Please Share Your Thoughts on the Region’s Housing Needs

In September 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $1,965,737 in Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) American Rescue Plan funding to the Southwestern NC HOME Consortium, which consists of Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Clay, and Graham counties. This supplemental funding (HOME-ARP) is part of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that … Read more

Request for Proposals- Broadband Mapping Fabric

The Southwestern Commission (SWC) seeks the professional services of a qualified consultant to conduct a Community Broadband Assessment for the seven western counties of North Carolina.   To ensure that the counties within North Carolina are correctly represented in the new FCC data, and to ensure that the state of North Carolina receives appropriate grant funding … Read more

Input Needed to Prioritize Community Needs for Housing Funding

The Southwestern Commission Council of Governments (the Southwestern Commission) is planning multiple public engagement activities and stakeholder consultations to develop an Allocation Plan that will detail community priorities for use of the region’s Home Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funding. This supplemental funding is part of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, … Read more

Public Comment for HOME Consortium CAPER Report

The Southwestern NC HOME Consortium is accepting public comment for its Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.  This public comment period will remain open until November 11, 2022, at 5:00 PM.  The report is available below: Southwestern NC HOME Consortium CAPER

Request for Proposals – Grant Writing Services

The Southwestern Commission invites qualified candidates to submit proposals for contractual grant writing services.  The Commission is seeking to contract with an individual or firm that specializes in the writing and management of the overall grant process and can assist the Commission to maximize the benefits of grant funding and augment the work already being … Read more

2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

The Southwestern Commission serves as the Economic Development District for the U.S. Economic Development Administration.  One of the functions that we carry out as part of that role is to create the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region.  The plan is a 5-year strategy, and updates are completed annually to reflect implementation and … Read more

AAA Discusses the Elder Abuse Awareness Walks

On May 26, several members of the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging staff were able to take part in a radio session on WKRK.  Lisa Allen, Health and Community Educator, and Anna Rogers, Long-term Care Regional Ombudsman, joined Denise Cross, Director of Cherokee County Senior Services, to discuss the topic of elder abuse in order … Read more

ARPA Reporting Deadline Approaching

An important reporting deadline is approaching regarding the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program. The Project and Expenditure Report is due April 30, 2022. For many local governments, this will mark the first time filing reports with the U.S. Treasury. It is crucial that all North Carolina cities … Read more

Rural Transformation Grants Now Available

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 Shares Visitation Guidance on WKRK

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: