NC's Covid State of Emergency to be Lifted Aug. 15, Gov. Cooper Announces

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced that he’d soon lift a state of emergency order dating back to the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The initial order Cooper issued in March 2020 has undergone many changes and was largely stripped after vaccines became widely available last year. But Cooper has kept the emergency declaration in place because the state Department of Health and Human Services wanted to make sure health care systems had the necessary staff to deal with an evolving public health issue.

Starting on Aug. 15, the order will be lifted.

The change comes as Cooper signed a $27.9 billion spending plan that included provisions the governor and state health officials wanted. Most states ended their states of emergency well before North Carolina, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.

                                                                                       CNBC/Bullpenal | Istock | Getty Images                                                                          

North Carolina Ranks No. 1

Designated as the best state for business, top megasite

North Carolina has a strong economy and a long track record of innovation. These are a few of the many reasons CNBC named North Carolina as America's Top State for Business.

The State has been ranked in the Top 10 since the study began in 2007. Thanks to a consistent boost in business and economy, North Carolina earned the coveted top spot.

In CNBC's rankings released Wednesday, it saluted the State's significant grant and loan programs for businesses; access to capital and the ability to attract $3.5 billion in venture capital investments last year; robust technology and innovations through the Research Triangle Park; and institutions being the leading recipients of funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health.

“North Carolina is the best place in America to do business and the main reason is our people,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “This is a great honor, and we’re going to continue to work with our state legislature, businesses, education leaders and employees to build the talented workforce and resilient infrastructure needed to support the high paying jobs of the next generation.” 

“North Carolina is proud of its economic success that continues to garner national recognition like being CNBC’s Best State for Business,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. "There are many factors for our success, including our central East Coast location, premier quality of life and low cost of business, but our greatest asset is our diverse and highly-skilled workforce that is supported by our top-rated education system."

“To say North Carolina had a record year in 2021 would be an understatement,” said Gene McLaurin, chair of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s Board of Directors.

“Our economic development successes would not have been possible without collaboration between Gov. Cooper, the N.C. General Assembly, the N.C. Dept. of Commerce, EDPNC, and other public and private partnerships, " added McLaurin. "Because of that collaboration, we have been able to create an award-winning business climate that the biggest companies in the world want to experience and use for their own successes, as well as for the successes of North Carolinians.” 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcing more than $573 million in available grant funding this year alone for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program. This new competitive discretionary grant program – which will help improve safety, eliminate lengthy delays at railroad crossings in communities across the country and ultimately lower the costs of transporting goods, making them more affordable for American families – was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be administered by the Federal Railroad Administration. At least 20% of available funding will go to rural and Tribal areas. In 2021, there were approximately 2,148 grade crossing incidents, resulting in 236 deaths and 662 injuries.

Duke Energy Foundation accepting social justice and racial equity grants



Duke Energy Foundation is accepting applications from North Carolina nonprofits to provide general operational grants to nonprofits working on social justice and racial equity. Applications are due August 31, 2022. For more information, please go to: Social Justice & Racial Equity Grants - Duke Energy (duke-energy.com).

How to Write an LOI:

Letter of Intent, Letter of Interest, Letter of Inquiry

You may be noticing that there are many foundations asking for an LOI before requesting a full grant proposal. A funding source also uses an LOI to determine if applicants align with their vision mission.

An LOI should be thought of as a mini-grant proposal where you hit each of the points generally required in a full proposal. It is your one or two page elevator pitch that needs to include, very briefly the organization’s background, mission and capacity, needs, goals, objectives, activities, evaluation, and budget. Your organization’s contact information should be checked and rechecked for accuracy. 

Asking for an LOI can help the funder to weed out organizations that are not a good fit or appropriate to receive their offered grant. Additionally, organizations also use the LOI to assess how much staff is needed in order to review the upcoming proposals. An LOI is a non-legally binding document that includes:

• an introduction to your project,
• contact information at your agency,
• a description of your organization,
• a statement of need,
• your methodology and/or an achievable solution to the need,
• a brief discussion of other funding sources, 
• as well as a final summary. 



