Robert Hiett
Executive Director
|
|
Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971 |
|
N.C. Treasurer Publishes Reporting, Auditing Guidance for ARP Funds
One of the most frequently asked questions from our local governments — and one of the most frequently stressed issues of importance by many experts — is related to the accounting and reporting of American Rescue Plan funds. To assist in this matter, the N.C. Department of Treasury issued a note of guidance on May 28 covering several of the most central points of interest. These include:
- Receiving and Holding Funds
- Accounting Points
- Auditing Points
- Budgeting Points
- General Guidance
The League encourages all local governments to review this note, which can be read in full here. We have also published this note in our State of N.C. Guidance page on NCLM's ARP hub.
|
|
ARP Resources: FAQ & NC Treasurer Blog
FAQ document from US Treasury on ARP funds:
|
|
Local Government Regional Information Sessions --
|
|
Summer Cash Drawing Announcement
Governor Cooper shared an exciting announcement to motivate those who have not yet been vaccinated — and thank those who have! As part of North Carolina’s effort to bring summer back with safe, effective and free COVID-19 vaccines, North Carolina is launching the Your Shot At a Million Summer Cash Drawings. Four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win $125,000 for post-secondary education.
|
|
More than 1,000 local officials from across the state joined the League and other stakeholders last week for sessions on American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds available at the state and local levels. On Wednesday evening, attendees were joined by Gov. Roy Cooper, who emphasized the key role local officials will play in ensuring the long-term impact of investments made with ARP funds. In addition to discussions of eligible ARP expenditures and technical guidance on accounting and budgeting the funds, stakeholders from across state and local government reiterated the importance of taking time to plan to invest funds strategically and collaborating with state and regional partners to maximize impact. A recording of the session with Governor Cooper and slides presented at both sessions can be found on the League’s ARP website.
The League is grateful for the partnership of all the stakeholders involved in these sessions and looks forward to participating in similar sessions going forward. If you have any questions about the American Rescue Plan, or would like direct assistance with planning for the use of ARP funds, please email arp@nclm.org.
|
|
USDA Accepting Applications for Placemaking Grants that Will Spur Economic Growth and Community Development in Rural America
USDA is accepting applications under the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC) to support the creation of plans to enhance the capacity for broadband access, preserve cultural and historic structures, and support development in transportation, housing and recreational spaces. Applications must be received by July 26, 2021 at 11:59 PM Eastern.
To learn more, please go to:
|
|
EDA Invites Applications for Economic Development Grant Opportunities
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) invites applicants to submit applications under its Public Works program and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) programs. Through these programs, EDA invites applications to request grant assistance for clearly defined construction or non-construction assistance projects that will advance job creation, job retention, and private investment or enhance economic development decision-making, respectfully. Through EDA’s grant programs construction may support the construction of new public assets or the renovation of existing public assets, which include but are not limited to water/sewer lines, tanks, systems, pumps; incubators; access roads; workforce training facilities; commercialization centers; port improvements; and other similar projects. EDA’s non-construction projects can support a wide array of activities, including highest and best use analysis, cluster and supply chain mapping studies, and regional technical assistance projects. Matching share funds are required and must be committed at the time of the project and for the same scope of work. For Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs, the match is generally 50 percent, although communities may qualify for a higher grant rate. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
|
|
Fiscal Year 2021 Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program
Funding
Total funding available in fiscal year 2021: $12 million
Notice of Funding Opportunity and Supporting Documents
The Notice of Funding Opportunity is also available at Grants.gov. The application period closes on July 16, 2021.
|
|
NTIA Creates First Interactive Map to Help Public See the Digital Divide across the Country
NTIA map links poverty usage and broadband access by compiling data sets to show where high-poverty communities are located with relation to internet usage patterns and access to computers and related equipment
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a new publicly available digital map that displays key indicators of broadband needs across the country. This is the first interactive, public map that allows users to explore different datasets about where people do not have quality Internet access.
The public “Indicators of Broadband Need” tool released today puts on one map, for the first time, data from both public and private sources. It contains data aggregated at the county, census tract, and census block level from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), M-Lab, Ookla and Microsoft. Speed-test data provided by M-Lab and Ookla help to illustrate the reality that communities experience when going online, with many parts of the country reporting speeds that fall below the FCC’s current benchmark for fixed broadband service of 25 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload. This is the first map that allows users to graphically compare and contrast these different data sources.
|
|
Learn About the Emergency Broadband Benefit for Low-Income Households You Work With
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary program that provides a discount of up to $50 or $75 per month to lower the cost of broadband service for low-income households.
