2025 Region of Excellence Recipients Recognized at Centralina Celebrates!
October 9, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Centralina Regional Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Region of Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding local governments, organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to improving quality of life and advancing regional collaboration across the nine-county greater Charlotte region.
“These awardees embody the spirit of innovation, cooperation and service that make our region thrive,” said Executive Director Geraldine Gardner. “Their work demonstrates what’s possible when communities come together to solve problems, protect resources and improve lives.”
This year’s honorees represent excellence across a range of categories:
Aging in Action: Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair Program – Preserving housing stability and dignity for seniors and individuals with disabilities through life-changing, no-cost home repairs.
Connected Communities: Town of Cornelius Emerald Necklace – A visionary 13-mile greenway network connecting neighborhoods, schools and businesses while promoting active living and sustainability.
Improving Quality of Life: City of Belmont Vision Zero Belmont – A community-led initiative using data, design and compassion to eliminate traffic fatalities and make streets safer for all by 2030.
Improving Quality of Life: City of Kannapolis Gem Theatre Renovation – A preservation of cultural heart through the $150,000, community-led revitalization of the historic Gem Theatre.
Local Government Innovation: Town of Harrisburg Swiftwater Rescue Team – A local flood response transformed into a statewide model of training and collaboration that saves lives across North Carolina.
Local Government Innovation: City of Gastonia Chronolog: Citizen Science Project – Turning everyday trail users into citizen scientists through technology and engagement that fosters environmental stewardship.
Nance Award for Regional Collaboration: City of Mount Holly Pump Station Project – A model partnership with Charlotte Water that ensures sustainable, cost-effective water management for generations to come.
Nance Award for Regional Collaboration: Mecklenburg County Social Media Summit – A pioneering initiative by Jameil Weldon that connects regional communicators to share best practices, strengthen transparency and build public trust.
James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award: Randy Shue Street Superintendent, City of Concord – Celebrating nearly 40 years of dedicated service, Shue exemplifies integrity, innovation and leadership in keeping Concord’s community moving forward.
Centralina congratulates all of this year’s winners for their achievements and continued dedication to regional excellence.
Awards were presented on October 8, 2025, at Centralina Celebrates!, hosted at the Gastonia Conference Center.
For more information about the Region of Excellence Awards or to learn how to nominate an organization for next year’s program, visit www.regionofexcellence.org.
Centralina Regional Council is a public organization working to strengthen regional collaboration and improve quality of life in three distinct ways. Centralina identifies regional opportunities and sparks action by facilitating area-wide planning, collaboration and problem-solving; supports local governments by giving them the technical support, training and expertise they need to serve their communities; and provides direct health, aging and workforce services to individuals. To learn more or request Centralina services, visit centralina.org.
Media contact: MaeLynn Joyner Communications Administrator Centralina Regional Council mjoyner@centralina.org (980) 500-9209
