Build & Grow Relationships

The best policies are based on data-driven research, using engaged, diverse stakeholders and by fostering thought that motivates people to think regionally. It is a process that CREC has done successfully since 2009, and it has helped expand our client base and grow communities. Clients vary from single municipalities and private-sector firms:

• Cities	• Think tanks
• States	• National organizations

Client Profile

Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission

The Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission (Southwestern Commission) is the council of government (COG) for North Carolina’s Region A, covering the western most part of the state; Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties and the 17 municipalities therein.

The state is divided into 16 regions, each region encompassing a cluster of counties and towns. COGs blanket the entire United States and are alternatively known by many terms; regional commissions, councils of local government, area-wide planning districts, lead regional organizations, and economic development regions. Whatever the name, each is structured similarly and serves a similar purpose- to assist and provide technical support for local governments within the region, ensuring that they partner with one another toward regional goals.

Website: http://www.regiona.org

Project Catalogue

Creating a Community Revitalization Plan for Southwestern North Carolina
Start Date: Aug 2015 — End Date: Oct 2015

The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC), in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa’s Institute for Decision Making, helped the Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission complete a Community Revitalization Plan.