Robert Hiett
Executive Director
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Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971

June, 2022

News

High-Speed Internet Investment Announced


The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced the Biden administration's Internet for All initiative. The announcement, about a $45 billion investment toward high-speed internet across the country, was made in Durham last Friday and echoed talking points the League has aired for years about the importance of reliable broadband access. "High-speed and reliable internet is now essential for North Carolinians to work, learn and have access to health care," Gov. Roy Cooper said at the event. Said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, “In the 21st century, you simply cannot participate in the economy if you don’t have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet."


Congress in November 2021 approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (often called the "bipartisan infrastructure law"), and with it three substantial buckets of money for broadband access that local governments may be able to tap into. The federal legislation requires states to create state broadband plans, and that local government input takes place as part of that planning.


A press release from the governor's office goes over the Notices of Funding Opportunities. The biggest, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, Program, will distribute $42.5 billion in grants meant to support states in their efforts to build the necessary infrastructure for connections. Governor Cooper last week wrote to the U.S. Commerce Department declaring North Carolina's intent to participate in BEAD.

Funding/Grants
Flood Mitigation Program

Overview

The State of North Carolina provided funds to the Golden LEAF Foundation to award funds to units of local government for public infrastructure projects for flood mitigation.

Award Amount

Up to $250,000 may be awarded per project.

Eligible Entities

Funds may only be awarded to units of local government. Local governments from all 100 counties are eligible. For purposes of this program, units of local governments include counties and cities and their boards, agencies, commissions, authorities, and institutions.

Eligible Projects
  • Construction of new or improvement of existing publicly owned stormwater infrastructure, including natural drainage infrastructure and flood control equipment.
  • Repair of existing stormwater infrastructure damaged or destroyed by flooding, which must include improvements to mitigate against future flooding.
  • Engineering expenses related to planning and development of flood mitigation solutions.
Download Application Guidelines Here

FEMA: Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) | Application Period Now Open


FEMA released the funding notice for the Emergency Management Performance Grant program, making $405.1 million available to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to develop their emergency management capabilities and for all-hazards preparedness activities.


The program focuses on planning, operations, equipment acquisitions, training, exercises, construction, and renovation. The application period closes June 13.


Read more

2022 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project Grant Funds Available Now


NCCETC at North Carolina State University announces the following request for proposals (RFP) through the 2022 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project. The 2022 initiative will offer $1.5 million, focused on reducing transportation-related emissions, and supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation. The primary purpose of the CFAT project is to reduce transportation-related emissions in 24 eligible North Carolina counties. 



Learn More

Parks and Recreation Grants 

Application Period Now Open


The program is administered by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.


Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants will be available in North Carolina in 2022 for local outdoor park and recreation projects. North Carolina municipalities and counties are eligible to apply for the matching grants. PARTF grants can be used to acquire park land and build or renovate park facilities. The application period closes July 15.


Local governments can request a maximum of $500,000 with each application and must match the grant dollar-for-dollar. About $7 million was available last year for LWCF projects. This year’s funding has yet to be determined.


  More Information

 

Planning and Development
PDS Led Partnership Effort Continues Momentum
Mapping Homegrown Solutions for Healthy Food Access
In the latest Croatan View, Associate Anna Aspenson dives into the public health and community approaches to food system mapping that helped establish the Healthy Food Access Mapping collaborative research process and recommendations.
 
Recent research has explored innovative ways to visualize food injustice and the Healthy FAM project that the Croatan Institute contributed to provides a unique approach to mapping community food production assets. Through deep community engagement and participatory mapping, we can guide investment through a strengths-based and community-driven approach.
Read More
The LINC (Log Into North Carolina) online data tool is a great resource for statistical and demographic data on North Carolina, NC counties, and municipalities. From population and income data to air quality and soybean production stats, you can find it in LINC. LINC hosts over 1,200 historic data series, some of which are projected. LINC is your best, first place to go for general data about NC areas and contact to data reporting agencies if you choose to dive deeper.
 
LINC was created in the late 1970 and has undergone 3 major evolutions. The current version of LINC is an open data format that supports API and allows dynamic charting and mapping of data as well the creation and export of custom data queries. To help users take advantage of the new facets of LINC, training videos are now available on the LINC home page.
 
Visit https://www.osbm.nc.gov/facts-figures/linc and explore LINC today.

Take the survey here:  https://arcg.is/15zXmq

In​ January 2022, Gov. Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 246 (EO 246), “North Carolina’s Transformation to a Clean, Equitable Economy,” setting the course for North Carolina’s continued work to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions, advance environmental justice and create good paying jobs for North Carolinians throughout the state. This executive order builds upon 2018’s Executive Order 80​, which established a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent and increase zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption to 80,000 vehicles by 2025.

