Centralina Economic Development Commission Inc.

“Expenses information technology 22 travel 1,241 conferences/meetings 1,552 miscellaneous 48,786 total 51,601”

“Grants receivable 10,559 22,405 due from general fund 34,617 53,019 total 45,176 75,424”

“Accounts payable and accrued expenses 0 1,494 deferred revenue 0 28,822”

“Centralina maintains the region's eda partnership planning grant, which required an update of the comprehensive economic development strategy, a locally-based and regionally-driven planning project that addresses improving the overall resilience and inclusivity of our region's people, places and economy. The report includes three goals, 15 recommendations and 58 action items addressing workforce development, education, transportation, regional resiliency, global competitiveness and many other economic development initiatives.”

“The southeast crescent regional commission (scrc) funds focuses on equitable access and support for distressed, rural, suburban, and urban areas. Through projects like the integrated mobility center and the digital inclusion framework, centralina has strengthened transportation and digital inclusion opportunities for marginalized communities. Initiatives focused on transportation demand management will improve mobility options for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and pre-disaster recovery training in underserved counties such as anson has strengthened disaster preparedness and resilience. Centralina's workforce initiatives, including its partnership with the carolinas innovation center for optics and metrology (cicom) tech hub, emphasize access to high-demand jobs in optics and metrology. This collaboration with unc charlotte increases awareness of career pathways in optics among k-12 students, offers flexible training options, and addresses barriers such as childcare and transportation, particularly for residents in economically distressed areas. The nc innovation efforts with unc charlotte and cicom focus on growing the regional optics and metrology industries. By fostering innovation across both rural and urban settings, these programs leverage local workforce strengths, particularly in rural communities engaged in specialized manufacturing. Centralina's emphasis on making entrepreneurial resources and advanced technology accessible throughout the region aligns with the broader scrc strategic plan, creating a resilient, inclusive economic ecosystem that serves both high-density urban centers and economically vulnerable rural zones.”