Becca Scott The NC Department of Commerce has announced a new funding program– Rural Transformation Grants. Applications for these grants are due on May 2, 2022, and they should be submitted through the Rural Connect Portal. Rural Transformation Grants can support: Main Street and downtown investment and revitalization efforts; Initiatives that help create resilient neighborhoods; Community enhancements … Read more
Anna Rogers, Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Southwestern Commission’s Area Agency on Aging, was recently a guest on the WKRK radio show. Anna joined Denise Cross, Cherokee County Senior Services Director, to talk about Visitation Guidance for Assisted Living Facilities. The full audio file of the show is available below:
The Southwestern Commission is the regional Council of Government that serves the seven counties of North Carolina. The Commission is seeking a resourceful, community-minded individual to fill the position of Project Manager. This is a full-time position with a comprehensive employee benefits package. The Project Manager will have the opportunity to provide support and technical … Read more
It’s no secret that broadband connectivity is a challenge in western North Carolina, directly affecting the education system. But the Southwestern Commission is working with our regional partners to alleviate some of those challenges. In the last quarter of 2021, more than $180,000 was distributed across project sites in six counties for public internet access. … Read more
Forty students in the Clay County school system are sporting new Chromebooks to assist with their academic growth, thanks to a grant from the Southwestern Commission. The $55,000 grant also enabled the County to expand broadband capabilities out to the Clay County Recreational Park. The Rec Park is used by numerous families with children throughout … Read more
Eighty Graham County students are sporting new Chromebooks to assist in their academic growth, thanks to a grant from the Southwestern Commission. The $30,000 Graham County award was one of six projects the Southwestern Commission funded within its service area, which includes the seven far-westernmost counties in North Carolina. The state of North Carolina awarded … Read more
Swain County residents can now find a new hotspot to connect to at the Swain County Recreational Park, thanks to a grant from the Southwestern Commission. Leonard Winchester, a member of the Swain County Broadband Committee, says the addition of a hotspot at the Swain Rec Park is an ideal location. “It’s conveniently located, everybody knows … Read more
The new year brings free Wi-Fi internet to downtown Sylva, providing a safe, public space for students and residents who may not have access in their homes, and allowing visitors to stay in town longer. The new service is a result of a partnership between SkyFi, Inc., BalsamWest, the Southwestern Commission, Jackson County Economic Development, … Read more
The non-mandatory Pre-bid meeting for the “WNC Kitchens at the WNC Farmers Market” project will take place at 10:00am on Tuesday, October 5th, 2021, at the project site: WNC Farmers Market, Building Site. Bids are due November 11, 2021, at 2pm. This project will be bid and administered as an Informal Project through the … Read more
Summary of “American Rescue Plan: Local Government Funding for Affordable Housing Development” by UNC School of Government’s Tyler Mulligan The Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 established Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF) which will distribute substantial amounts of funds to state and local governments for the purpose of responding “to the … Read more