Prosperous & Sustainable Region
Building stronger communities through economic opportunity, environmental protection and readiness for what comes next.
A prosperous region depends on strong communities, healthy natural resources and the ability to respond when conditions change. Central Pines brings local governments together to strengthen communities, protect shared environmental assets and prepare for emergencies and long-term challenges.
Email: connect@centralpinesnc.gov
Call toll free: (919) 549-0551
Send us a message
Regional Work
Climate Action Planning
Central Pines leads an eight-county effort to identify practical strategies for reducing climate pollution and coordinating action across the Raleigh-Cary and Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan areas. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant brings local governments and regional partners together around shared priorities for energy, transportation, buildings, infrastructure and other major systems.
Regional Work
Protecting the Region’s Drinking Water
Since 1988, the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Program has brought communities together with the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor rivers, reservoirs and other drinking-water sources throughout the Upper Cape Fear River Basin. Current work has expanded to include PFAS monitoring, with the partnership also exploring emerging concerns such as microplastics for its next phase.
Regional Work
A Regional Strategy for Economic Prosperity
As the region’s designated Economic Development District, Central Pines helps communities coordinate economic-development priorities, connect with federal resources and pursue projects that strengthen both urban and rural communities. The region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy provides a shared framework for investment, infrastructure, workforce development, vibrant places and economic resilience.
Browse All Programs
Find the planning, technical assistance, research and regional programs that help communities strengthen their economies, protect shared resources and prepare for future challenges.
Program
DESCRIPTION
Economic Development Strategy & Planning
Regional and local planning that connects priorities with investment, infrastructure and long-term economic opportunity.
Community Revitalization & Site Reuse
Brownfields, redevelopment and community projects that help put properties and places back to work.
Business & Trade Tools
Regional programs including the Foreign Trade Zone and other tools that support investment and business activity.
Project Implementation & Access
Grant administration, project support and digital-opportunity initiatives that help communities move ideas into action.
Program
DESCRIPTION
Water Quality & Watersheds
Regional monitoring, watershed protection and planning that support cleaner, more reliable water resources.
Stormwater Education & Management
Shared education, planning and technical support that help communities manage runoff and protect waterways.
Climate & Energy Planning
Regional climate action, clean-energy initiatives and practical strategies for reducing emissions and energy impacts.
Environmental Resilience & Technical Assistance
Research, restoration, project development and funding support that help communities protect natural resources and adapt to change.
Program
DESCRIPTION
Emergency Preparedness & Recovery
Regional coordination and resources that help communities prepare for and recover from disruptive events.
Recovery & Financial Readiness
Guidance that helps local governments prepare for disaster funding, documentation and recovery administration.
Hazard Mitigation & Resilience Planning
Assess vulnerabilities and develop strategies that reduce risk before future emergencies occur.
Regional Resilience Projects
Turn assessments such as RISE and the Triangle Regional Resilience Assessment into priority projects, partnerships and implementation pathways.
Prosperous & Sustainable Region Contacts
Prosperous & Sustainable Region Contacts
-
Marcy Waters
Planner II – Resilience Planner
-
Grace Lower
Water Resources Intern
-
Casey Feiler
Transportation Planner
-
Tracy Burton
Regional Ombudsman, Durham County Nursing/Adult Care Homes
-
Sterling McDonald
Environmental Planner
-
Shuchi Gupta
Principal Planner
-
Estrella Robles
Youth Engagement Coordinator
-
Melissa Lowell
Street Outreach Coordinator
-
Megan Blanke
Accounting Technician II
Not Sure Who to Contact? Send Us a Message
Not Sure Who to Contact? Send Us a Message
Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll help connect you with the right Central Pines staff member, program or resource.
Explore More Areas
-
Connected Places
Plan for growth with coordinated housing, transportation, mobility and land-use strategies that help communities stay connected, accessible and ready for what comes next.
-
Organizational Excellence
Ensuring operational effectiveness, financial stewardship, compliance, and organizational capacity to deliver on our mission through strong administrative functions and strategic internal investments.
-
Regional Excellence & Innovation
Serving as the premier convener and catalyst for local government members through technical assistance and expertise, collaboration, innovative solutions, and efficient shared services.
-
Thriving People & Communities
Supporting health, independence and quality of life across the region through aging services, direct assistance, community outreach and coordinated human services.