Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971
April, 2022
News
Important Notice to Local Governments in our Area

April 1, 2022
 
 
Dear North Carolina cities and towns,
 
 
An important reporting deadline is approaching regarding the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program. The Project and Expenditure Report is due April 30, 2022. For many local governments, this will mark the first time filing reports with the U.S. Treasury.

It is crucial that all North Carolina cities and towns meet this April 30 deadline. Reporting and accounting for ARP funds will be among the foremost priorities of this generational opportunity, and while many questions remain about this step, there are numerous organizations ready to help you.

Together, the N.C. League of Municipalities and the Councils of Government around North Carolina represent those most invested in your success. As we’ve stated many times in the past, this direct federal funding represents an opportunity not just to recover from the pandemic, but to thrive long into the future. To ensure that potential is realized, we must build the administrative foundation by meeting reporting requirements.

Resources and guidance are available now. The N.C. League has built a website devoted to ARP, and recently published a blogpost sharing resources directly related to this reporting deadline. That site can be found at arp.nclm.org, and that blog post can be reached here. Your local COG has many additional resources on the ARP and beyond. To find and contact your local COG, see here.

We are ready to help you now, both in meeting the upcoming reporting deadline and making other preparations for the investment of ARP funds. And in the following weeks, months and years, you should continue to lean on our organizations for support. As you may know, both the League and the Councils of Government are receiving state ARP funds to help local governments manage these funds. This is allowing us to add resources and personnel as part of a robust network of guidance and technical assistance to you, our cities and towns. Please take advantage of this support now and in the future.
Thank you for your stewardship, your public service and your leadership. We know that you are building the future of North Carolina, and we are excited to support that goal. As you prepare your April 30 reports, please do not hesitate to reach out.
 
Sincerely,
 
Karen Alexander, President, North Carolina League of Municipalities
 
 
Robert Hiett, Chairman, North Carolina Association of Regional Councils of Government
National Opioid Settlement Finalized
 
State Attorney General Josh Stein announced final approval of the $26 billion opioid agreement with the country's three big pharmaceutical distributors (Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen) along with Johnson & Johnson with funds, set to be released to a national administrator in April. "Money will start flowing to state and local governments in the second quarter of 2022," stated a detailed press release that also included words from NCLM Executive Director Rose Vaughn Williams.
 
Williams said: “The finalization of this settlement and the resources that will result from it are crucial in addressing the damage done by the opioid crisis. Opioid addiction has negatively affected individuals, families and communities, and the work by Attorney General Stein, his staff and attorneys general nationwide to secure these resources will help communities across North Carolina see better outcomes for residents, as well as for the first responders and health care workers who have been on the front lines dealing with many of the consequences.... By supporting treatment and recovery, these dollars will assist individuals and families struggling with addiction, as well as make our communities safer.”
 
The state has an opioid settlement dashboard meant to offer tools and other information to local governments receiving the settlement funds.
USDA Unveils Resource Guide to Help Rural Entrepreneurs

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a resource guide to help people in rural America start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs in their communities and strengthen America’s economy. The guide features information on how rural entrepreneurs can use USDA and other federal programs to access financing and other assistance to help start and expand their businesses.
Funding/Grants
The Rural Economic Development Division’s Rural Transformation Grant Fund (RTGF) application cycle is open.
 
The Fund, created by the North Carolina General Assembly in Session Law 2021-180 (S.105), has an available pool of $48 million for grantmaking. We would like to share an IMPORTANT UPDATE about RGTF. Please see below.
 
Alert: RTGF Update

The Rural Transformation Grant Fund project categories have been recently designated as Revenue Replacement by the US Treasury. As a result, the direct COVID-19 Impact requirement will be relaxed relative to your project design and proposed outcomes. While our application and review process still require COVID-19 impact data relative to your community and the project; establishing a direct link between the impacts of COVID-19 and your proposed project is no longer required.
 
