A Message from Sandra Anderson

Transition Management

The transition of NCCDA from the League of Municipalities to a Self-Supporting Organization is moving along successfully. We are happy to announce that Blue Star Services, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has contracted with us to provide administrative services. We welcome Debora Steenson to the role of Management Consultant. She is helping the organization run smoothly in terms of membership management, financial administration, and event planning. Debora can be reached at manager@nccda.net.

The NCCDA Past President and Current President visited the League in September 2009 to complete a final review of our financial records with no concerns noted. The Transition Team will continue to build a strong structure for NCCDA as a Self-Supporting Organization.

Strengthening our Membership

In the interest of building a strong membership foundation, the Membership Committee is working to identify inactive NCCDA members, update contact information, and advocate the benefits of NCCDA membership to community and economic development professionals.

Membership renewal forms were mailed out in September and October. If you did not receive a membership renewal form, or if you're interested in joining NCCDA, please download the membership form (pdf).

Training and Professional Development

In May 2009, NCCDA held its 30th annual Spring Conference, "Preparing for Stimulus Funding", in Wilmington, North Carolina. Highlights of the two-day event included:

• Officials from HUD, NC Department of Commerce, The NC Rural Center, and USDA provided funding updates, including the status of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.
• The North Carolina Division of Community Assistance announced the availability of Small Cities Community Development Block Grant ARRA Funding.
• CDBG staff provided rehabilitation professionals with specialized training. Topics included Davis Bacon implementation and acquisition and relocation guidance.
• Grant representatives provided step-by-step application guidance for two new Recovery Act programs: Homelessness Prevention Fund and Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Part II.

Due to tight travel budgets throughout the state and added economic recovery workload placed on community development practitioners this year, the Training Committee did not organize a fall training event, but instead is focusing attention on the 2010 Spring Conference, tentatively scheduled for May 25-27, 2010 in Western North Carolina. The Committee is developing another strong agenda featuring focused tracks and timely agency updates.

Is there a topic you would like to see addressed this spring? Please email your requests to Karen Kennedy, Chair of the Training Committee, at karen.kennedy@sanfordnc.net, and stay tuned for more information about the 2010 NCCDA Spring Conference.

Member Spotlight: Stanley Watkins

After 30+ years of service to the City of Charlotte in Planning and Community Development, Stanley Watkins is now President of City Strata Consulting, LLC. Stanley is a proud member of NCCDA, who serves as co-chair of the Meetings/Training Committee. Congratulations Stanley!

Advocacy

Understanding and responding to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was one of the biggest challenges NCCDA members faced in 2009. NCCDA has been posting updates on ARRA funding to the website, including several new links posted here and under the News and Events heading:

• UNC School of Government Guide to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for North Carolina Governments (pdf document)
• UNC School of Government Webinar on ARRA Reporting
• NC State Treasurer's Office Webinar on ARRA Recovery Bond Financing (click on "Webinar on Recovery Zone Bonds From October 22, 2009")