Join Us Friday, July 9 for the Information Session
To help spread the word in North Carolina communities, the State Library and the Broadband Infrastructure Office of NCDIT are offering an online information session for front-line staff. Attendees will receive an overview of the program, and will learn who is eligible, how individuals can sign up, and practical outreach strategies and materials. The session will end with an opportunity to ask questions. To increase reach in their communities, libraries are welcome to invite other organizations that interact directly with potentially eligible households.
Info Session Details:
Date/Time: Friday, July 9, 2021 at 1:30 pm
This session is for front-line staff who work directly with their community.
Have Questions?
|
|
Upcoming Webinars: Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series
The Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series is offered through a collaborative partnership between the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, The 100 Best Fleets and NAFA Fleet Management Association.
Upcoming Webinars:
|
|
Governor Cooper Talks Clean Energy
To celebrate the 50th episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re sitting down with Governor Roy Cooper to discuss his ongoing support for clean energy throughout the years, starting with his time at the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA). We dig deep into Executive Order 80 and the progress we’ve made while re-emphasizing the need for a strong legislative commitment to reach our state’s goals. We also chat briefly on the plans for offshore wind development in North Carolina as it is central to Cooper’s latest Executive Order 218.
Also mentioned in this episode is NCSEA’s 2021 report with RTI International featuring data on the economic impact of clean energy in North Carolina. The report can be found at www.energync.org/publication.
|
|
Economic Impact Analysis of Clean Energy Development in North Carolina
2021 Report
RTI International conducted the report to identify associated economic impacts of clean energy development (renewable energy and energy efficiency) in North Carolina and identified that, from 2007-2020, the total economic impact of clean energy and energy efficiency project development in the state was $40.3 billion, with 17 percent of the cumulative clean energy investment over the last 14 years occurring in 2019 and 2020.
|
|
|
|
Staff and partners participated in the June job recruiting event at the Northampton County Wellness Center. Thank you to NC Works, the Chamber, NENC Pathways, Turning Point WDB, Northampton County, K-12 and others.
|
|
EDPNC Launches
"All In North Carolina"
|
|
The Business Services Team was happy to be among partners for this now official announcement in Halifax County with Cathy Scott and team! Way to go to our Board Member on your great news for the area! #RoanokeValleyLumber #Roseburg stay tuned…….Lots happening in the Turning Point Region! Welcome Roseburg, a lumber mill company bringing numerous new jobs to the area!
|
|
Older Americans are Aging Better Than Ever, Especially Women
Over the past decade, the news has largely been good for older Americans: More people are able to meet their daily care needs without assistance and women seem to be thriving the most.
Findings are from a recently released series of online dashboards and chartbooks that tracks nationwide trends for adults ages 70 and older from 2011 through 2020.
According to the report, over the past 10 years, older adults have experienced improvements in physical functioning, vision and hearing, and, through 2019, lower rates of dementia. As a result, fewer are living in nursing homes and assisted living settings, and fewer of those in the community are receiving help. More are using assistive devices in their daily activities and the percentage going online for activities has also increased dramatically.
|
|
Caring for an Aging Nation
The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to nearly double in the next 40 years. Finding a way to provide and pay for the long-term health services they need won't be easy.
MAY 28, 2021
Health care for the nation’s seniors looms large as the baby-boom generation ages into retirement. President Joe Biden tacitly acknowledged those needs in March with his proposal to spend $400 billion over the next eight years to improve access to in-home and community-based care.
The swelling population of seniors will far outpace growth in other age groups. That acceleration — and the slower growth in other age groups — could leave many older Americans with less family to rely on for help in their later years. Meanwhile, federal officials estimate that more than half of people turning 65 will need long-term care services at some point. That care is expensive and can be hard to find.
Spending for paid long-term care already runs about $409 billion a year. Yet that staggering number doesn’t begin to reflect the real cost. Experts estimate that 1 in 6 Americans provide billions of dollars’ worth of unpaid care to a relative or friend age 50 or older in their home.
As the country weighs Biden’s plan, here’s a quick look at how long-term care works currently and what might lie ahead.
|
|
The NC Rural Health Leadership Alliance Releases Inaugural 2021 North Carolina Rural Health Snapshot
The 2021 North Carolina Rural Health Snapshot is an advocacy resource that examines state-specific health indicators to demonstrate the wide gulf in access to quality health care between North Carolinians living in rural areas and the rest of the State. The NC Rural Health Leadership Alliance and its members offer the information contained within the 2021 report to open discussions with health and community leaders, and ultimately to develop collaborative solutions to increase the opportunities for health and wellness in our State’s rural communities.