 

EO 246 Goals

  • Reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions to at least 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050.
  • Increase the total number of registered, zero-emission vehicles to at least 1,250,000 by 2030 and increase the sale of ZEVs so that 50 percent of in-state sales of new vehicles are zero-emission by 2030.


Watch the video below for more information. 


USDA and EDA Launch Resource Guide to Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities


The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development just released a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.


VIEW THE JOINT PLANNING RESOURCE GUIDE FOR RURAL AMERICA


This joint planning resource guide for rural America will better equip our communities with an easy to access and easy to use tools to maximize the work of providing greater and inclusive economic prosperity across our country.

WHAT'S INSIDE

The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four key focus areas:

  • Planning and technical assistance
  • Infrastructure and broadband expansion
  • Entrepreneurship and business assistance
  • Workforce development and livability

The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration key priorities and resources.


Volkswagen (VW) Settlement

Phase 2 (2022-2024) Funding Available for North Carolina!

NC DEQ has $67.9 million in available funding to award to local, state, and tribal governments, public or private nonprofit organizations, and public/private partnerships to reduce Nitrogen Oxide emissions across the state.

5 Programs Include:

1.      School Bus Replacement
2.      Transit Bus Replacement
3.      Clean Heavy-Duty Equipment & Vehicle Replacement Program
4.      DC Fast Charging Infrastructure Program
5.      Level 2 Infrastructure Program

Visit the website to learn more about Phase 2, RFPs, applicant/project eligibility, timeline, and more. The slides from VW Settlement Informational Session can be viewed here.

Joint Planning Resource Guide


Strategic economic development revitalizes communities. Approached holistically, it attracts investments, builds wealth, and promotes sustainability. As a foundational first step, planning is crucial to successful economic development. It encourages us to leverage resources, build partnerships, advance the principles of equity, and strengthen systems to address global threats like climate change. By sequencing – or “stacking” – funding opportunities, you can effectively meet your community’s economic development goals.


There is a wide range of federal resources available to help you identify complementary programs, but it can be daunting to know where to begin. Together, the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) are pleased to offer this joint planning resource guide, designed to help you eliminate barriers and encourage collaboration among your stakeholders.


Additional program information is available at USDA RD (https://www.rd.usda.gov) and EDA (https://www.eda.gov). Use this guide as a launch point to begin discussions with USDA RD and EDA specialists. We stand ready to be your collaborative partner in prosperity, because Together, America Prospers.

Announcing the 2022 Green Fleet Awards Competition!


Get recognized for your fleet's peak-performing sustainability efforts and its environmentally-minded practices! Show off your groundbreaking and inventive green programs by applying for the 2022 Green Fleet Awards contest, which is now accepting applications for the 15th iteration of the annual program.Start Your Application Today!

Judging criteria includes dedicated alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle composition, fuel usage, fuel savings, purchasing policy, long-range planning, and other areas. Other criteria includes:


  • How much CO₂ and other emissions have you saved?
  • What are the other environmental benefits of your project?
  • What have you done to communicate your efforts to your constituents?
  • How has technology improved your projects and what are you looking at for the future?
  • What policies or procedures have been implemented (and enforced) to reduce vehicle usage and fuel consumption?
  • Does your agency have an active outreach program to inform other departments or the public of your initiatives?
  • Do you have an established driver training program that instructs and promotes green driving techniques?
  • Has your organization developed “green procurement” initiatives in its bidding, procurement, or contractor solicitation?
  • Is there an ongoing process in place to research new federal and state grant opportunities for green fleet initiatives?


The 2022 Green Fleet Awards contest is free to enter and open to both governmental and commercial fleets anywhere in North America. Entry deadline is July 15, 2022.


Start Your Application Today!


ARPA Corner

ARP Office Hours


Reminder of ARP Office Hours schedule. Note the special focus topics for several of the upcoming sessions. During tomorrow’s session we’ll review the compliance requirements for the most common expenditure types (salaries/benefits, premium pay, programmatic expenditures, subawards, supplies, equipment, construction, etc.) We’ll also talk about what to do if you already “spent” ARP/CSLFRF funds on an expenditure without following the required compliance provisions.

