Centralina representative briefs Indian Trail council on regional services and membership benefits

A representative from Centralina Regional Council briefed the Indian Trail Town Council on the agency’s regional planning, technical assistance and service-delivery programs and encouraged town staff and elected officials to take advantage of membership benefits.

The speaker described Centralina’s mission to “lead regional collaboration and spark local action,” noted it serves nine counties in the Greater Charlotte region, and said Centralina operates as one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina under state statute. The presenter highlighted regional plans such as Connect Our Future (growth management) and Connect Beyond (mobility), and listed services available to members: grant assistance, technical assistance, strategic planning, data and mapping resources, peer networks and professional development.

The representative also noted Centralina’s role as the designated Area Agency on Aging for the region, providing long-term care ombudsman services and family‑caregiver support, and described workforce programs including operation of NC CareerWorks in Monroe.

Council members and the town’s Centralina delegate (Council Member Crystal Buhalik) discussed possible collaboration on a citizen academy and local programming; the presenter invited staff and elected officials to use Centralina’s member portal, newsletter and training offerings and to contact Centralina for retreat facilitation or manager recruitment assistance.

No formal council action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff said they will follow up on specific opportunities.