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! | |
- 2026 Regional Day
- CPRC Awarded $1.58M for Lead-Safe Housing
- Navigating the Regional Data Center
- Public Comments for Destination 2055
- Essentials of Municipal Government Course
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- Popular Links & Resources
- CPRC with Lee Tour
- Career Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
| | Popular Links & Resources | | Save the Date! Regional Day 2026 is February 20! | Join Central Pines Regional Council on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM for our annual Regional Day, hosted at Central Pines Regional Council in Durham. This half-day program is tailored for county and municipal elected officials—especially newly elected leaders—as well as managers and assistant managers. Participants will gain practical insights into regional collaboration, explore tools and services available through CPRC, and hear from experts on issues shaping our communities. Regional Day also provides valuable opportunities for peer networking, learning, and orientation to the resources that support effective local governance. Whether you’re new to public office or continuing your service, Regional Day equips you with the context and connections to lead confidently. | | |
CPRC Awarded $1.58 Million to Expand Lead-Safe Housing Across the Region | |
Central Pines Regional Council has been awarded $1.58 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program to expand its Lead Safe Triangle Program across the region. This funding will support lead hazard control and abatement work in approximately 45–50 homes, with a focus on protecting children under the age of six from the dangers of lead exposure. By building on CPRC’s existing housing repair and preservation programs, this initiative helps keep homes safe, healthy, and affordable while preserving the region’s aging housing stock.
| This investment strengthens CPRC’s role as a trusted regional partner in delivering effective, federally funded housing solutions that improve quality of life for residents and communities alike. Program outreach will begin once the grant agreement is finalized, with eligible households identified across the region. Click here to read the full press release and learn more about how this funding will benefit local communities and homeowners. | | | |
Navigating the Regional Data Center - County Reports
Data Notes is a blog written by CPRC Principal Planner Karyl Fuller.
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So, I have done a brief tutorial on the Reports page back in August, and today, I am going to talk more about the County Reports section. These are reports that cover a wide range of topics from agriculture to demographics to housing and beyond. They are all at the county level.
I am going to briefly discuss each one, as there are currently six reports. I will link to the Chatham one here as an example but you can get any of the seven counties on the Reports page.
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Comment on the Draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Destination 2055!
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO) have released their draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for public review and comment. The Destination 2055 plan provides a foundational blueprint for transportation investment decisions in a large portion of our region (including Wake and Durham counties and parts of Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, and Orange counties) over the next 30 years. General information about the plan can be found at https://destination2055nc.com/.
| The public comment period for the Capital Area MPO (Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston & Wake Counties) is open until February 17, 2026. A public hearing on the plan will be held at the January 21, 2026 Capital Area MPO executive board meeting. | The public comment period for the Triangle West TPO (Chatham, Durham & Orange Counties) is open until February 23, 2026. A public hearing on the plan will be held at the January 27, 2026 Triangle West TPO board meeting. | | |
School of Government Course for Newly Elected Officials - Essentials of Municipal Government | |
Essentials of Municipal Government is a two-day course designed to help newly elected municipal officials make the shift from campaigning to governing. Offered by the School of Government’s Center for Public Leadership and Governance in partnership with the North Carolina League of Municipalities, this program helps you understand what your role really looks like once you take the oath of office. It’s a practical, straightforward introduction to the responsibilities that come with serving your community. Newly elected officials are encouraged to attend with their municipal manager, and clerks and experienced officials are also welcome to attend.
| During the course, you’ll learn how municipal government works, what authority local governments have, and what’s expected of you as a member of the governing board. Topics include your legal and ethical responsibilities, how to work effectively with staff and fellow board members, and how to build strong relationships that help your community succeed. The course also counts toward the required Ethics training for elected officials. | |
Dates:
- February 12-13, 2026 | Rocky Mount | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
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February 19-20, 2026 | Greensboro | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
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February 26-27, 2026 | Chapel Hill | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $355
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CPRC with Lee Tour
CPRC Executive Director Lee Worsley has a goal of visiting all 50 communities that are a part of the Central Pines Region. See what his most recent stop was!
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| | | 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 | | | |
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