In May 2021, Centralina Regional Council held its annual Region of Excellence Awards ceremony to recognize important achievements in the areas of cross-community collaboration, local government innovation, leadership and improvements to quality of life, clean fuels and older adult advocacy. The Clean Cities Award was presented to the Charlotte Department of Transportation for implementing fleet improvements as part of the Strategic Energy Action Plan.

To stay economically competitive, our region’s economy must have a dependable, multi-modal freight transportation network to efficiently and reliably move raw materials and finished products that consumers and industries need. This network supports the region’s economic growth, fosters job creation and helps create improved outcomes for individuals as well as the public and private sector.

In the latest CONNECT Beyond advisory committee meeting, held on April 28, seasoned community builders and transportation professionals shared their vision for how a holistic and integrated transportation system can improve the lives of everyone in the Centralina region.

As Earth Day approaches, Centralina is thinking about how we can help promote sustainability in our region. We sat down with Sarah Hazel, City of Charlotte’s Chief Sustainability and Resiliency Officer, to discuss the benefits of setting and accomplishing sustainability goals.

The Town of Marshville, located in Union County, NC, is a small town with big plans for the future. Marshville wants travelers to enjoy its unique local attractions and the small-town charm created by local businesses. Bringing vitality into Marshville requires improvements to U.S. Highway 74.

What can we learn from the pandemic to make our communities stronger and better connected?

CONNECT Beyond, our region’s first transit vision and implementation plan, has continued to ramp up since kicking off in February of this year.

The Greater Charlotte Region is growing, and growing fast. Access to reliable, efficient and well-connected transportation options is one of the most important factors to ensure everyone can benefit.