The 2021 North Carolina Rural Health Snapshot found the following:
- 80 counties in North Carolina have too few primary care providers.
- Rural NC men’s (45 and older) suicide rate is higher than their non-rural peers.
- After accounting for differences in age, the Veteran suicide rate in North Carolina is significantly higher than the overall national suicide rate.
- Rural youth are twice as likely to commit suicide than their non-rural peers.
- Only 35.1% of dentists participate in Medicaid in North Carolina.
The NC Coalition on Aging is a proud member of the NC Rural Health Leadership Alliance.
|
|
Free Online Support for Caregivers
The Thrive, Learn and Connect (TLC) Program developed by UNC Charlotte, in collaboration with The Optimal Aging Center, offers FREE ONLINE support to CAREGIVERS providing care to people with memory loss, dementia or chronic health illness. The new website for the Caregiver TLC program provides information about the program goals, ways to participate and enhance the quality of life of caregivers and their loved ones. There is limited training for caregivers in rural areas, so this training offers valuable support and information to persons in their own home.
|
|
The School of Government is offering its Local Government Fundamentals course online this August 4 – 6, 2021! The course focuses on fundamental aspects of local government and is intended for municipal and county employees who are new to local government or who have few opportunities for continuing education. Please forward this announcement to any department or employee in your organization that you think might benefit from the course.
Participants will acquire a basic knowledge of core subjects, including the legal structure of municipalities and counties, the general ordinance-making and enforcement powers of municipalities and counties, the budgeting process, public employment law, zoning regulation, local government contracting, and conflicts of interest.
The course will meet for three consecutive mornings. The instructors for this course will be SOG faculty members Bob Joyce, Greg Allison, Connor Crews, Diane Juffras and Jim Joyce, and Chatham County Attorney Bob Hagemann.
|
|
Course Announcement: Intro to LG Finance
August 30 – September 3, 2021
Click HERE to Register Now for Intro to Local Government Finance
Please click HERE for a detailed agenda.
This introductory course provides basic instruction in local government and public authority finance and financial management. Areas of instruction include the basic legal authority and requirements governing local government revenues, budgeting processes, cash management, purchasing and contracting, expenditure control, conflicts of interest, fund accounting and financial reporting. The course also provides an overview of the state and local economic issues that inform strategic budgeting decisions.
This course will be offered ONLINE via ZOOM from August 30 - September 3, 2021 from approximately 8:30am - 2:00pm each day. Please see HERE for a detailed Agenda.
Please note that in order to earn a certificate for the course, attendees will need to fully participate in all sessions. If you miss a session, you will not be eligible for the course certificate.
|
|
Essentials for Social Services Governing Boards Webinar
August 5 – 6, 2021
Online – Zoom
We are pleased to announce the registration is opening for our Essentials for Social Services Governing Boards Webinar! This class will be offered virtually via Zoom, and will take place over two mornings. It will be held from Thursday, August 5th from 9:30 am – 12 pm and Friday, August 6th from 9:30 am – 12 pm. A recording of this class will be provided for free to all course registrants.
Registration: To register for this course, please visit the course webpage. The registration fee is $195.
Topics to be covered include: Where social services governing boards fit into the human services framework in North Carolina; partners at the state level; legal powers and duties of the social services governing board; liabilities of board members; the business of working as a board; how your board can best support your agency and community; and the professional associations, state agencies, and networks that work with county agencies. This webinar will be available on-demand after the live airing.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT!!!!!!!
Annual Leadership Summit
September 2 - 3, 2021 | Wilmington, NC | Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Water & Wastewater Management and Leadership
Vendors must be Summit Sponsors in order to attend.
FIND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS HERE
|
|
Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant | Apply by Oct. 1
Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants will be available in North Carolina in 2021 for local park and recreation projects. Municipalities, counties, and federally recognized Native American tribes are eligible to apply for the matching grants. LWCF grants can be used to acquire new park properties and renovate or replace outdoor recreation facilities.
Local governments can request a maximum of $500,000 with each application and must match the grant dollar for dollar. About $3.5 million will be available for local government projects.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Our Annual Banquet will be held on November 16, 2021, at the Rocky Mount Event Center. Join us as we celebrate our 50th anniversary!
|
|
121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
