Robert Hiett
Executive Director
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Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971 | |
Mr. Gregory Browning recently completed his two-year tenure as the Chairman of the North Carolina Association of Regional Councils of Government Forum. He was presented with a plaque in appreciation at our March Board meeting. Thank you Mr. Browning for a job well done! | |
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UCPCOG Hosts Disaster Recovery Public Assistance Financial Administration Training
Member governments across the Upper Coastal Plain region were invited to join UCPCOG for a training focused on financial administration of public assistance funds for disaster recovery on Monday, March 18. This training was hosted at Nash Community College by the UCPCOG Planning & Development Services Department and was part of a project funded by the North Carolina Emergency Management and the NC Association of COGs. The 40 attendees gained knowledge and tools to build and maintain the necessary financial systems and identify the staff support needed to administer and report on the utilization of disaster recovery funds. They left more aware of the FEMA/NCEM Public Assistance (PA) Program, the tools, resources, contacts they can call upon for support, and best practices to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Special guests from Halifax County Emergency Management, NC Emergency Management, and the NC Forest Service participated in the discussion to provide expert insights and real world examples. Future offerings of this course are in the planning stage. If you are interested in learning more about UCPCOG’s disaster recovery financial administration trainings, please contact PDS Director Ben Farmer at bfarmer@ucpcog.org or (252)-234-5966.
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Hometown Strong Initiative
Town of Sims
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On March 13, 2024, Mayor Boykin and Commissioner Mike Sealy met with representatives from Governor Roy Cooper’s Hometown Strong Initiative to discuss the needs of the town. Hometown Strong is an initiative dedicated to supporting the rural counties of North Carolina. Their mission is to empower rural communities by providing resources and support to improve the quality of life for residents. They focus on economic development, education, healthcare, and community engagement.
Just a few of the topics covered were the need for broadband internet, a new community center, sidewalks and Bike Paths. The economic development and revitalization of Sims were also discussed, as well as the infrastructure of the town.
Through this initiative, the Town of Sims is now part of a network that allows for more support from surrounding communities and counties from across the state, making grants and special programs more accessible. Stay tuned for more updates about this exciting opportunity in months to come.
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Funding Opportunites and Resources | |
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Funding Opportunity: Center for Dementia Respite Innovation
The new Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) is now accepting applications for grants to support innovation in respite care. The CDRI will award up to $20 million over five years to local respite care providers to develop and improve the quality of available services, especially in underserved communities.
What You Need to Know:
· RFP: Review the request for proposal here.
· LOI: Find optional Letter of Intent here.
· Application: Get started on your application here.
· Deadline: Submit application by Saturday, June 1, 2024, 11:59 PM
· Award Notification: July 1, 2024
· Participation period: August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025, with the opportunity to reapply for a continuation award for an additional year of funding.
· Learn more here.
CDRI will support grant recipients through online training and technical assistance, and will collect data and study the outcomes of these projects to inform public policy.
USAging is a partner in the CDRI with the Alzheimer’s Association and Joseph Gaugler, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota.
The CDRI is made possible by a grant from the Administration for Community Living.
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Center on Rural Innovation Releases BEAD Funding Guide
The Center on Rural Innovation has released a Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Funding Guide to explain key sections of the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity. This guide walks internet service providers (ISPs) and their stakeholders through the information and criteria they need to know as they prepare to apply for a grant. Click here to learn more.
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Upcoming Environmental Justice Funding Opportunities
Environmental Justice Funding Opportunities
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to invest 40 million dollars into Environmental Justice (EJ) grants across the country. The EPA’s funding opportunities are expected to award non-profits with grants ranging from $100,000-$500,000 and US Territories, local governments, and federally recognized tribal government with access to $20 million in funding through the State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement (SEJCA) Program. $50 million is dedicated to the creation of Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTAC), one-stop-shops dedicated to supporting environmental justice initiatives in under-served communities.
