1. Vibrant Communities in a Robust Region Centralina Council of Governments Growing jobs & the economy, controlling cost of government, & enhancing quality of life

2. A collaborative effort of local governments, businesses, and non-profits in the region around Charlotte, NC A process for creating a Regional Strategic Framework for Growing jobs & the economy Controlling the cost of government Enhancing quality of life CONNECT Our Future is … 2

3. Our Regional Geography 3 Two-State Region includes: 14 Counties More than 100 municipalities 2011 HUD Grant: One of only 30 awarded in U.S., one of few fully funded 3

4. Build on the CONECT Regional Vision (2008) Engage the full diversity of the region’s population in developing shared regional strategies for growth Establish an ongoing network or organizational relationships to carry out those strategies CONNECT Goals 4

5. A strong, diverse Economy Increased Collaboration among jurisdictions Sustainable, well-managed Growth A safe and healthy Environment High quality Educational opportunities Enhanced Social Equity through community leadership and volunteerism CONNECT Regional Vision 5

6. Challenges Communities Face Today Planning appropriately for dramatic growth within the region, while maintaining community character Meeting infrastructure needs – sewer, transportation – while controlling cost of government Shared limited water resources High unemployment; need for worker training, need for jobs and housing that attract/retain young people Difficulty attracting businesses, need to revitalize old industrial/commercial areas Lack of regional information and tools for decision-making Continuing to build a vibrant community for our children and grandchildren 6

7. How Could a Strategic Framework Help? Develop strategies for shared problems Align regional job growth strategies with local planning Identifying ways to stretch infrastructure dollars, strengthen local agriculture and keep community character intact while continuing to grow ensure neighboring communities know and understand your community’s vision, and how it relates to their plans 7

8. What is the CONNECT Consortium? More than 100 public, private, non-profit member organizations Guides process to develop a regional strategic framework, With public engagement and alternative scenario assessment to develop a preferred future scenario 8

9. CONNECT Consortium Work Flow 9

10. CONNECT Program and Support Teams 10

11. 11 CONNECT milestones Define values, indicators Develop current trend & alternative scenarios Identify preferred scenario Strategies, tools for implementation

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13. Livability Principles: Provide More Transportation Choices to “… improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions …” “ … consider the interdependent challenges of: (1) economic competitiveness and revitalization; (2) social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity; (3) energy use and climate change; and (4) public health and environmental impact.” Regional Plan for Sustainable Development must “… integrate existing or emerging plans … [including] air and water quality plans, … climate change impact assessments … Sustainable Communities program 13 and tie these plans to local comprehensive land use and capital investment plans.”

14. Air Quality & Climate Change work plan Diesel/Black Carbon Technical Study Assess projected 5-yr extent of Diesel BC emissions from major construction projects Develop strategies for addressing Diesel BC emissions Estimate potential impacts of recommended strategies (environmental, economic, and health) 14

15. Questions or Comments? Contacts: www.centralina.org Project Manager: Sushil Nepal, snepal@centralina.org Blueprinting Manager: Michelle Nance, mnance@centralina.org Grants Development Director: Vicki Bott, vbott@centralina.org www.centralina.orgsnepal@centralina.orgmnance@centralina.orgvbott@centralina.org 15