Volume II; issue v | May 2021
Submitted by the Executive Director's office.

Eastern Carolina Council of Governments (ECCOG) would love to share your news with the Region. Email your stories to eccadmin@eccog.org
COVID-19 Related
Article highlights risks and opportunities as more companies abandon office space amid push for more permanent remote and telework 
A recent New York Times article highlights the growing push amid corporate America to shrink office space and the implications that this is having on communities. While these trends are still shaking out, the ramifications of this have profound implications for large and small communities along. To read the article, please go to: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/business/economy/office-buildings-remote-work.html
Grant Opportunities
EDA invites applications for economic development grant opportunities
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) invites applicants to submit applications under its Public Works program and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) programs. Through these programs, EDA invites applications to request grant assistance for clearly defined construction or non-construction assistance projects that will advance job creation, job retention and private investment or enhance economic development decision-making, respectfully. 
 
Through EDA’s grant programs construction may support the construction of new public assets or the renovation of existing public assets, which include but are not limited to water/sewer lines, tanks, systems, pumps; incubators; access roads; workforce training facilities; commercialization centers; port improvements; and other similar projects. EDA’s non-construction projects can support a wide array of activities, including highest and best use analysis, cluster and supply chain mapping studies, and regional technical assistance projects. Matching share funds are required and must be committed at the time of the project and for the same scope of work. For Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs the match is generally 50 percent, although communities may qualify for a higher grant rate. To learn more and to discuss potential projects, please contact Hillary Sherman at hsherman@eda.gov. To access the funding notice and application forms, please go to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=321695.
 
National Endowment for the Humanities accepting applications under Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grants
The National Endowment for the Humanities is accepting applications to strengthen the institutional base of the humanities by enabling infrastructure development and capacity building.  Applications are due May 18, 2021 and September 28, 2021.   To learn more, please go to: https://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/infrastructure-and-capacity-building-challenge-grants

Duke Energy Foundation accepting grants through the Hometown Revitalization Grant
The Duke Energy Foundation is accepting applications through the Hometown Revitalization Grant Program to support small businesses in pivoting to be competitive in response to changing business conditions. This grant program is open to nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3) organizations and 20 awards will be made to communities to help them support small businesses. Applications are being accepted through May 31, 2021.  To learn more, please go to: https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/state-strategic-impact/hometown?_ga=2.217379158.1590349379.1617980701-28646775.1593027453.

USDA accepting applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
The US Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine program grants to provide educational and medical services in rural areas.   Applications are accepted through June 4, 2021. To learn more, please go to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=330807.

NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative
The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting applications from communities for the 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative. The program provides funding for municipalities across the state to develop comprehensive bicycle or pedestrian plans. There are several plan options available to meet specific community needs.

All North Carolina municipalities are eligible to apply for a standard bike or pedestrian plan (application). Additionally, the following options are available:
  • Counties with population of less than 50,000 may apply for a bicycle or pedestrian plan.
  • Smaller municipalities with populations of less than 10,000 can apply to develop combined bicycle and pedestrian plans.
  • Municipalities of less than 5,000 population may apply for a project acceleration plan (application) – an abbreviated plan primarily focusing on priority project identification and implementation.
  • Municipalities (and counties with populations of less than 50,000) who currently have bicycle plans and/or pedestrian plans, either through this grant program or otherwise, may apply for a plan update (application) provided the existing plan is at least five years old.

The deadline for application, to be submitted electronically, is Wednesday June 30 at 5 p.m. Award recipients will be notified by September 2021. Click here for more information.

EPA accepting applications through Environmental Justice Small Grants Program 
EPA is accepting applications under the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program to provide resources that will improve the environmental and public health conditions of low-income communities and communities of color through the advancement of racial equity and environmental justice.  Applications are due May 7, 2021.   To learn more, please go to:  https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331855
 
Webinars
Older Americans Month Webinars
It is May- which means it is Older Americans Month (OAM)! Governor Roy Cooper has also proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in North Carolina and commends its observance to all citizens. Please see the attached proclamation from Governor Cooper.
 
The theme for 2021 is "Communities of Strength”. From the OAM website: “Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others. This OAM, we will celebrate the strength of older adults and the aging network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.” We hope you will find ways to participate this year. Discover resources HERE. There are proclamation and article templates, along with artwork, posters, logos, activity ideas, and social media graphics- all available to you at no cost!
 
In addition, DAAS is hosting the following:
 
       
Essentials for Social Servicers Governing Boards Webinar
Join the School of Government for the Essentials for Social Services Governing Boards Webinar, a five-hour program spread over two days that will serve as an orientation for individuals who serve on social services governing boards. To register click here
Resources
Resources to understand the American Rescue Plan
The American Rescue Plan has a tremendous amount of resources available to communities, their partners, and states to foster economic and community recovery from the coronavirus. There are a range of great resources available summarizing the numerous forthcoming resources that may be of interest to you and your partners, including: the NC League of Municipalities NC and the American Rescue Plan Hub available at https://www.arp.nclm.org/ and the National Association of Regional Councils’ Analysis of the American Rescue Plan available at: https://narc.org/2021/03/15/narc-analysis-american-rescue-plan/.
 
Article highlights risks and opportunities as more companies abandon office space amid push for more permanent remote and telework 
A recent New York Times article highlights the growing push amid corporate America to shrink office space and the implications that this is having on communities. While these trends are still shaking out, the ramifications of this have profound implications for large and small communities along. To read the article, please go to: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/business/economy/office-buildings-remote-work.html.
Compliance Update – COBRA Premium Subsidies
On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued initial regulatory guidance regarding the implementation of these subsidies, including model notices for eligible individuals. Employers administering COBRA internally or through another vendor should ensure these latest updates are implemented. Below is additional information for employers utilizing MedCost’s COBRA Administration Services.


Regional Happenings
Save the Date for the NC Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders training on July 20 – July 22, 2021 in New Bern, NC. This training is for leaders and emerging leader that live in or work in the following counties: Bertie, Carteret, Beaufort, Craven, Greene, Lenoir, Pamlico, and Pitt. Homegrown Leaders is a regional leadership and community economic development training that develops and supports highly-skilled, highly-motivated leaders who are committed to regional collaboration. Homegrown Leaders addresses the need for high-quality, professional leadership and economic development training that equips community leaders with the skills they need to lead long-term economic advancement in their community and region and seeks to increase cooperation, collaboration, and coordination across a broad array of organizations and sectors. The application period will open during the week of May 10th, so please save this link and check the page for the application.
May is Older Americans Month
This year, Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging will celebrate Older Americans Month by encouraging community members to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength, and create a stronger future. To read more click here
Next Scheduled Meeting:
TCC & TAC - May 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.

Next Scheduled Meeting:
TCC - May 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
TAC - May 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

Next Scheduled Meetings
Executive Committee Board
May 13, 2021
3rd Floor Conference Room at ECC