A 14 minute presentation from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality covering these funding opportunities can be found here.
Other Resources
· EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center
· EPA Grants
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SITE PROGRAM
Golden LEAF recognizes that rural and economically distressed communities must have sites available for development to attract new businesses and create opportunities for existing businesses to expand. To address this need, Golden LEAF created the SITE Program. Through this program, Golden LEAF will provide support to communities to identify potential sites for economic development, enable completion of due diligence on sites already identified, or extend public utilities to or conduct grading and clearing of sites for which due diligence has been completed. Golden LEAF will accept applications from organizations in all counties, but will prioritize awards within counties that have been persistently economically distressed (as demonstrated by County Tier status determined by the N.C. Department of Commerce) and in economically distressed, rural, and tobacco-dependent communities.
The SITE Program consists of the three phases described below. Communities will be able to participate in the program in any of the three phases, and a site may progress from Identification through to Development over time.
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SITE Program – Identification provides support to identify potential industrial sites in communities that do not currently have quality industrial sites to market.
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SITE Program – Due Diligence provides funding to complete eligible due diligence activities such as environmental assessments, archaeological analyses, and mapping.
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SITE Program – Development provides funding for public infrastructure and, for publicly owned sites, clearing and grading, to benefit sites that have completed the due diligence necessary to demonstrate that the site is suitable for development.
If you’re not sure which phase is right for your project, we have a few questions to help guide you.
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EDA accepting applications to support public planning and construction/renovation projects that advance job creation and economic development
The Economic Development Administration is a federal agency that provides grant funds to support a range of construction and non-construction activities which will advance economic development and enhance the competitive environment in which jobs can be created and private investment leveraged. Public entities, or nonprofit entities working in collaboration with local governments, looking for support to construct or renovate public assets, or to conduct analysis or regional technical assistance programs with clear economic development outcomes should consider EDA’s grant programs. EDA currently has a range of programs available. For further information, please go to https://eda.gov/funding-opportunities/.
North Carolina applicants are also encouraged to reach out to the NC EDA representative, Hillary Sherman at hsherman@eda.gov to discuss program requirements and processes and alignment with potential projects.
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PROTECT
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity
Summary
The vision of the PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program is to fund projects that address the climate crisis by improving the resilience of the surface transportation system, including highways, public transportation, ports, and intercity passenger rail. Projects selected under this program should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities. They should support the continued operation or rapid recovery of crucial local, regional, or national surface transportation facilities. Furthermore, selected projects should utilize innovative and collaborative approaches to risk reduction, including the use of natural infrastructure, which is explicitly eligible under the program.
The NOFO can be found on grants.gov at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347585.
More information on this NOFO and the PROTECT Program can be found at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/protect/discretionary.
Applicant questions should be directed to: PROTECTdiscretionary@dot.gov
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Made possible with funding from the USEPA | |
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UCPCOG is co-hosting a low-cost Board Training in May with the UNC School of Government
The School of Government is hitting the road. In April and May, they will be in regional locations across the state to lead half-day workshops on legislative zoning decisions (rezoning, conditional zoning, zoning text amendments). These workshops will focus on the procedures and considerations for legislative land use decisions. The target audience is planning boards, governing boards, and the staff that serve them. UCPCOG is partnering with SOG to host the event in Rocky Mount at Nash Community College on May 8. There will also be an online offering.
- Rocky Mount (Nash Community College): May 8, 2024, 1:00 – 4:30
- Online: May 16, 2024, 1:00 – 4:30
There are also events in other areas of the state, including Chapel Hill. UCPCOG is only co-hosting the Rocky Mount offering and recommends you select that one if you are available. Invite your planning boards and boards of adjustment! AICP credit available.
REGISTER HERE.
Additional information
Purchasing the Workshops:
Group Registrations: Groups of 5-20 people can receive a $10 per person discount. You must designate one person to register all parties in the same transaction to activate the discount.