Your LOI needs to demonstrate your passion. An LOI can be more difficult to write than a full grant proposal because of the limitations of space. Although foundations usually provide an outline for the LOI, we hope that the following tips will help you successfully win grants!

Should a Grant Writer Submit the Grant for Their Client?

Grant writers can perform many tasks. From locating potential funding opportunities and writing grant proposals, to developing a curriculum. However, how far do the services of a grant writer extend? Specifically, can they or should they submit the grant on behalf of the client?

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.

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

USDOT: Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program

Application Period Now Open

U.S. Department of Transportation will provide at least $5 billion in grants that will be made available under the new Safe Street and Roads for All (SS4A) program over the next five years to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways. The application period closes September 15.

The eligible entities that can apply for SS4A grants include cities, towns, metropolitan planning organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, counties and other special districts that are “subdivisions of a State.”

Accessibility for Parks Grant Program 

Application Period Now Open

The program is administered through the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

The Accessibility for Parks grant program provides $10 million for parks and recreation grants to benefit children and/or veterans with disabilities in North Carolina. Municipalities and counties are eligible to apply for the matching grants. The application period closes November 1.

The matching grants can be used to build special facilities or adapt existing facilities that meet the unique needs of children and/or veterans with physical and developmental disabilities. 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – PROJECT MANAGER

The Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (Wilson, NC) is seeking qualified applicants to join the Planning and Development Services Department and assist with the operations of the Council. The Project Manager is responsible for planning and implementing economic development grants and programs.

Job duties will involve performing professional program and project development, management and implementation including grant research, writing and award management, program/project management, and implementation of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This position will develop and implement strategies of regional importance, which may fall within, but are not limited to, the following CEDS goal areas: broadband infrastructure, digital literacy/inclusion, main street/downtown development, tourism, parks & recreation, historic preservation, transportation, entrepreneurship, economic competitiveness, and workforce development. Focus will be on meeting the priority needs of the organization, department, and member local governments to ensure resilient, equitable growth and development across the Upper Coastal Plain region.

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.

Where do Things Stand with NC Broadband Grants?

You can find the video here:

The PowerPoint can be downloaded here: 

For those who like to walk and learn, the audio only record is here.

For more such helpful videos, visit our website here:

https://ncheartsgigabit.com/videos/

To sign up for NC DIT's Broadband & Digital Equity Grant Stakeholder listserv, go here:

https://www.ncbroadband.gov/contact/email

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.

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.

Read More

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.

• 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. Treasury has released on updated reporting guide here.

Using American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Contract with Other Governments, Nonprofits, or Other Private Entities: Subawards

Kara Millonzi, 26 Jul 05:43 PM

As detailed in previous posts, NC local governments are receiving significant funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program (ARP/CSLFRF). The availability of these funds presents many opportunities but also poses challenges for local governments navigating the myriad compliance requirements. Many local governments are spending their ARP/CSLFRF funds for internal expenses (such as salaries and benefits), which trigger fewer compliance requirements, freeing up non-grant funds to be spent on new capital projects or programmatic expenses. (See detailed post on supplanting here.) But many other local governments are spending their ARP/CSLFRF funds directly for capital projects or operational expenses and will need to contract with external parties for goods or services. Local governments routinely enter into contractual agreements. They order supplies from vendors. They procure landscaping, janitorial, financial, audit, architecture, engineering, and IT services. They purchase land, vehicles, and equipment. They contract for construction or repair projects. They partner with nonprofits and other private entities to support community activities. They enter interlocal agreements with other government entities. They provide utility subsidy payments to low-income citizens. These are just a few examples of the myriad types of contracts local governments engage in for operational, capital, and programmatic purposes. Under federal regulations, if these external agreements involve ARP/CSLFRF funds, they take one of three forms—contracts, subawards, or beneficiary payments. Local officials must identify the category an agreement falls in and follow the applicable federal and state processes and substantive requirements for that category....Read More

New ARP/CSLFRF Capital Project Course on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 

In partnership with the Regional Association of Councils of Government, we are holding a new ARP/CSLFRF course on August 10. It will focus on all of the substantive and process requirements when using ARP/CSLFRF monies directly to fund a capital project. Using a water project as an example, we will walk through the process and all the detailed requirements from A to Z, highlighting common issues and providing detailed sample documents. The course will be offered live via Zoom on August 10. We will also make recordings of the course available for free on demand shortly after the live version. Participants must register for the live or on demand versions of the course. Registration is open now.