 

Tuesday, June 7, at 8:30am (focus on budgeting)

Wednesday, June 15, at 12:00pm (focus on procurement)

Friday, June 24, at 12:00pm

Thursday, June 30, at 12:00pm

 

The Zoom link for all sessions is 

https://zoom.us/j/91906998701?pwd=eWg0anp1MFJzSFVsU0FIYmduU3ZQUT09

Meeting ID: 919 0699 8701

Passcode: 912104

The Basics of the American Rescue Plan

Act and Uniform Guidance


Monday, June 20th 2022


Western Carolina University at Biltmore Park Asheville, NC 9:00am-2:00pm(Check-in begins 8:30am)



The Local Government Training Program is partnering with UNC's School of Government to facilitate a workshop for local government attorneys and grants managers to learn about the legal aspects of the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARP/CSLFRF). We will walk through the award terms and Uniform Guidance requirements in detail and identify grey areas that will require additional legal scrutiny before finalizing expenditure decisions. In short, this course will help attorneys and grant managers more effectively shepherd their local units through the legal process of managing, expending, and reporting on ARP/CSLFRF and other federal funds. The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Kara Millonzi.

 

The following topics will be covered:

 

Overview of American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

  • ID Award Terms and UG Requirements
  • UG: Eligibility & Allowable Costs
  • UG: Program Income
  • UG: Property Management
  • UG: Subawards
  • UG: Procurement & Conflicts of Interest


Registration: The following link works best in Chrome.

https://wcupg.wcu.edu/C20252_ustores/web/classic/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=132&SINGLESTORE=true.


The registration fee is $60 and includes lunch. Registration ends June 13th or when the class reaches capacity (60 attendees). Confirmations will be sent via email to the email address provided at registration.


Directions to Biltmore Park:

https://www.wcu.edu/discover/locations/biltmore-park/directions-and- parking.aspx


Podcast: The American Rescue Plan and Local Infrastructure

Got 19 minutes? Take that time to check out our newest episode of Municipal Equation, where we cover the most pressing issues facing our cities and towns.
Learn the basics of the American Rescue Plan.
How it is a generational opportunity—to both recover from the pandemic and to prosper well into the future.

How it's a chance to address critical areas of need, like water utilities and infrastructure.
And how our towns' leaders are making it count. Be sure to search & follow Municipal Equation on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast streaming service to always have the latest episode.
Listen to the Podcast Here
Treasury Portal: ARP Reporting and Compliance Site Now Open

The U.S. Treasury this week launched its Treasury Portal for non-entitlement units (NEUs) receiving American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds under the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF). This portal will be used for reporting and compliance, and is now available to be accessed.

For background, recipients of ARP/SLFRF distributions must abide by U.S. Treasury's reporting and compliance responsibilities, which have been previously clarified in detail in a document titled Compliance and Reporting Guidance. For NEUs, or non-metropolitan cities as defined by the ARP, those reporting requirements should be met using this Treasury Portal. NEUs will confirm accounts, designate reporting roles, and submit required agreements and supporting documentation to Treasury.

The deadline for annual reporting is April 30, 2022, though cities and towns can access the portal now, and are encouraged to do so to establish a login, confirm accounts, designate reporting roles and submit required agreements and supporting documentation.
For more information, visit our ARP hub here.

US Treasury issued the Final Rule of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP/CSLFRF) in January 2022. With more complete information, local government officials are now looking to finalize (at least some) expenditure decisions. With the addition of the standard allowance, authorizing many NC local governments to expend their entire ARP/CSLFRF allocation for almost any purpose authorized by state law, counties and municipalities across the state have an even greater opportunity to make the best strategic investments for their communities with these one-time funds....Read More
The UNC School of Government Releases it's new American Rescue Plan Website
Visit the website here
WorkForce Development

Congratulations to Middlesex and Nash County!

AGING

GLOBAL SUMMIT


Please SAVE THE DATE and join International Elder Abuse Prevention leaders including:

 

Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks

Founder & Creator of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

 

Dr. Karl Pillemer

Professor of Human Development at Cornell University

Professor of Gerontology at Weill Cornell Medicine

 

Dr. David Burnes

Canada Research Chair in Older Adult Mistreatment Prevention

University of Toronto

 

And other esteemed speakers from around the world!

 

Presented Virtually, Tuesday, June 14, 2022

 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was created in 2006 and held at the United Nations. To mark the 10th anniversary of WEAAD, the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) was asked to convene the Global Summit and bring together international policy makers, APS workers, advocates, financial service institutions, media, social services organizations, and individuals from all over the world to help address a growing global problem. 

 


Register Now!



To receive a timeline, agenda and event link when final.


www.napsa-now.org


Better Care Playbook Highlights Unique Role of AAAs As Partner to Health Care



A new Better Care Playbook blog post outlines new research on strategies that AAAs use to create and maintain partnerships with health care entities to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Written by USAging staff, the blog post describes the important and unique role AAAs can play as a partner to health care entities to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Read it now.


Operation Fan Heat Relief Distributing Fans to Eligible Recipients

May 1–Oct. 31



The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Services is partnering with the N.C. Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to distribute fans to eligible recipients through Operation Fan Heat Relief May 1–Oct. 31.