A. Who should purchase from your unit:
- If you want to receive the group rate, have your one person register everyone in a single transaction.
- Anyone wishing to receive AICP credit for this workshop must be registered and attendance will be verified.
- Do you have to purchase the webinars for each person watching from your board? Yes.
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Adding noreply@sog.unc.edu; uncsog@learningstream.com and aginserra@sog.unc.edu to your contacts will increase the chance of the email getting through.
Issues with purchasing? Simply email the SOG registration department directly at registration@sog.unc.edu for issues with the registration/purchase process, passwords, or logging in. Provide your phone number and brief summary of your issue and someone from that department will contact you shortly. This is the fastest way to get assistance as there are multiple people in that department who can respond to you quickly.
Speaker Bio
Learn more about the instructor, Jim Joyce, here.
If you have any questions, please contact Ben Farmer: bfarmer@ucpcog.org
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Need technical assistance? UNC Environmental Finance Center is here to help!
The UNC Environmental Finance Center offers free one-on-one technical assistance for small water systems. If you have an interest in our support, fill out our interest form here.
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BRIC Direct Technical Assistance for Communities & Tribal Nations
Submit Your Request!
FEMA is Offering BRIC Direct Technical Assistance for Communities and Tribal Nations.
FEMA offers direct technical assistance for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance (BRIC DTA) initiative provides tailored support to communities and tribal nations that may not have the resources to begin climate resilience planning and project solution design on their own. Through process-oriented, hand-in-hand assistance, BRIC DTA will partner with communities interested in enhancing their capability and capacity to design holistic, equitable hazard mitigation solutions that advance community-driven objectives.
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ARPA Update
ARP OFFICE HOURS
- Wednesday, April 10, 12-1pm
- Friday, April 19, 8:30-9:30am
- Wednesday, April 24, 8:30-9:30am
- Monday, April 30, 8:30-9:30am
Zoom Information:
https://zoom.us/j/95481909044?pwd=UlE2VHNhN2luS0JEYTJqeTZTMFRWdz09
Meeting ID: 954 8190 9044
Passcode: 779726
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,95481909044# US
+19292056099,,95481909044# US (New York)
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Have you reviewed guidance and other resources and still have questions about getting started and administering your local ARPA funds? For technical assistance, please contact your Upper Coastal Plain Council Of Governments. We are here to help!
Betsy Kane, Senior Regional Planner, phone 252-234-5902
email: bkane@ucpcog.org
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Let us know you'd like to build a ramp! | |
Dementia Friendly America Launches New Website
In 2025, USAging will celebrate 10 years of Dementia Friendly America! In anticipation of this milestone, we have launched a redesigned DFA website. Take a look and explore DFA’s tools and resources.
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Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected from the National Institute on Aging
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. Older adults who spend a lot of time alone may be vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have negative effects on their health and well-being. Engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help people stay healthy and be happier. Visit the National Institute on Aging for more information.
Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
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Scams can happen to anyone — don’t be ashamed if you or someone you know has been a victim. Scammers are savvy and persuasive, and their scams are designed to catch people off guard. Some common scams aimed at older adults include:
- Government impersonator scams, such as someone posing as a Medicare representative asking for account information
- Fake prize, sweepstakes, and lottery scams, when you are asked to pay money or provide account information to claim a prize
- Computer tech support scams, where someone tells you your computer has a problem and asks you to pay to fix it over the phone
- The grandparent scam, in which the caller pretends to be a grandchild or other relative in distress
Scammers tend to target older adults since they are less likely to report suspected fraud. Learn about steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams.
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SSA Scam Alert: Don’t Hand Off Cash to "Agents"
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has issued this alert in response to increased reports of impersonation scams involving in-person cash hand-offs.
SSA OIG is receiving alarming reports that criminals are impersonating SSA OIG agents and are requesting that their targets meet them in person to hand off cash. SSA OIG agents will never pick up money at your door or in any type of exchange. This is a SCAM!
