Vibrant Communities in a Robust Region Centralina Council of Governments Growing jobs & the economy, controlling cost of government, & enhancing quality of life
Dec 18, 2015
Vibrant Communities in a Robust Region
Centralina Council of Governments
Growing jobs & the economy, controlling cost of
government, & enhancing quality of life
A collaborative effort of local governments, businesses, and non-profits in the region around Charlotte, NC
A process for creating a Regional Strategic Framework for
Growing jobs & the economyControlling the cost of
governmentEnhancing quality of life
CONNECT Our Future is …
2
Our Regional Geography
3
Two-State Region includes:
• 14 Counties
• More than 100 municipalities
2011 HUD Grant: One of only 30 awarded in U.S., one of few fully funded
3
Build on the CONECT Regional Vision (2008)
Engage the full diversity of the region’s population in developing shared regional strategies for growth
Establish an ongoing network or organizational relationships to carry out those strategies
CONNECT Goals
4
A strong, diverse Economy
Increased Collaboration among jurisdictions
Sustainable, well-managed Growth
A safe and healthy Environment
High quality Educational opportunities
Enhanced Social Equity through community leadership and volunteerism
CONNECT Regional Vision
5
Challenges Communities Face Today
Planning appropriately for dramatic growth within the region, while maintaining community character
Meeting infrastructure needs – sewer, transportation – while controlling cost of government
Shared limited water resources
High unemployment; need for worker training, need for jobs and housing that attract/retain young people
Difficulty attracting businesses, need to revitalize old industrial/commercial areas
Lack of regional information and tools for decision-making
Continuing to build a vibrant community for our children and grandchildren
6
How Could a Strategic Framework Help?
Develop strategies for shared problems
Align regional job growth strategies with local planning
Identifying ways to stretch infrastructure dollars, strengthen local agriculture and keep community character intact while continuing to grow
ensure neighboring communities know and understand your community’s vision, and how it relates to their plans
7
What is the CONNECT Consortium?
• More than 100 public, private, non-profit member organizations
• Guides process to develop a regional strategic framework,
• With public engagement and alternative scenario assessment to develop a preferred future scenario
8
11
CONNECT milestones
• Define values, indicators• Develop current trend & alternative scenarios• Identify preferred scenario• Strategies, tools for implementation
Livability Principles: Provide More Transportation Choices to “… improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions …”
“ … consider the interdependent challenges of: (1) economic competitiveness and revitalization; (2) social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity; (3) energy use and climate change; and (4) public health and environmental impact.”
Regional Plan for Sustainable Development must “… integrate existing or emerging plans … [including] air and water quality plans, … climate change impact assessments …
Sustainable Communities program
13
and tie these plans to local comprehensive land use and capital investment plans.”
Air Quality & Climate Change work plan
Diesel/Black Carbon Technical Study
Assess projected 5-yr extent of Diesel BC emissions from major construction projects
Develop strategies for addressing Diesel BC emissions
Estimate potential impacts of recommended strategies (environmental, economic, and health)
14
Questions or Comments?Contacts:
www.centralina.org
Project Manager: Sushil Nepal, [email protected] Manager: Michelle Nance,
[email protected] Development Director: Vicki Bott, [email protected]
1515