People age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance from May 1–Oct. 31 at local aging agencies across the state. Since 1986, the relief program has purchased fans for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing them with a more comfortable living environment and reducing heat-related illnesses.


The program is made possible by donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion Resources and Valassis, and allows regional area agencies on aging and local provider agencies to purchase fans for eligible individuals. Local provider agencies can also purchase a limited number of air conditioners based on a person’s specific health conditions.


Last year, DAAS received $85,500 in donations, allowing for the distribution of 3,240 fans and 26 air conditioners.


As individuals age and develop chronic medical conditions, they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, and they may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. Operation Fan Heat Relief helps vulnerable adults at risk for heat-related illnesses stay safe during the summer. 

 

In addition to applying for fans, people age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, can take the following steps during high temperatures:

  • Increase fluid intake
  • Spend time in cool or air-conditioned environments regularly
  • Reduce strenuous activity during the afternoon
  • Speak with their physician before summer about how to stay safe while taking medication that can affect the body’s ability to cool itself (e.g., high blood pressure medications)


For more details, individuals may contact their area agency on aging or the Division of Aging and Adult Services’ housing program consultant at 919-855-3419. 



More information about Operation Fan Heat Relief, including tips on preparing for extreme heat and a list of local agencies distributing fans, is available at www.ncdhhs.gov/operation-fan-and-heat-relief.

New Videos on Social Engagement Opportunities for Older Adults


To highlight how AAAs support older adults and caregivers who may be facing social isolation and loneliness, USAging has produced two new video vignettes—Maintaining Social Connections As We Age and Getting Creative Through Arts Programs During COVID-19 and BeyondWatch the videos and prepare to be inspired with new ideas for your agency’s own programs!

Workshops/Webinars
Registration is now open for the 2022 State Treasurers Conference taking place June 14th, 16th, and 21st from 9:00am – 12:30pm via Zoom. This program is sponsored by the NC State Treasurer's Office, Local Government Commission Division and UNC School of Government

AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for city and county managers, finance officers, finance staff, and others that work in financial management

FEE: The fee is $250 and includes all 3 sessions. 

TENTATIVE SESSION TOPICS INCLUDE

  • State Treasurer's Update
  • American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
  • LGC and GAAP Updates 
  • Financial Management of Utility Systems 
  • Procuring and Preparing for the Annual Audit under ARPA
  • Opioid Settlement 

REGISTRATION: Deadline to register is Tuesday, June 7th, 2022. Visit https://www.sog.unc.edu/courses/2022-state-treasurers-conference
Visit the above registration link for information about equipment preparation, Zoom, and CPE Credit.
 
For questions, please contact Susan Hutchinson at hutchinson@sog.unc.edu

Essentials of Municipal Government

Winston Salem, NC

June 16 – 17


The League's Advancing Municipal Leaders program has again partnered with the UNC School of Government and its Center for Public Leadership and Governance to offer our biennial orientation of newly-elected municipal officials with the Essentials of Municipal Government. This course is specifically designed to help newly-elected officials transition from campaigning to governing.


In this course, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the value of governing at the municipal level, and for the importance of developing the skills and behaviors that lead to being an effective local elected official.


Learn More & Register

 

Civic Pride & Civic Apathy – What is Driving Your Economic State?
Webinar from Leverage NC | June 8 at 10 a.m.

Thousands of communities have been devastated by the effects of apathy and unless we do something drastic, the problem is only going to get worse. Apathy destroys everything it touches and cannot be mitigated with planning or money. Residents' lack of care and concern cannot be fixed by continuing down the same path. We must take a new approach and help restore people’s relationship to their town. Only in fostering a sense of civic pride, can we begin to beat back the effects of apathy. We must bring people together, restore beauty, foster affection, and give people more meaning.

By taking a small scale, simple and incremental approach, we can begin to replace apathy with pride. The key is getting to work. There is no silver bullet needed and no one is going to come along and fix it for us. We simply must do our part, every resident, every day, taking part in making the community just a little bit better. When everyone participates, we can all have something truly special, a community we can be proud of.
Register Here

Fostering Public-Private Partnerships

Webinar from Leverage NC | June 29 at 10 a.m.


In an era of economic uncertainty, many communities struggle to attract the right style and density of development necessary to revitalize main street corridors. Communities must foster a more robust public/private partnership (PPP) portfolio to correct this issue.


This webinar will focus on how each community can cultivate strong PPP relationships, increase trust and responsibility among parties, drive economic initiatives, and provide measurable key performance indicators. The delivery of this webinar will focus on two aspects. The first portion will provide background information about building substantial PPP’s. The latter half will provide a toolkit of actionable items each person can use in their communities, regardless of population. 


You can view the event brochure here.

Register Here
121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952
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