From A to Z: Using American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP/CSLFRF) to Directly Fund a Capital Project

When:    August 10, 2022 (live version)

              (on demand recordings will be available within a few weeks after the live course)

Time:     8:00am-5:00pm (with periodic breaks)

Format:  Zoom (link will be provided after registration)

Cost:      FREE

Registration:  Register Here 

ARP Update on Second Tranche of Funds

Cities and towns can expect to receive their second tranche of American Rescue Plan funds beginning this week, according to N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO), which will be distributing the funds to North Carolina's non-entitlement units. Metropolitan cities and towns will receive funds directly from U.S. Treasury. The distribution process is expected to take multiple weeks. 

More information on ARP funding and tranche amounts for both non-entitlement units and metropolitan cities can be found on our American Rescue Plan hub, here. 

For additional questions, you can reach out to NCPRO at ncpro.nc.gov/. 

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.

For more information, visit our ARP hub here.

What is Turning Point Workforce Development Board?  Click Here to Find Out! 

Also Check out several other informative videos on our YouTube channel here: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1FK8v9NENeWcsp_BceRlQ

New 988 Dialing Code for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis

988—the new universal three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention and mental health crisis—goes into effect nationwide on Saturday, July 16, 2022. SAMSHA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) will administer the new “988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,” which will replace the current toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Importantly, the pre-existing 10-digit number will remain active and will connect callers to the new 988 Lifeline. 

The 988 Lifeline is designed to become a simple alternative to both 911 and the existing 1-800 number. One of the goals of the new number is to reduce the use of 911 for suicide and mental health crises, because calling 911 in such situations too often results in inadequate or inappropriate intervention by the police, or unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration. Calling 988 instead will direct the caller to representatives specifically trained in the management of suicide risk and other mental health crises. 

This new, simplified tool is critical for older adults and those living with a disability because such individuals are at greater risk for mental health crisis and suicide. As SAMSHA pointed out in its Appropriations Report for 988, suicide rates are higher among older adults. Among men, the suicide rate is highest for adults aged 75 and older, while among women, the suicide rate is highest among those aged 45 to 64. Likewise, a recent study found that people with disabilities were significantly more likely than those without disabilities to report suicidal ideation, planning, or attempt. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers a simpler and more effective way for older adults and those living with disabilities to access help in the event of a mental health crisis.

What’s the Best Way to Pick a Nursing Home for a Loved One?

On any day, a doctor might tell a family, “Sorry, your mom can’t live on her own anymore.” And the need for finding a nursing home becomes very urgent. How can families make a good decision during a time that’s often fraught?

When the time comes near to choose a nursing home for a loved one, the ideal path is to visit one or more facilities and talk with administrators, staff, and residents, according to people familiar with this transition.

But for many families, the need for a nursing home is an urgent one, precipitated by a fall or a catastrophic illness that has suddenly rendered a loved one unable to cope at home. 

Several online resources can help people who are looking for the best possible care. It’s popular to “do your own research” on choices such as this, but it can be difficult to find the time and expertise to look into nursing homes, especially since many people enter the long-term care system in crisis. 

Public and nonprofit experts helped North Carolina Health News compile a list of some sources of information about skilled nursing facilities across the state.

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.

Minority Participation Programs and Public Contracting

August 15-16, 2022|Chapel Hill, NC

This course will examine federal and state laws that encourage participation in public contracts by historically underutilized businesses (“HUBs”), minority and women-owned business enterprises (“MWBEs”), and disadvantaged business enterprises (“DBEs”). 

Instructors also will address the practical aspects of running a HUB / MWBE program, including preparing for a disparity study, the development of a HUB/MWBE plan, monitoring contractor compliance with HUB /MWBE requirements, following reporting requirements, and building the capacity of HUB or MWBE firms.

