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Vibrant Communities in a Robust Region. Centralina Council of Governments. CONNECT Our Future is …. 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
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Vibrant Communities in a Robust Region Centralina Council of Governments
CONNECT Our Future is … • 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 economy • Controlling the cost of government • Enhancing quality of life
Our Regional Geography • 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
CONNECT Goals • 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 Regional Vision • 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
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
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
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
CONNECT milestones • Define values, indicators • Develop current trend & alternative scenarios • Identify preferred scenario • Strategies, tools for implementation
Sustainable Communities program • 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 … 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)
Questions or Comments?Contacts:www.centralina.orgProject Manager: Sushil Nepal, snepal@centralina.orgBlueprinting Manager: Michelle Nance, mnance@centralina.orgGrants Development Director: Vicki Bott, vbott@centralina.org 15