Per Senate Bill 105 Session Law 2021-180 SECTION 11.12.(f) Prioritization. – the Rural Economic Development Division shall prioritize disbursing grants under this section to units of local government that are (i) communities negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at a disproportionate level when compared to the rest of the State.
 
 
  
The Rural Economic Development Division will accept applications using its new online grant management system the Rural Connect Portal.
 
For more information, contact:
Hazel Edmond
Rural Engagement & Investment Program Director
The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the 2022 Multimodal Planning Grant Program The program provides funding for municipalities and counties across the state to develop comprehensive multimodal, bicycle or pedestrian plans.

Communities can apply for a variety of plan options to meet specific needs, including multimodal, bicycle or pedestrian plans. In addition, the following options are available:

  • Municipalities of all sizes and counties with populations of less than 100,000 with an existing bicycle or pedestrian plan may apply to update their plan if it is at least five years old.
  • Municipalities with populations of less than 10,000 may apply for a Project Acceleration Plan – an abbreviated plan that prioritizes project identification and implementation.

The deadline for applications, to be submitted electronically, is May 9 at 5 p.m. Award recipients will be notified by August.

This program is jointly sponsored by the department’s Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) and the Transportation Planning Division. To date, $7.5 million has been awarded to 238 municipalities and six counties across the state through this program.

Proposals are divided and judged in geographical groups to help establish equitable distribution of funding across the state. Selected recipients commonly include a diverse mix of municipalities from large cities to small towns.

Funded plans are not for one specific project but represent a comprehensive strategy for expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities within a community. The plans may address facilities, programs, policies and design guidelines that encourage safe walking and bicycling.

For more information on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative, contact Bryan Lopez at 919-707-2606 or balopez@ncdot.gov.
Kubota Tractor Corporation launched its second annual Hometown Proud grant program to support you, our nation’s local municipalities and nonprofits, who continue to work together to help keep our communities strong.

New this year in honor of its 50th Anniversary in the U.S., FIVE community projects will receive $100,000 to revitalize or refresh community spaces. And, in the spirit of Together We Do More, Kubota is mobilizing its network of 1,100 dealers to help power and empower YOU to enter to see your community vision come to life.

From public parks, community gardens, rodeo arenas, ag centers, and more, all entries will be considered and can be submitted now through April 15, 2022, at KubotaHometownProud.com.

Kubota Hometown Proud Summary

Calling all Nonprofits and Municipalities: Enter a community project into the Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program for a chance to win $100,000 to revitalize a community space. The application process is open now through April 15, 2022, and any community project – from parks and playgrounds to rodeo arenas or community gardens and more – is invited to enter. Five winners will be selected to win $100,000, then in July the public is invited to cast a vote for one of the top five winning projects. The community project with the highest number of votes will be presented with the Kubota Community Choice Award and will receive an additional $100,000 grant this August. Visit KubotaHometownProud.com to enter.

Deadline for applications is April 15, 2022.
FHWA: National Scenic Byways Program Grants
Application Period Now Open

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is now accepting applications for National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) that allows states and federally recognized Tribes to apply for $22 million in grants. The application period closes May 16.

The program funds improvements, such as byway facilities, safety improvements, and interpretive information, along roads in the United States that merit recognition at the national level for their outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural recreational and archeological qualities.
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.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Behavioral Health Care Support

Announcement Number:
HRSA-22-061
Bureau/Office:
Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
Date(s) to Apply:
01/18/2022 to 04/19/2022
Estimated Award Date:
09/01/2022

What is the program?

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is a multi-year initiative by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality of substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD) in high-risk rural communities. This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the RCORP–Behavioral Health Care Support (RCORP-BHS). RCORP-BHS will advance RCORP’s overall goal by improving access to and quality of SUD and other behavioral health care services in rural communities. For the purposes of this NOFO, improving rural behavioral health care service delivery includes increasing access to and utilization of prevention, treatment and recovery services to improve the care for those affected by behavioral health conditions, which may include substance use and mental health disorders.

