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
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