Friday, November 6 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

As data center proposals continue to emerge across our region, communities are looking for practical tools to guide local decision-making. We’re pleased to invite you to a webinar introducing our newly created data center ordinance template.

During this session, we’ll walk through the template, share how we developed it, and discuss how communities can adapt it to reflect their own local needs. We’ll also hear from those of you working through these issues in your own communities.

Plenty of time will be reserved for questions. You can submit them in advance when you register or ask them live during the webinar.

A Thank You

To the planning staff and directors who took part in our Regional Data Center Working Group or shared resources and feedback along the way: thank you. This topic continues to change regularly, and your time, perspectives, and experience have helped keep this work current and realistic.

Friday, November 6 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Central Pines Regional Council | Durham

How can local governments adapt to emerging challenges while building stronger, more effective organizations? The Strategy & Innovation Group brings together peers from across the region to exchange ideas, share experiences, and turn conversations into practical resources and collaborative projects.

At this meeting, you’ll connect with colleagues, share your priorities, and help shape the group’s focus and collaborative work for the coming year.

About the Group

The Strategy & Innovation Group is an informal network open to professionals across our member governments and partner organizations. Whether you’re early in your career, leading a team, or looking to collaborate on a regional challenge, there’s a place for you.

Topics the group may explore include:

• Artificial intelligence and emerging technology
• Workforce, workplace culture, and leadership development
• Strategic planning, performance measurement, and evaluation
• Community engagement and organizational improvement

Complete our interest survey to join the email list, receive meeting invitations, and tell us which topics matter most to you! If you have questions, contact Hannah Schuette at hschuette@centralpinesnc.gov.

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), and the Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO) have launched the Triangle Travel Survey to better understand how residents travel across the region. The information collected will help shape future transportation investments throughout the greater Triangle region.

If you receive a postcard mailed to your home, start the survey by visiting TriangleTravelSurvey.com. Participants who complete the survey will receive a gift card as a thank you.

The Census Bureau has proposed changes to the decennial census residence criteria and demographic questions. The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) submitted comments on October 13 urging the Bureau to keep its existing methodology.

NARC recommends:

• Keeping the current April 1 residence standard
• Continuing to count all U.S. residents, regardless of citizenship status
• Retaining key demographic questions

The proposed changes could lead to less accurate data, making it harder for regions and local governments to plan for transportation, economic development, and service delivery, and potentially limiting federal funding for communities.

The public comment deadline has been extended to November 2, 2026. We encourage you to use NARC’s letter as a starting point for your own comments to the Census Bureau and to contact your congressional delegation, since Congress has final approval over the census questions.

Do you know someone in your community who deserves a little recognition? Nominations are now open for the Central Pines Regional Council Golden Pinecone Awards, and we’d love to hear about the people and projects making a difference across our region.

Nominate in three categories (open to anyone):

• Evergreen Excellence: A local government staff member, at any level, who demonstrates dedication, innovation, and a positive impact in their community.
• Longleaf Leadership: An elected official who has shown exceptional leadership, vision, and service to their community and the region.
• Rooted in Results: A project that strengthened two or more communities or the region. Projects that cross county lines or involve partnerships with CPRC staff, member governments, or stakeholders will be given preference.

CPRC staff will also select the Heart of the Pine award winner, honoring an individual, organization, or partner who has been a strong advocate and supporter of Central Pines Regional Council and its mission.

Nominations are due Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Join Us for the End of Year Celebration

Winners will be recognized at our End of Year Celebration on Wednesday, December 2, 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Central Pines Regional Council office. Come celebrate the honorees and wrap up the year with colleagues and partners from across the region.