Are you eligible?

Eligible applicants include all domestic public or private, non-profit and for-profit, entities including, but not limited to, faith-based and community-based organizations, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, state governments, and private institutions of higher education. In addition to the 50 U.S. states, organizations in the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated State of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau may apply. The applicant organization may be located in an urban or rural area.
EDA GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

  • EDA has array of programs available to support economic development projects and has resources available to assist in understanding program requirements and processes

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.

  • 2022 Environmental Enhancement Grant released, and applications being accepted
North Carolina has released the 2022 Environmental Enhancement Grant opportunity, inviting non-profits, institutions of education, and local government entities to apply for projects that will preserve and enhance North Carolina’s natural resources. Grants are expected to range from $5,000 to $500,000. To apply, interested parties must submit a letter of intent by March 31, 2022. To learn more, please go to: https://files.constantcontact.com/52fdd4d9601/d88b9819-baba-4626-8ff7-59a5a9b70766.pdf.

  • USDA accepting applications to support creation and augmentation of high-wage jobs and acceleration of new businesses in eligible low-income rural areas.
The US Department of Agriculture has released the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant opportunity and is accepting application. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, Tribes, institutions of higher education and non-profit entities. Applications can fund a wide array of activities that will lead to the advancement of higher wage opportunities in eligible low-income rural areas. Grants are anticipated to range between $500,000 - $2 million. Applications are due no later than 11:59 pm EST on April 19, 2022 through Grants.gov. To learn more, please go to: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants.

  • Reminder: NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant Cycle Now Open
The NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) are accepting application. This grant can be used to fund an array of projects to acquire park land or build or renovate park facilities. Local governments can request up to maximum $500,000 grant award and grants do require 50/50 matching rate.  Applications are due May 2, 2022.   To learn more, please go to: https://www.ncparks.gov/more-about-us/parks-recreation-trust-fund/applicants.

  • Reminder: Duke Endowment is requesting applications for “Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas”
The Duke Endowment is inviting applications for up to six new or existing multi-sector community coalitions in North Carolina to support further coalition building to address health issues. Applications are due by 5pm ET on June 15, 2022. For more information, please go to: https://ncha.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/foundation/ctdeinitiatives/EbM7KejzdcpAsd_MMSwwjYYBmP7vjk5d1s9TkMomaSwqGA?rtime=PCYuWZ3a2Ug.

  • Reminder: US DOT invites applications for RAISE grants
The US Department of Transportation has announced the availability of funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. This program is designed to support projects with significant local or regional impact. Applications are due by 5pm ET on April 14, 2022. For more information, please go to: https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-nofo.
N.C. Commerce: Rural Transformation Grant Program
Application Period Now Open

Applications are now open for a $48 million rural grant program that reflects a goal of North Carolina cities and towns in seeking increased economic development funding. The new Rural Transformation Grant Fund is open to local governments in Tier 1 and 2 counties along with qualified census tracts in Tier 3 counties. The application period closes May 2.

The grants can support:
  • Main Street and downtown investment and revitalization efforts
  • Initiatives that help create resilient neighborhoods
  • Community enhancements that spur economic growth

Professional development and education programs to build local government capacity
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.
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.
NC BROADBAND MATTERS ZOOMCAST:    
   Why Broadband Matters to Farmers (March 17, 2022)
Join us May 9 - 12, 2022 for the NCRWA 45th Annual Conference & Exhibition at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

Our conference has something to offer for everyone. This year's breakout sessions include tracks for Board/Management, Administrative, Regulatory/Legislative, Operation/Maintenance, and Backflow/Cross-connection.

