CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Across the greater Charlotte region, local governments are collaborating with their communities to drive meaningful progress. The people of our region experience these efforts through well-planned communities, economic opportunities, improved systems and targeted service delivery that reaches those who need them most, to name a few. Centralina Regional Council is calling on those who provide, support and benefit from exceptional local services to submit nominations for the 2025 Region of Excellence Awards. The nomination period runs through 5 p.m. on August 15, 2025, with presentations made at the Region of Excellence Awards ceremony on October 8.
Since 2012, the Region of Excellence Awards have recognized individuals, nonprofits, local government agencies and their partners for outstanding achievements in regional planning, collaboration, innovation and leadership across the nine county Centralina region, which includes Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties.
The Centralina region is not only one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast, home to more than 2.7 million people, but it’s also home to small towns and rural communities with their own distinct identities. In the Centralina region, over 60% of communities have a population under 10,000 and 55% have a population under 5,000.
“The Region of Excellence Awards honor the innovative and collaborative work that organizations are leading to improve quality of life and expand opportunity across our region,” said Centralina Regional Council Executive Director Geraldine Gardner. “Our region includes both urban and rural communities, each with their own unique challenges and opportunities. The people and partnerships behind this work are creating lasting, positive change and Centralina is honored to recognize the best of the best.”
The 2025 award categories include:
- James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award – Awarded to a public servant who demonstrates exceptional leadership and integrity.
- Local Government Innovation – Celebrating creative, efficient solutions that maximize limited resources.
- Improving Quality of Life – Highlighting projects that enhance access to services and amenities for all.
- Nance Award for Regional Collaboration – Named after former Centralina Deputy Executive Director Michelle Nance, who retired this year from 25 years of service to local governments, the award honors outstanding regional cooperation among governments and stakeholders.
- Connected Communities – Showcasing efforts to improve transportation, mobility and efficiency.
- Aging in Action – Recognizing impactful programs that support older and/or disabled adults.
Any individual or organization can submit a nomination by the August 15, 5 p.m. deadline using Centralina’s online form. To view past winners, learn more about the award criteria and submit your nomination, 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.
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Media contact:
MaeLynn Joyner
Communications Administrator
Centralina Regional Council
mjoyner@centralina.org
(980) 500-9209