This course is offered in conjunction with a new certification (“Certified Economic Inclusion Officer” or “CEIO”) offered by the N.C. MWBE Coordinators’ Network and assisted by the UNC School of Government. Individuals seeking CEIO certification will demonstrate sufficient knowledge, abilities, and experience in legal requirements and practical aspects of administering a HUB, MWBE, or DBE program in the State of North Carolina.

To obtain CEIO certification, applicants must, among other things, complete this course and

·    Basic Principles of Local Government Purchasing (July 26-29, 2022)

·    Contracting for Construction and Design Services (January 30-February 1, 2023)

Additionally, applicants must pass an examination administered by the UNC School of Government. More information is available here. 

Health Begins is Hosting a Webinar on use of Health Equity Zones to Advance Place-based Community

Development

Health Begins is hosting a webinar on August 17 at 1:00pm entitled, “Health Equity Zones: Opportunities for Plans, Providers, and States to Align & Advance Equity by Place.” This webinar will showcase how communities are using identification of health equity zones to advance focus and impact on addressing underlying health outcomes and community development goals.  

To register, please go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdOCuqzsiEtUfnGlMPa20zFwhawm8R6hb.

Building Healthy Places

Webinar from Leverage NC 

August 17 at 10 a.m.

Many factors affect human health, including genetics, personal behavior, and medical care, but this workshop will explore the relationship between health and the built environment. It will look at the many ways that the design of our buildings and communities affects our physical health and mental well-being. In many places, physical activity, once part of our everyday lives, has been designed out of our daily routines.

This webinar will examine what communities can do to create healthier buildings and neighborhoods. It will set out fundamental principles for building healthy places and showcase numerous examples of what both builders and local communities are doing to make healthy choices easy and more profitable.

Register Here

10 Critical Elements that Will Make Tomorrow's Communities

Webinar from Leverage NC

September 7 at 10 a.m.

The world has changed, and consumer preferences have changed with it. People are reconsidering the definition of home, where they live, how they live, how they interact when using technology, and so much more. This session will provide insights into the future that should impact how to plan, design, and develop tomorrow's communities.

Hear from a nationally renowned urban thinker, Mitchell Silver, about the ten critical elements you need to know about to prepare for tomorrow.

Registration Open:

ON DEMAND Ethics for Local Elected Officials

Registration for Ethics for Local Elected Officials On-Demand is now open! For more information or to register click HERE. This is an on-demand or pre-recorded training.  

After you register, the course will appear on your Canvas dashboard.  

Fundamentals of Property Tax Collection

Registration for the School of Government’s Fundamentals of Property Tax Collection program is now open. The program will be held in-person September 27-29, 2022, at the School of Government.

This course focuses on law and practice governing the collection of county and municipal property taxes. It is designed to help new tax office employees learn the basics of tax collection while also providing a refresher for tax office veterans.

Certification: Required course for certification through North Carolina Tax Collectors Association. The final examination requires a passing score of 70% for certification approval. The final examination will be available online and taken through Canvas. Details will be discussed on the first day of class. 

Duration: This course will take place Tuesday Morning, all day Wednesday, and will wind up Thursday early afternoon, September 27-29, 2022 at the UNC School of Government. Additionally, there will be pre-work to complete, available online a week prior to the start of the class.  The program agenda with specific times will be posted at the link below soon.

For more details about the program and to register, please visit the course page by clicking  HERE.

Design Imperatives: Community, Place, Planet

September 15-16, 2022 

Sheraton, Downtown Raleigh 

go.ncsu.edu/cgi-conference

The Fall 2022 conference will examine Place, Community and Planet and offer ideas for how individuals, companies, local governments and other institutional partners can work together to address and resolve the challenges of today and tomorrow. We will begin with mobile workshops that are intended to showcase the diversity of work currently underway in South Raleigh, including NC State’s Centennial Campus, Dix Park, Shaw University and across Southeast Raleigh. Thursday evening, NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson will lead a discussion that focuses on community growth and development strategies that are being implemented across North Carolina. Friday session speakers will explore the theories and policies of climate change, transportation, and community development, with a focus on programs and projects that offer state-of-the-practice solutions. Also on Friday, Town Hall-inspired discussions will encourage audience participation and then the conference will conclude with a look ahead, focusing on ways that the design community is engaging with these issues.

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