For more information, please visit our website for a detailed brochure and registration information at https://www.ncrwa.org/annualconference.html.
CCLR's Tips for Getting Started on EPA Brownfield Grants Now

Brownfield grants from U.S. EPA are often a significant source of funding for the assessment and cleanup of sites with potential environmental contamination. This year, historic levels of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) means more grants and significantly larger grant awards, making it a good investment to submit an application. In our 20 years of experience reviewing draft EPA brownfield grant applications, the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) has found that those who get started early (and we mean 6-12 months prior) have a greater chance of success. Keep reading for our Top Three Tips for getting started on your application now!
Heirs Property Training

Please join us for a training on an issue affecting farmers across NC: heirs’ property. Heirs’ property is land that is jointly owned by descendants of a deceased person whose estate was never handled in probate court and is passed down from generation to generation. These joint owners (heirs) have the right to use the property, but none of them have a clear title.
Community Food Strategies hosts Black Family Land Trust on April 27 from 2-3:30 PM for an overview of heirs’ property issues and a conversation about how to resolve them. Several guest speakers will join to discuss potential solutions to the problem, including the Uniform Partition Act, introduced last year in the NC General Assembly.
This training is for anyone trying to resolve their own family heirs’ property challenges or advocates wanting to know how they can support members of their community who are facing these challenges.
Protecting Generational Land Assets: An Heirs’ Property Training for Food Councils and Their Stakeholders  

Wednesday, April 27, 2:00-3:30 PM


For questions contact Jared Cates, jared@carolinafarmstewards.org.
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.
ARPA Corner
April 30 is the ARP Reporting Deadline for Non-Entitlement Units

April 30 is an important American Rescue Plan reporting deadline for all non-metro cities in North Carolina. Please see our blog for information, tools and guides to help you complete the Project and Expenditure Report. We will continue to update this resource.
ARP Office Hours will continue:

Counties and municipalities receiving $0 – $10 million in total ARP/CSLFRF funding

  • Wednesday, April 6, at 8:30am
  • Monday, April 18, at 12:00pm
  • Thursday, April 28, at 8:30am

Counties and municipalities receiving over $10 million in total ARP/CSLFRF funding

  • Wednesday, April 13, at 8:30am
  • Wednesday, April 20, at 8:30am
  • Friday, April 29, at 12:00pm
  • Wednesday, May 4, at 8:30am

The Zoom link for all Office Hours is: 
Meeting ID: 940 1136 1206
Passcode: 522329
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.
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
The First Application Funding Round Utilizing ARPA Funds Will Be The
Spring 2022 Funding Round



Application deadline: May 2, 2022.    
WorkForce Development
AGING
Matching Funds Available for Rampin' Up
 
NCBAM is gearing up for their biennial ramp building event. Rampin' Up will be held on April 30 and May 7. Due to successful fundraising efforts last year, NCBAM has matching funds available for construction materials! Persons needing a ramp (or able to build a ramp) should call the NCBAM Call Center at 877.506.2226 for more information. 
Age-Friendly Insights Poll: Direct Care Workers Are Underpaid, Lack Support and Oversight

The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) asked people living in America about their opinions regarding the frontline workers in nursing homes and home care. The main takeaway is clear: Direct care workers need support now.

Key poll findings include:

  • People underestimate the care they will need as they age.
  • Nearly half of respondents said they do not think they will need support from a direct care worker as they age. In reality, 66% will.
  • An overwhelming majority support higher pay and more training for direct care workers. The current median wage is $13/hour and federal guidance suggests nine business days of training.
  • 72% of Americans overestimate how much direct care workers are paid.
  • Upon learning the median wage, 73% say direct care workers are underpaid.
  • 60% think direct care workers would benefit from more training.
  • People expect government oversight to help direct care workers protect older adults.
  • 94% of people believe government oversight of nursing homes and home care agencies is important to help direct care workers protect older adults.


