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
The Town of Bryson City is updating its Land Use Plan to guide future changes that will affect residents and visitors. The Bryson City 2045 Opportunities and Challenges Survey will be open from August 10 – September 17, 2021. Visit www.regiona.org/brysoncity2045 to complete a survey, leave comments on a map, and follow along with the planning … 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
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 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 [email protected], 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!