Hereâs what we found...
Local Election Reflections
Local elections were held November 8, 2022, and the results are in with a couple of changes in our region. In the nine-county Centralina region, 68 total member seats were on the ballot in the 2022 local government general election. Out of these positions, 43 were contested.
Cain Center for the Arts: Lake Normanâs New Home for Inspiration, Creativity and Community
Studies have shown that engaging in the arts can positively impact stress levels, enhance self-confidence and even improve academic performance among children and young adults. Communities that incorporate arts in their events, program offerings and gathering spaces provide a competitive economic edge and help to foster neighborhood vitality. The Town of Cornelius was honored this year with one of our two awards in this category for their development of the new Cain Center of the Arts, a community hub for visual arts, performing arts and social experiences.
Highland Neighborhood: A Model of Shared Governance
In addition to addressing known community issues, the initiative took a holistic approach to educate and empower the community to become advocates for themselves. These are a few steps Vincent Wong and the association took to foster a model of shared governance.
Gaston County Tourism Development Wins Local Government Innovation Award
In March 2022, Centralina Regional Council awarded Gaston County Tourism Development the Local Government Innovation Award at our annual Region of Excellence Awards. Gaston County Tourism Development is the official tourism department for Gaston County. They have been leaders in local government innovation with an emphasis on partnerships and developing innovative solutions to community development issues.
Capitol Corner October 2022
With the Congressional appropriations process under way, the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC), and others are directing local governments and key stakeholders to ask their Members of Congress to support adding an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) flexibility bill to the year-end omnibus appropriations package or to the next must-pass legislation. The bipartisan bill is titled the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act (S. 3011/H.R. 5735).
Capitol Corner November 2021
Centralina delegates recently met with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to discuss regional priorities and local community needs. During the meeting, Congresswoman Foxx brought to everyoneâs attention the little known benefit to businesses that are eligible for a tax exclusion of $5,250 for paying employeesâ student loans. This assistance is also tax-free to the employee and available through 2025. Read more about this education assistance and the new flexibility for ARPA fund allocation.
Regional Collaboration
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Capitol Corner May 2023
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program is a one-time allocation of $550 million, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, available to states, local governments, and tribes for energy efficiency and conservation projects. The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently accepting applications for formula grants and for competitive grants.