The poll is part of Age-Friendly Insights, a JAHF series measuring opinions on issues related to improving the care of older adults and support for family caregivers. Read the first Age-Friendly Insights poll on nursing homes.
The Role and Value of Volunteers in Home- and Community-Based and Long-Term Care Programs for Older Adults

By Caryn Bruyere, Statistician, ACL Office of Performance and Evaluation

We know that every year, ACL-funded programs provide essential services and supports to millions of Americans to help them remain independent in their homes and maintain their health and well-being. But one fact that may be overlooked is that many programs rely heavily on the contribution of volunteers—individuals who give their time without pay to activities performed through an organization outside their own household.

For example, in some jurisdictions, nutrition programs (home-delivered meals and congregate meal sites) may actually be run by volunteers who perform the same tasks that paid staff members do in other areas. Also, senior centers or adult day programs with one or two paid staff members often rely on unpaid volunteers who provide important social activities, such as music or arts and crafts. Volunteers also often provide transportation to medical appointments.
In fact, without volunteers, many tribal, state, and local service programs could not provide nearly as many services, nor reach as many individuals in the community, as they currently do.
Falls in older adults on the rise


new study revealed that despite prevention efforts, falls in older adults have increased by about 1.5% annually, with wide variations in incidence based on geography. And this data does not even account for a greater prevalence of falls and related injuries in older people due to COVID-19-related restrictions, which increased sedentary behavior and physical inactivity.

“It could be that efforts aren’t working — or that they are, by mitigating even worse potential injury risk in the population,” said Geoffrey Hoffman, assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and co-author of the research letter, which appears in JAMA Network Open. “Either way, more investment in prevention, such as education and funding for fall education and prevention programs would help.”
Webinar: 5th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium

Register for the Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium. Mental health is critical to well-being at every age. Join a free virtual event on May 16 that will empower professionals with the latest tools to improve the lives of older adults in their communities. The all-day symposium is sponsored by the National Council on Aging, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, and E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging. Learn more and register here. 
Webinar: Bridging the Digital Divide to Increase Social Engagement

Join engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults for a webinar focused on bridging the digital divide to increase social engagement of older adults. During the webinar, Older Adults Technology Services from AARP will highlight how its Aging Connected campaign can help the Aging Network connect more consumers to affordable broadband and access social engagement opportunities. The Federal Communications Commission will then provide details on the Affordable Connectivity Program and resources for the consumers you serve. Attendees will also hear from the Eastern Oklahoma Development District Area Agency on Aging on how it helped consumers connect to broadband and how organizations can create similar strategies. This webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Click here to register. 
Webinar Series: Serious Illness Communications Strategies to Support Goal Concordant Care: A Team Approach

The NC Serious Illness Coalition has partnered with the Region L AHEC to offer a free two-part activity is designed to demonstrate the need as well as effective strategies for engaging a team to ensure high quality advance care planning conversations. It is based on the 2022 NC Institute of Medicine Serious Illness Task Force recommendations.


Learn more here.
Workshops/Webinars
NC COMMUNITY TREE WEBINAR:
 TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCES FOR NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPALITIES

Apr 20, 2022
11:00 am - 12:00pm
Tree Preservation for North Carolina Municipalities

This presentation will focus on tree preservation ordinances in North Carolina, with a focus on new development. We will present our current, best understanding of how to minimize the negative impacts of urban sprawl on our local environment and urban canopy. Participants will be able to use this information to develop tree protection ordinances to meet the specific needs of their community.

A webinar link will be emailed to registrants at least one day before the workshop.
Applications Due May 15
July 11-15, 2022
August 8-12, 2022
School of Government

The Public Executive Leadership Academy provides city and county managers, their assistants, and key department heads the opportunity to learn more about themselves as leaders and to gain skills to lead and manage change in their communities. Participants will choose a "real world" project for leading regional, community or organizational change and develop a plan, in consultation with their learning teams, for carrying it out.
 
This project will integrate and apply the leadership knowledge and skills developed during PELA. Participants will also work on a personal leadership development plan that will incorporate feedback from faculty, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
 
The application for the Class of 2022 is open under the Registration tab. A select group of 25 top public service leaders will be admitted to the program, to take place in two different phases at the School in Summer 2022.
 
