Access to affordable housing is essential to cultivating healthy, equitable and prosperous communities. The lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the national economy, population growth and other factors have increased housing prices and rental rates and decreased the supply of housing units that are affordable for low- and middle-income households. A recent Centralina Learns session’s panel shared insights and identified opportunities for addressing the affordable housing crisis and the missing middle.

Upon identifying a significant gap in disaster recovery processes, the Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) embarked in a collaborative process that connects the region in developing long-term disaster recovery plans. In April 2021, the EDD partnered with Centralina Regional Council and the nine-county emergency management (EM) directors to launch the Regional Resilience Collaborative (RCC) program.

The Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) launched the 2023-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Action Plan which serves as the region’s roadmap for supporting a diverse economy that ensures coordinated growth via the prosperity for all regional lenses. The CEDS Action Plan includes 26 urgent recommendations implemented during the next 24 months being led by the 28 regional subject matter experts across the region.

The December 2022 Centralina Regional Managers’ meeting focused on fair and affordable housing needs in the region. Learn more about how this complex issue connects to others in your community and what Centralina is doing to help.

October is Community Economic Development month! The Centralina Community Economic Development department is celebrating this month by reflecting upon the ongoing economic development projects. This year Centralina supported Mecklenburg and Union County with their Community Development Block Grant Entitlement programs.

Concord Avenue is one of the main gateways into the City of Monroe, Union County. In 2015, City officials created the Concord Ave Master Plan with the purpose of having a road map with a vision for economic, housing and community revitalization along this corridor, including the enhancement of connectivity to services and facilities for both residents and visitors.