Robert Hiett
Executive Director
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Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971 | |
Out & About in Halifax County
On a trip to Halifax and Weldon in northeastern North Carolina, discover Revolutionary War history, splash and play in the Roanoke River, sip local spirits, and more.
by Our State Staff
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Listen: New Episode of Municipal Equation
EP 71: Flexing the River
(with Weldon, NC)
Check out our newest episode of Municipal Equation, the League's podcast about cities and towns adapting to change!
On this episode, we talk with Mayor Hugh Credle of Weldon to learn how his small town is thinking big with the help a powerful natural amenity running just alongside its limits.
Be sure to search & follow Municipal Equation on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast streaming service to always have the latest episode.
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The North Carolina Behavioral Health Equity Initiative is a grant program that supports policy and practice changes to address factors that impact behavioral health equity in historically marginalized North Carolina communities.
For 2022-23, NCBHEI funding is focused on addressing social determinants (non-medical factors) — that predicate & influence behavioral health disparities in North Carolina communities. Our objective is to tackle local problems caused by systemic and structural sources that trigger ongoing imbalances. We want to support sustainable policy and practice changes to improve the social and economic conditions for North Carolina communities and reduce behavioral health disparities. The deadline for application submissions is August 15, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EST. The initiative will fund up to 5 grantees at $42,000/year for 3 years.
This opportunity is restricted to entities based in North Carolina. Eligible applicants include local partnerships, alliances, organizations, coalitions, collaboratives, community schools, local government agencies, and non-profit organizations that serve low-income residents of North Carolina.
Visit our new website to get step-by-step instructions for how to apply for the 2022-23 North Carolina Behavioral Health Equity Initiative Grant.
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Flood Risk Reduction Grant Program
***Deadline: July 31***
The North Carolina Land and Water Fund was appropriated $15 million in the FY 2021-22 State budget to establish a flood risk reduction grant program. The goal is to reduce flood risks through the design, implementation, and preservation of nature-based infrastructure. Additional consideration will be given to projects that also deliver other ecosystem services or public benefits, demonstrate readiness to begin implementation, and benefit economically distressed communities.
Application for NCLWF Flood Risk Reduction grant funds is a two-step process. The first step is to complete a “Letter of Interest” (LOI) - link below. The LOI should briefly describe the project, its importance, and how flood risk would be reduced if implemented. Full project details are not required in the LOI. Those will be collected as part of the full application to be completed this summer and fall. However, this LOI is a mandatory application step and must be completed on or before the deadline of July 31, 2022 in order for your project to be considered for funding. The second step, a comprehensive long form application, will be available in September.
To see a recorded information session, view the video here:
NCLWF Flood Risk Reduction Program Q and A Session, June 9, 2022 - YouTube
To learn more about the program, read the guidelines and rating system here:
https://nclwf.nc.gov/flood-risk-reduction-program-guidelines-and-rating-system
To view or complete the online Letter of Interest application form, click here:
https://fs24.formsite.com/NCLWF/7vsdbywfnq/form_login.html
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Calling all small towns with populations fewer than 50,000! The next round of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant program will open on Friday, July 1, 2022. (Don't want to wait? You can apply for the current grant cycle until June 30, 2022.)
Brought to you in partnership with Main Street America and Smart Growth America, the T-Mobile Hometown Grant program provides grants of up to $50,000 to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities!
Since the program’s start, T-Mobile has given more than $4.4 million dollars to kickstart 100 community development projects across 36 states, including the latest grant winning recipients.
Towns with 50,000 people or less can apply for a grant of up to $50K to fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your community. For example, you could implement tech upgrades at your library, refresh a local park, or break ground on a new place where neighbors can connect.
Need more time to submit your application? The next round of funding opens October 1, 2022 with a deadline of December 31, 2022.
Learn More here: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants
Read more about previously funded projects here: https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/tmobile-presents-25-hometown-grants-to-help-small-towns-thrive
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can request a T-Mobile Hometown Grant?
T-Mobile is looking for elected leaders, town managers/employees, or non-profit leaders to submit the details for their project request using the Hometown Grant application. Small towns with populations less than 50,000 are eligible to apply.
What kinds of projects will T-Mobile fund?
T-Mobile Hometown Grants program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. For example, this might include the town square pavilion, a historic building, an outdoor park, a ball field, or a library-- every town has places where friends and neighbors connect.
See more answers to FAQs here.
Have additional questions? Email tmobilegrant@savingplaces.org
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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.
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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.
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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
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Four local governments in the region receive RTGF funding
Governor Roy Cooper announced that 30 local governments in rural areas across the state have been awarded grants from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund, a new source of support for rural economic development projects in North Carolina funded by the federal American Rescue Plan. A total of $20.1 million will be issued in this first round of grantmaking from the Fund, which helps local governments overcome challenges that limit their economic competitiveness. The North Carolina Department of Commerce and its Rural Economic Development Division administers the $48 million grant fund.
“North Carolina’s rural communities are our heart and soul, and we are committed to helping them grow and become more competitive,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Today’s awards will provide both the funds and the expertise to help transform and expand North Carolina’s rural economies, create good jobs, and strong communities.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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My Community Explorer Tool Update
Today we announced the release of major updates to our data explorer tool, My Community Explorer. The interactive, map-based tool highlights demographic and socioeconomic data. These data measure inequality and help inform data-based solutions.
The tool is designed to help users identify underserved communities as directed by the President's Executive Order 13985 on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce.
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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.
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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!
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The following are ARP Office Hours through the end of August. Note that we will focus several sessions on preparing for compliance portion of ARP/CSFLRF audits.
- Thursday, July 7, at 12:00pm (ARP compliance audit)
- Friday, July 15, at 8:30am (ARP compliance audit)
- Friday, July 22, at 8:30am (ARP compliance audit)
- Wednesday, July 27, at 12:00pm
- Thursday, August 4, at 8:30am (subawards)
- Friday, August 12, at 12:00pm
- Thursday, August 18, at 12:00pm
- Wednesday, August 24, at 8:30am
The Zoom link for all sessions is
https://zoom.us/j/91906998701?pwd=eWg0anp1MFJzSFVsU0FIYmduU3ZQUT09
Meeting ID: 919 0699 8701
Passcode: 912104
Updated Compliance & Reporting User Guides
COMPLIANCE GUIDE. Here is the most recent Compliance Guide. It provides a good overview of award terms and applicable Uniform Guidance provisions. It also sets out required reporting data elements for each Expenditure Category (EC). (It is a good reminder that if you are expending ARP/CSLFRF funds outside of the Revenue Replacement EC, there likely are additional data elements that you must track and report. Here is a template to help. You do not need to worry about these data elements if you are expending all your funds as Revenue Replacement.)
QUARTERLY PROJECT AND EXPENDITURE REPORT. Counties and municipalities who are receiving over $10 million in total ARP/CSLFRF funding must submit a quarterly P&E Report. The next report is due by July 31, 2022. Treasury has released on updated reporting guide here.
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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.
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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.
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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
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The UNC School of Government Releases it's new American Rescue Plan Website | |
Congratulations to Middlesex and Nash County! | |
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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.
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Upcoming Webinar:
Data.census.gov Q&A Webinar – July 2022
July 27: 2:00-3:00pm
During this webinar we will go over some of the most common questions we have received over the last several months as well as questions submitted via the chat.
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Essentials of Municipal Government
July 25 - 27 | Online Session
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.
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121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952
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