Here’s what we found...
Capitol Corner April 2021
President Biden released his American Jobs Plan on Wednesday, March 31.
The package includes transportation, water, housing, broadband, public schools, community colleges, climate action and more. At more than $2 trillion, it is also only the first part of the President’s plan. The President is planning another press conference in the next few weeks on a second large package that includes more people-focused spending priorities favored by Progressives, such as expanded childcare, free community college, universal prekindergarten and more.
Meet Centralina’s Integrated Mobility Center
Mobility is a challenge for each of our counties, cities, towns and communities. New developments are approved every day that drive increased interest in local businesses and attractions, and on top of that, our region is home to the fifth hottest real estate market in the country. This growth can be a good thing, but it can also present many challenges for transportation infrastructure and our overall ability to get around.
To meet these challenges, Centralina has formed the Integrated Mobility Center (IMC). Read on to learn more and get in touch.
Understanding the Reentry Needs of Previously Incarcerated Individuals
On March 31, 2022, NCWorks Career Center-Cabarrus and partners held a reentry event designed to simulate one month in the life of someone who has just been released from prison, navigating their way through the system while trying to comply with all the requirements of supervised release. This event provided an opportunity for over 70 individuals associated with our service providers, non-profits, government, health and human services and workforce partners to experience the barriers one faces when getting reestablished after returning from incarceration, treatment and/or homelessness.
New Member Spotlight: The Town of China Grove
Charm, hospitality and vibrancy. These are the words that spring to mind when anyone takes the time to venture through the heart of China Grove, North Carolina. Located in Rowan County, between the Town of Landis and the City of Salisbury, the Town of China Grove had its first settlement as early as 1710 and was referred to as Savits Mill and Lutherville before becoming China Grove, named after the grove of chinaberry trees located next to the community’s train depot. Keep reading to learn more about our new member community.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring women around the region, including Centralina staff, local government leaders and other community trailblazers, in honor of women’s history month. We want to recognize the achievements of female leaders and support their continued efforts to break barriers. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was #BreaktheBias, encouraging us to move away from prejudice and towards gender equality.
Centralina AAA Launches New Program for Older Adults
Despite an overwhelming desire to live independently, some older adults may need assistance maintaining their homes as they “age in place.” To address these unmet needs, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is now offering Housing Home Improvement and Chore Enhanced programs, which are designed to help older adults keep up with essential repairs and maintenance inside and outside their homes. Through federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Centralina AAA developed these new programs that will allow older adults to remain safe and secure while living in their homes longer.
Community First: The Birth of the Clean Cities and Environmental Justice Initiative
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.
Building Resiliency in the Centralina Region
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.
New Member Spotlight: Town of Stanfield
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.