which is based in Centralina’s Regional Planning Department. The Regional Mobility Program Planner would be tasked with contributing to the various mobility initiatives Centralina is undertaking.  This is an exciting opportunity to work on major transportation and infrastructure projects and to help identify opportunities for mobility for the Centralina region and its partners.

In the Senate, our team discussed Centralina’s 2025 Advocacy Agenda with the offices of Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. This agenda includes support for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.  Centralina has strong relationships with both Senate offices…

This annual joint MPO roundtable has been a long-running tradition that celebrates collaboration between the organizations as they look to better connect our roads, communities, and most importantly, our people. The event included contributions from City of Gastonia, CRTPO, NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and business representatives from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Gaston Business Association…