We’re excited to share that Central Pines Regional Council has been awarded $200,000 through the Advancing Workforce Mobility Initiative, a $3.5 million national effort led by Education Design Lab in partnership with Credential Engine and supported by Walmart. Selected as 1 of 10 grantees from more than 400 applicants nationwide, this work responds to a challenge we continue to hear across our region: local governments are struggling to fill critical roles, even as many individuals already have the skills to succeed through work experience, community college, military service, or other non-degree pathways.

Through this grant, we will focus on high-demand career pathways including utilities and wastewater, maintenance and land management, social work and human services, and electric line work and inspection. Working alongside local governments and workforce partners, we will define the skills needed for these roles, map where those skills are already being developed, and explore how hiring practices can better recognize experience beyond a four-year degree. At its core, this effort is about making public service careers more accessible and ensuring the talent already present across central North Carolina is visible, valued, and able to grow! 

May is Public Service Month—a time to recognize the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to serve our communities. Every day across our region, public servants are making a difference—whether it’s building relationships, delivering essential services, or finding creative solutions to local challenges. We invite you to help us shine a light on those efforts by nominating someone who exemplifies the spirit of public service.

If you know a local leader, agency, or partner doing meaningful work in your community, take a moment to highlight them and help us celebrate their impact in our region. Selected nominees may be featured in our newsletter and on social media throughout the month of May.

County governments recently received an invitation from the General Assembly and Governor’s Office to participate in the Block Boundary Suggestion Project (BBSP). The BBSP is part of the federal nonpartisan Redistricting Data Program that will generate the information used to draw political boundaries after Census 2030.

The BBSP allows county governments to preview the census blocks the US Census Bureau envisions using and to suggest changes. Census blocks are the smallest geographies for which data is tabulated and are combined to form larger areas like voting precincts and electoral districts. Local governments also can use the census blocks for non-electoral purposes like transportation planning.

County participation is highly recommended. Participation will improve the accuracy of the 2030 Census, which will help counties secure their fair shares of political and financial resources.

Counties can participate in 2026 and 2027. The Census Bureau will provide the data and the online GIS tool used to review the information and suggest changes. Technical training will be provided.

Counties should reply to the invitation sent to their Board of Elections. Direct any questions to the state’s Nonpartisan Redistricting Liaisons, Paul Coble (paul@ncleg.gov) and John Quinterno (john.quinterno@osbm.nc.gov).