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
The Southwestern Rural Planning Organization has published a draft methodology for assigning local input points to potential transportation projects. Local input points are used to improve the quantitative score in an effort to obtain funding for a particular project in NCDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Public comments are requested on the local input point … Read more
The Southwestern Commission is seeking a Family Caregiver Support Coordinator to work with and assist individuals and families within the Southwestern Commission seven-county service area (Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties and the EBCI). Duties include managing and overseeing the Family Caregiver Support Program, coordinating with a variety of stakeholders for the … Read more
The Southwestern Rural Planning Organization (RPO) is seeking public input on the 2021 Macon County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). Macon County Comprehensive Transportation Plan Draft April 2021 Comments may be submitted until May 21, 2021, via email at rose@regiona.org, via phone at (828)586-1962, or via mail at the following address: 125 Bonnie Lane Sylva, NC … Read more
The Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging is honored to once again provide the region with EMBRACING AGING: A Senior Resource Guide for the Southwestern Mountains of N.C. This guide connects older adults and their caregivers to resources within our region in an easy-to-navigate format. The articles and information—along with simply knowing whom to call … Read more
On January 27, 2021, the Southestern Commission held an orientation session for elected officials and local government staff. This session was designed to introduce the Southwestern Commission and inform our members about our programs and activities. If you are interested in hearing more about our organization, you can access it on our YouTube channel, or … Read more
The Southwestern Commission has compiled new information and new resources for an update to our COVID Resource Guide. In this document, you will find information relevant for businesses, nonprofits, local government units, and residents in our region. Please continue to check back as we will continue to update this resource guide as needed!
On Tuesday, October 27, the Southwestern Commission premiered a Virtual Funders Forum video! The event featured representatives from local, state, and federal organizations who shared important information about the funding programs that are available through their organizations. This video will remain available on our YouTube channel, and we invite you to view it as often … Read more
On March 13, 2020, visits by the general public to long-term care (LTC) facilities were restricted by Executive Order from Gov. Cooper due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While essential medical personnel, facility staff members, and appropriate vendors continued to have access to LTC facilities, all others were forbidden. This resulted in the residents being unable … Read more
A new tool has been released that will allow users to identify local food businesses, farms, and markets as well as food pantries and community eating sites. FoodRoute: Region A is a collaborative project with Empowering Mountain Food Systems, the Southwestern Commission, and The Rivendell Farms of the Carolinas, spearheaded by Southwestern Commission intern Anne … Read more