NEVER exchange money or funds of any kind with any individual stating that they are an SSA OIG agent. This new scam trend introduces an element of physical danger to scams that never existed before. This recent method of handing cash directly to a phony agent is a dangerous twist on a known scam tactic that pressures individuals to pay in a specific way by using cash or gift cards. SSA OIG and official government agencies do NOT conduct business in this manner.
“This is the latest example of how scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to intimidate or pressure people into making hasty decisions that usually involve stealing their target’s hard-earned money,” said Inspector General
Gail S. Ennis. “While our agents are out in the field, they will not ask you for money. I urge you not to respond to these kinds of requests.”
What to do if You Have Been Scammed
Stop talking to the scammer. Notify financial institutions and safeguard accounts. Call the police and file a police report. File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Report Social Security-related scams to SSA OIG. Report other scams to the Federal Trade Commission. Keep financial transaction information and records of all communications with the scammer.
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Are you ready to redefine what it means to age gracefully and with dignity? Join the Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the NC Department of Insurance, at the highly anticipated 2024 Aging Conference with the inspiring theme: Reframing Aging, Aging with Dignity.
Whether you're a professional in the field or simply passionate about promoting healthy aging, this event is perfect for you. Let's come together to shape a brighter future for aging, one filled with dignity and respect. Don't miss out!
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, there is NO COST to attend. A catered lunch is included with your registration.
Conference attendees will gain valuable knowledge from renowned speakers in the field of aging and healthcare, have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who share your passion for aging with dignity, participate in interactive workshops designed to empower and educate on aging-related topics and leave feeling motivated and empowered to embrace the aging process with a positive mindset.
Registration: Registration is now live! Secure your spot today to embark on this transformative journey towards reframing aging. Either scan the QR code below, or click here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/.../aging-conference-tickets...
Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a movement that celebrates the wisdom and beauty that comes with age. Let's redefine aging together!
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School of Government FY 23-24 Course Catalog
As the School of Government looks ahead to 2023-2024, we are pleased to release our updated course catalog.
The courses in this catalog focus on topics related to local government law, finance, management, administration, and leadership.
This catalog lists all scheduled courses at the time of its printing. Additional courses may be added throughout the year.
For up-to-date-information, view upcoming course opportunities online.
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Contract Management in Local Government
May 15-17, 2024 | Chapel Hill
9:00am-12:15pm | Course Cost: $450
This course will address the management, networking, and legal aspects of contracting for North Carolina local governments. We will review several topics to broaden participants’ scope and understanding of public contracting issues. This course will equip public managers to appreciate various make-or-buy decision techniques, learn about management and legal challenges in contracting and how to mitigate them, identify various ways to design context-driven contracts and learn how to select, administer, and manage contracts. This course is developed for all local public officials at mid-career and supervisory levels.
What You'll Learn:
- Identify issues in the contracting decision-making process
- Identify various options for contract design
- Better understand contractor and vendor relationship management
- Better understand how to contract with nonprofit organizations
- Better administer, monitor, and assess contract efficacy
- Appreciate challenges and find solutions in public contracting
- Appreciate legal limitations in the contracting process
Click here to view the course page and to register for the course
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On-Demand Courses Available Now | Ethics and Newly Elected Leaders Bundle
Ethics for Elected Municipal Officials
The League's General Counsel Office has developed an online Ethics training for members that meets the state statutory requirements. This engaging, on-demand course offers insights into the laws and principles that govern conflicts of interest, ethical standards of conduct at the local government level, and provides enhanced issue-spotting analysis and reasoning skills.
Register Here
Want To Take Ethics As A Group?
The League is now offering the ability for members to take their Ethics training as a group. For example, if your full council would like to take the Ethics course together during a meeting, you can view it under one person's account, but each registered attendee present will receive credit. If you are interested, please email Grace Findley to make sure each participant receives full credit.
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121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952
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