Welcome to "The Pine Needler," your go-to source for all things happening in the Central Pines Region! We're here to keep you in the loop with our bi-monthly updates on upcoming events and regional news. Stay connected with us as we bring you the latest happenings and stories that will surely make your day pine-tastic! | | Water Infrastructure Report Highlights | The Institute for Emerging Issues' Strategies for Strengthening Our Water Infrastructure report highlights many of the water challenges facing communities across the Central Pines region. The Strategy notes that governments must balance growth with protecting drinking water supplies, maintaining aging infrastructure, addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability of their enterprise fund. The report underscores the importance of watershed protection, proactive planning, and regional collaboration to meet these challenges. | Central Pines is ready to help put these recommendations into action. We provide strategic planning, utility rate studies, and connections to the regional water supply and water quality partnerships we administer, helping communities share expertise and address water challenges together. To learn more or discuss your community's needs, contact Program Manager Chris Lawson at clawson@centralpinesnc.gov. We'd love to hear about your experiences and how we can help. | |
- Water Infrastructure Report Highlights
- Lead for NC Fellow Grace Berry Joins CPRC Team
- AI in Local Government Training
- LOGO Career Expo
- Federal Housing Bill Becomes Law
| Popular Links & Resources |
- Career Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
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Lead for NC Fellow Grace Berry Joins CPRC Team
We have been delighted to have Lead for NC Fellow Grace Berry on staff at CPRC for the past year. In this blog post, Grace reflects on the experiences she's had during her time in the Pines.
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We are also excited to announce that as of July 2026, Grace is on staff at CPRC full time as a Management Analyst! Local Government Services Director Alana Keegan shared, "Grace brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all of her work, no matter the task or topic. She is passionate about good government, and prides herself on being a resource to those around her. I am so thrilled we were able to offer her a full-time position after her fellowship ended, as she has become a key part of the Member Support team and our organization." We are excited to have the opportunity to continue working with Grace!
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AI in Local Government Training
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way organizations work, and local governments are increasingly exploring how these tools can support operations, improve efficiency, and enhance public services.
| This interactive workshop, hosted by Central Pines Regional Council's Strategy & Innovation group in partnership with the Beeck Center, is designed to help local government professionals better understand the opportunities, risks, and practical applications of AI in the public sector. | |
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Location: CPRC Office, Durham & Virtual
Cost: Free for local government staff and officials
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Help Us Spread the Word About the Local Government (LOGO) Career Expo
The 2026 Local Government Career Expo is coming to the McKimmon Center in Raleigh on Saturday, August 29, from 1:00 –4:00 pm. The Expo connects local governments from across central North Carolina with job seekers interested in meaningful careers in public service. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet employers, explore career paths, and learn about the many rewarding opportunities available in local government.
| We encourage you to share this event with your networks, including students, recent graduates, job seekers, community organizations, and anyone considering a career change. Whether through your newsletter, social media, website, or other communications, your support helps us reach the next generation of local government professionals and strengthen the workforce that serves our communities. | |
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Location: McKimmon Center
Cost: Free for Job Seekers
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Federal Housing Bill Becomes Law
On July 11th, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law, making it one of the most significant federal housing bills passed in a few decades. The law includes an array of different housing provisions intended to help address the nation's current housing shortage, including changes that make it easier to build new housing and provisions that limit the purchase of single-family homes by large institutional investors. You can also expect to see an established a pilot program for regional housing planning grants, which could potentially create new opportunities for neighboring communities to work together on housing and related topics such as zoning and development.
| The law does not change state or local authority over land use and zoning decisions, but it does explicitly encourage communities to adopt policies that support housing development through incentives. More in-depth information explaining the bill is available from the Bipartisan Policy Center below. | | | | | Work Local in the Central Pines Region | |
There are so many amazing career opportunities to serve your community and work for local government in the Central Pines Region. Check out the most recent job postings here!
| | | Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | | | |
