We have been delighted to have Lead for NC Fellow Grace Berry on staff at CPRC the past year. In this blog post, Grace reflects on the experiences she's had during her time in the Pines. Be sure to read to the end for some exciting news!
Over the past year, my Lead for North Carolina fellowship at Central Pines Regional Council has given me the opportunity to support member communities through research, technical assistance, grant development, housing initiatives, and regional collaboration. While my role ultimately grew to include a wide range of projects, it began with Connected Region 2050, Central Pines' long-range regional vision.
My fellowship began with Connected Region 2050, where I worked on metropolitan statistical area (MSA) research to support regional planning. I developed a report using federal commuting data and U.S. Office of Management and Budget criteria to evaluate whether the Winston-Salem and Greensboro - High Point metropolitan statistical areas qualified for consolidation. The findings showed they did not meet the federal commuting threshold, providing a data-driven example of how MSA boundaries are determined and why regional commuting patterns matter in planning discussions.
As the fellowship progressed, my work expanded into data center preparedness. As communities across North Carolina began receiving increased interest from developers, I researched national trends, reviewed zoning ordinances and policies from jurisdictions across the country, and developed Defining Data Centers: A Reference Guide to help local governments better understand this rapidly evolving industry. I also drafted model ordinance language, compiled planning best practices, and created resources that communities can use as they consider land use, infrastructure, utility demands, and long-term planning considerations.
Supporting our Member Services team gave me the opportunity to work directly with communities across the region on a wide variety of projects. I responded to technical assistance requests, researched emerging policy issues, developed reports and presentations, facilitated meetings, and helped communities think through planning and operational challenges. I also became part of Central Pines' grants team, researching funding opportunities, coordinating partners, assisting with proposal development, and supporting grant implementation for a handful of different member communities. I experienced helping communities apply for federal earmarks!
Another project that grew unexpectedly was our workplace incivility initiative. After hearing recurring concerns from member communities, I helped develop and analyze a regional survey, identify common themes across local governments, research promising practices from around the country, and begin drafting model policy language and facilitation resources to help communities continue these conversations.
Outside of my project work, I had the chance to represent Central Pines at several events throughout the year, including the North Carolina General Assembly's Legislative Day, the Digital Durham AI Community Leaders Summit, and the AI for the Public Good conference. I also helped plan and host Central Pines' annual Regional Day, one of my favorite experiences from the fellowship. Being in those rooms, listening to conversations between local government leaders, and seeing how different communities approach similar challenges gave me a much better understanding of the work happening across our region. Those experiences have influenced the way I approach my own work and reminded me that some of the best ideas come from simply bringing people together.
As I look ahead, I'm excited to continue this work, but what I'll remember most from my fellowship isn't a particular project. It's the people I had the chance to work with every day. My supervisor Alana Keegan and teammates trusted me with real responsibility, included me in conversations that helped me understand how local government works, and never hesitated to share their experience. Having people who were willing to teach, challenge, and support me made it much easier to find my footing. I'm thankful that this next chapter means I get to keep learning from the same team while continuing to support our member communities.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity transition into a full-time Management Analyst role; I'll continue working across many of the same areas that shaped my fellowship. That includes supporting member communities through technical assistance and grant development, advancing Central Pines' data center preparedness work by refining research and model ordinance language, supporting implementation of the Hayti Fayetteville Corridor Initiative and the Hillsborough housing grant, and continuing the workplace incivility initiative by sharing research findings, facilitating conversations with our members, and developing practical policy resources. I'm excited to continue building relationships with our member communities and contributing wherever the organization is needed most.
That's right, Grace will be joining the CPRC team full-time starting July 2026! Local Government Services Director Alana Keegan shared, "Grace brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all of her work, no matter the task or topic. She is passionate about good government, and prides herself on being a resource to those around her. I am so thrilled we were able to offer her a full-time position after her fellowship ended, as she has become a key part of the Member Support team and our organization." We are excited to have the opportunity to continue working with Grace!
Outside of work, Grace enjoys exploring Durham and is on a mission to visit every locally owned coffee shop in the city. She loves hunting for vintage accessories and shooting film photography with a camera that's been in her family for years. She also does freelance makeup and film photography for weddings and special events. If you have an upcoming event, she'd be happy to connect!! Fun fact: Grace has four cats named Penny, Remi, Fiona, and Emile.