Covid-19 Impacts Region A Long-Term Care Facilities

Written by Larry Alan Reeves, Regional Ombudsman Covid-19 has had a major impact on the LTC facilities in Region A in several ways. First the residents of the facilities have had (and continue to have) limited personal contact with family members and resident representatives. Personal visits with skilled nursing home residents is not permitted through Executive … Read more

Do you travel in Macon County?

MaconMoves2.metroquest.com Please give us your opinion on which transportation projects should be included in Macon County’s long-range transportation plan. The survey will be open until September 10, 2020. For more information on the entire planning process, including the results of the first survey, visit: https://regiona.org/rpo-plansprojects/macon-county-ctp/  

New US Economic Development Administration Resources Available

The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced several new resources available.  Thanks to Hillary Sherman with the US EDA for providing the information about these resources as well as several other relevant resources below: EDA announces availability of funding to support communities impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) released an … Read more

Interactive Map of Wifi Hotspots

The Southwestern Commission has undergone an effort to collect and map all wireless internet hotspot locations throughout the region that are currently free to the public.   Please use this interactive map to access the address and other pertinent information for each location.    Click to view the interactive map.  

COVID-19 Resource Guide

During the coming weeks and months, the Southwestern Commission will be working to ensure that our communities have access to the most up-to-date information on the response to COVID-19 from the local, state, and federal government, non-profits, and foundations. This will be a difficult time for everyone, and our communities will suffer from the negative … Read more

Proposed Amendments to Graham County Comprehensive Transportation Plan

The Southwestern Rural Planning Organization (RPO) is seeking public input on proposed amendments to the 2015 Graham County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). The original CTP and the proposed amendments are available for review online and hard copies are available at the Southwestern Commission office (125 Bonnie Lane, Sylva NC) or the Graham County Administration office … Read more

Regional Broadband Summit October 25

On Friday, October 25, from 9:00 AM  to 2:30 PM, we will be hosting a Regional Broadband Summit for stakeholders across the region.  Please join us to hear from our regional and state partners who are working toward improving broadband access in the seven western counties of NC. Experts in the field will be on hand to … Read more

Region A Housing Update

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since partners from around the region gathered for the “Bridging the Gap: Housing and Economic Development Summit”. One of the main goals for that day was to explore ways that local governments can partner with the private sector to help address the region’s housing issue, so … Read more

Thompson to Serve on Board of Directors for Dogwood Health Trust

Southwestern Commission’s Executive Director, Sarah Thompson, has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Dogwood Health Trust. Dogwood Health Trust is a private non-operating foundation with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of Western North Carolina.  It was established to receive the … Read more

Several Commission Staff Members Complete Homegrown Leaders Program

Four members of the Southwestern Commission Staff (Kellie Dula, Laura Grindstaff, Linda Lamp, and Sarajane Melton)  graduated from the Homegrown Leaders program, a regional leadership and economic development program that develops and supports highly-motivated leaders who are committed to building regional collaboration across multi-county regions in the state.  Homegrown Le aders is a program of the Rural Center … Read more