Insights

In mid-February, Executive Director Geraldine Gardner traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the annual National Conference of Regions hosted by the National Association of Regional Councils. While in DC, she participated in numerous advocacy meetings, with the assistance of Centralina’s federal government relations expert Leslie Mozingo, to discuss Centralina’s federal priorities as listed on the approved Federal Action Plan.

For most people, falls aren’t something they think about preventing until they themselves or someone they know experiences a fall. For some older adults, making necessary modifications to increase accessibility in the home are great ways to prevent falls and promote mobility, but are often financially inaccessible. Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) recently participated as a pilot provider for the NC Fall Prevention Program, which helped to provide applicable participants in the greater Charlotte area with low-level fall prevention home modifications and education. 

In October of 2023, UNC Charlotte was awarded a Strategy Development Grant from the EDA. The funding, provided as part of a federal inaugural tech hubs initiative, will be put towards launching the Carolinas Innovation Center for Optics and Metrology Consortium. As part of the EDA Tech Hub launch, UNC Charlotte recently hosted Centralina EDD’s Board Members on campus for a discussion on the importance of optics and metrology and a tour of the metrology lab.

An important part of the Clean Cities Coalitions work includes collaboration with the Department of Energy and its national laboratories to work towards the goal established Justice40 Initiative., which aspires to put 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments towards disadvantaged communities. The Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice Initiative was created to provide Clean Cities Coalitions with training and resources on how to take a community-first approach to developing transportation projects that align with the goals of this initiative.  

As job seekers enter the workforce for the first time, or re-enter after losing an opportunity, they often find it can be tough to navigate the steps of the job search process and find the right position for their needs and skillsets. Veterans in particular may struggle transitioning from service or deployment into a different field in the workforce. Learn how one local NCWorks Career Center helped a local veteran who lost his job get his name in front of reputable employers for competitive opportunities in his preferred field.

In January, many people establish goals for the year and according to Forbes, improving health is one of the top resolutions for 2024. This is true for the staff at Centralina who will focus on health by helping to build strong, sustainable communities as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program provides funding for local governments to support plans and programs that reduce the release of greenhouse gasses (GHG) and foster a low carbon economy.

Centralina got 2024 off to a great start by hosting a breakfast on January 5th for the region’s newly elected local officials. The event featured an open, fireside style of conversation with North Carolina’s senior U.S. Senator, Thom Tillis, who encouraged local elected officials “to think about regional connectivity” when approaching the federal government for resources and to think creatively.

Ever wondered what the friendliest town in North Carolina is? It might just be right here in the Centralina region! The Town of Stanfield, located in Stanly County, is described on the community website as a “safe, peaceful town tucked away from the fast-paced hectic world.” You won’t find any fancy shops or stop lights, but you will encounter buildings with rich history and gracious locals who will be happy to show you around and make you feel right at home.

he National Association of Development Organization’s (NADO) Research Foundation’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP) recently launched an online resource called “Solving the Housing Puzzle: EDDs as Regional Housing Changemakers.” The report, which outlines the critical housing work carried out by development organizations to best meet various community needs across the country, includes various case studies, and we’re honored to say that Centralina’s work was highlighted as apart of a best practice case study, titled “Turning Voices into Action in the Centralina Region.”