In early 2024, the Centralina regional AI working group pooled together expertise and research to craft the “Generative AI Policy Guidance Document for Local Governments.” This detailed guide provides a structured framework, practical insights and policy template language to help municipalities effectively manage and implement generative AI technologies.

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) presented their Achievement and Leadership Awards on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, during an awards ceremony held at its 58th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia. Ten projects received 2024 Achievement Awards including Centralina Regional Council for its Small Towns Thrive initiative.

In today’s world, 92% of jobs require digital literacy skills. Unfortunately, in North Carolina, many lack internet access or cannot afford the required subscription or equipment. Many also lack digital literacy skills and are unable to benefit from services like telehealth, online educational courses or online job boards. Creating digital access is an essential first step in tackling digital barriers to support economic mobility and prosperity for all. Digital skills result in greater access to employment and higher wages, which leads to greater economic vitality for our region. Continue reading to learn how Centralina plans to help.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented organizations with a challenge when it came to holding meetings. As a convener, much of Centralina Regional Council’s work involves bringing people together. During the nearly two years that we were unable to hold in-person meetings and events, Zoom and other virtual platforms provided a suitable alternative for engaging with our members, partners, and other stakeholders. Keep reading to learn what’s changed, how to choose a meeting format and the impact of different approaches.

In 2020, Centralina helped the City of Albemarle administer a community survey to gather public feedback on the current state of the community and a vision for the future to help them development the FY23-26 strategic plan. With year two of Albemarle’s strategic plan implementation process under way, city officials were interested in gaining further input from the community to help measure the progress of strategic plan implementation. In need of guidance, city officials again reach out to Centralina to assist with administering a 2023 community survey.

On March 21st and 22nd of 2024, Centralina Regional Council administered an assessment center for the Town of Matthews Fire Department for their recruitment process for three open Battalion Chief positions. The assessment center encompassed multiple exercises assessed by individual assessors to gauge candidates’ capabilities in a standardized manner, focusing on behaviors rather than just knowledge.

When the City of Mount Holly found themselves needing to hire a new city manager, they turned to Centralina for assistance in the recruitment process. The city faced the common challenge of finding a candidate with the right mix of skills for effective leadership, adept management and community engagement. In response, Centralina devised a precise recruitment process aimed at ensuring the city’s continued administrative success, a smooth transition and overall community well-being.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the founding of Centralina Regional Council, formerly known as Centralina Council of Governments. Over the last five and a half decades, our organization has helped support the growth and prosperity of our region through various projects and initiatives. In honor of this historic year, we’re looking back at how our organization has evolved to where it is today.  

In response to the unique needs of smaller communities throughout the region, Centralina has launched a new member services initiative, Small Towns Thrive. This program provides direct technical services, education and peer learning opportunities for smaller municipalities