Strong Local Partnerships Lead to Public Broadband Access for Downtown Sylva

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

Bryson City Land Use Plan Update

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

American Rescue Plan – Housing

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

Public Input Requested on Transportation Priority Methodology

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 Senior Resource Guide Is Online!

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

March 2021 COVID Resource Guide Update

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! 

“WNC Food Route” Released

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

Request for Proposals for Auditing Services

Southwestern Commission Regional Council of Governments is seeking proposals for audit services from qualified independent auditors with sufficient governmental accounting and auditing experience. Request for proposal packages can be downloaded below: Southwestern Commission Audit Request for Proposals 2020 Acknowledgment of intent for proposal must be received by the Southwestern Commission by Friday, June 5, 2020. … Read more