 
Who Should Attend?
 
·    New and veteran municipal and county managers who want to strengthen their leadership and collaboration skills
·    Assistant managers and key department heads—our next generation of leaders
·    Acceptance into this program requires a minimum of 7 years’ experience in local government management with at least 5 years supervisory experience as a city or county manager, assistant manager, or department director.
 
What Will I Gain?
 
·    Expanded ability to diagnose problems and create solutions within your community and your organization.
·    Exchange of ideas with faculty from the School of Government and national organizations, as well as a diverse group of your peers.
·    Creation of a framework to think about your relationship with your board and staff.
·    Development of a plan to carry out a “real world” community or regional change project.
 
Note: Each hour of participation in PELA counts toward the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program and will satisfy the 40 hours of professional development required annually for ICMA credentialed managers. Continuing Education units (CEUs) also are available at an additional cost.

April 22, 2022
Online
It's more important than ever that people can find information, understand it, and use it. That's what Plain Language is all about, and applying these skills to your work will have immediate impacts. 
 
Plain Language is more than words, it is a reader-centered mindset that helps us produce clear content that is easy to find and easy to use. It’s words, design, images, and compassion working together.
 
During this one-day workshop, you’ll learn the basics of Plain Language and how to spot common weaknesses. You’ll be exposed to methods for evaluating and improving government communications. You’ll learn to communicate clearly with external and internal audiences. You’ll learn how others have embraced Plain Language techniques to save time and money and reduce conflict. You’ll leave with the knowledge you need to create a culture of clear communications in your own organization.
 
Plain Language is a learned skill and it always begins with understanding your audience. Bring your own examples of difficult-to-understand communications and leave with the tools you need to improve your organization.
 
Instructor Mary Jane Nirdlinger has over 20 years of public service experience and currently serves as the Deputy Town Manager in Chapel Hill. Her work experience includes local, county, state, federal, and private sector roles. She is passionate about making public sector information clear and useful because clarity builds trust, which is more important than ever. She conducts training and workshops on plain language skills and speaks on the topic at local and national conferences.
Essentials of Municipal Government In-Person Spring Offerings - Registration Open

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant required changes in the format and timing of some of the School’s Essentials of Municipal Government training sessions for newly elected municipal officials. We greatly appreciate your efforts to adjust to these changes to enable your officials to participate.

We have rescheduled two of the in-person programs to the spring, in hopes that the virus will have stabilized by then.  
Registration is now open for the in-person, Spring offerings of Essentials of Municipal Government. Click HERE for more information. 

We are also planning two additional in-person Essentials programs to serve officials elected in the 40+ municipalities where their fall 2021 elections were postponed due to Census data delays. These programs are tentatively scheduled for June* based on the December ruling of the NC Supreme Court setting May 17 as the primary date for elections in these jurisdictions. Should there be a further delay in the timing for these elections, we will adjust the program dates accordingly. Please note that municipal officials who were unable to attend previous EMG programs are welcome at these later sessions; participation is not limited to those affected by the delayed elections.
See below the dates and locations of upcoming, in-person Essentials of Municipal Government offerings.

+ April 13-14: Asheville - Register HERE
+ June 9-10: New Bern (post-primary) *tentative dates
+ June 16-17: Winston-Salem (post-primary) *tentative dates

Incumbents, managers, and clerks are all strongly encouraged to attend Essentials along with their newly elected officials. This course provides a great opportunity to develop new and strengthen existing relationships, so attending together is an excellent step towards working well.

*Should any of the affected municipalities need a second round of voting, runoff elections, or second primaries, those would be held either July 5 or July 26. If your municipality could be in one of these situations, please let us know so we can determine whether to plan one EMG session for late July.

If you have any questions, please contact our Lead Program Director Toogie Hampton at thampton@sog.unc.edu.  
121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952