Albemarle Commission Council of Governments

05/06/2026

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐀𝐃) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. WEAAD provides an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults.

💜The Area Agency on Aging has held it's annual WEAAD Walk since 2015! We're excited to join together in awareness on 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 for the 11th anniversary of this event. The awareness walk will start at the Pasquotank County Courthouse and conclude at Mariners' Wharf, with exhibitors and speakers on a variety of topics related to Elder Abuse. Lunch will be provided!

💜Grab your purple and join us in downtown Elizabeth City from 10am-1pm to take a stand against Elder Abuse! Learn more about the signs and how you can make a difference in the lives of the older adults in your community. There is no excuse for Elder Abuse!

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9pd9www

Exhibitor opportunities are available! For more information, contact Ashley Lamb at 252-404-7090.

05/05/2026

05/04/2026

North Carolina's federal workforce funding continues to decline, impacting job training and employment services, especially in rural areas. Governor Josh Stein's proposed $15 million state investment is a positive step, but sustained funding is crucial to reversing the trend and ensuring economic competitiveness.

To read our press release, visit https://conta.cc/4u0POsI

Email from NWDB FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   May 4, 2026 Workforce leaders highlight continued WOIA funding cuts and urge state investment in North Carolina's workforce system HERTFORD -- Newly released fe

05/04/2026

From the Albemarle Commission Connection — an update for local leaders across our 10-county region.

To sign-up for the newsletter, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5uoo09T/albemarlecommission?source_type=fbpo&source_id=3ee64f56-93aa-4828-84e8-5de0caff3173

Register Now: Finance for Local Governments Workshop

Local government staff and officials are invited to attend a no-cost Finance for Local Governments training designed to help participants better understand municipal finance and tackle real-world budget challenges. Led by Rebecca Badgett of the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government, this full-day workshop will provide practical tools that can be used immediately.

The training will be offered twice—choose the location that works best for you:

May 11 – Manteo (College of the Albemarle–Dare)
May 12 – Hertford (Albemarle Commission)

Both sessions run 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and are open to anyone who works in or oversees local government finance. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so be sure to register soon.

05/01/2026

Access to technology changes lives and it starts locally.
Thanks to funding from the NC State's Institute for Emerging Issues Digital Opportunity Implementation Grant, we partnered with the Perquimans County Center for Active Living in Hertford (second photo) and Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library in Edenton (first photo) to support their work expanding digital access. From improved public computer spaces to telehealth resources and hotspot lending, these upgrades will help more residents get connected and stay connected.
Thankful for partners who are leading this work in their communities.

04/30/2026

From the Albemarle Commission Connection: Funding, Deadlines and Opportunities for Local Governments.
To join the newsletter, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5uoo09T/albemarlecommission?source_type=fbpo&source_id=09d7b15c-a9a5-4f59-b4b9-eedc1147a5b1

NC Railroad Build Ready Sites Program (Spring Cycle)

Applications are now open for the North Carolina Railroad’s 2026 Build Ready Sites Spring cycle, which provides funding to help local governments prepare sites for economic development. Awards of up to $500,000 are available, or up to $750,000 for sites along the NCRR corridor, to support site preparation, due diligence, and infrastructure improvements that make properties more competitive for site selectors.

Deadline: May 8, 2026

Learn more & apply: https://ncrr.com/services/economic-development-programs/build-ready-sites/

The Build Ready Sites Program is a grant initiative that supports the development and marketing of rail sites in North Carolina. We are now accepting applications from April 6th through May 8th.

04/30/2026

The Albemarle Commission office will be closed on May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

04/28/2026

🌿 Join Us at the Edenton Farmers Market 🌿

We’re excited to be at the Edenton Farmers Market on May 16! Come out and enjoy the market while learning more about the services offered through the Albemarle Commission’s Area Agency on Aging and Community Development Program.

Our team will be there to answer questions, share resources, and connect you with programs that support seniors, families, and communities across our region.

Stop by, say hello, and see how we can serve you! 💚

04/28/2026

North Carolina Department of Transportation will host a public meeting on April 29, 2026, regarding the NC 12 SAND Plan. Click on the attached link for more information and details on how to comment.

NCDOT

04/28/2026

From the Albemarle Commission Connection: Funding, Deadlines and Opportunities for Local Governments.
To join the newsletter, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5uoo09T/albemarlecommission?source_type=fbpo&source_id=04c57415-56f9-435e-bf16-8097db311c82

Local government utilities are invited to join a practitioner-focused roundtable on regional partnerships, hosted by the UNC School of Government Environmental Finance Center. This session will explore a range of collaboration strategies beyond formal mergers, including shared staff, joint purchasing, emergency coordination, and other practical approaches already in use across communities.

The session will begin with a brief overview of findings from a recent statewide study, followed by an open discussion where participants can share experiences, challenges, and ideas with peers. This is a good opportunity for utility staff, managers, finance staff, and elected officials to connect and learn from others navigating similar issues.

Date & Time: May 21, 9:00–11:00 AM (Zoom)

Registration: https://unc.zoom.us/meeting/register/nQvsEkZOR-OPMCvUSCMMgA

04/28/2026

Meet the Albemarle Commission Board of Delegates member, Troy Breathwaite of Currituck County, who serves as an alternate.

Troy Breathwaite serves as an Alternate Delegate for Currituck County on the Albemarle Commission Board of Delegates. He has been a member of the Board for six months. Representing one of the region’s growing coastal communities, Breathwaite brings a fresh
perspective and a strong commitment to regional collaboration.

Breathwaite finds the most rewarding part of his service in working alongside fellow delegates from across the Albemarle region. He values the pportunity to collaborate and learn from others, recognizing that while many
communities share similar challenges, each locality also faces its own unique circumstances. This exchange of ideas helps strengthen solutions that benefit the entire region.

He is particularly proud of his involvement in the Rural Transportation Organization (RTO). Breathwaite emphasizes the importance of ensuring the Albemarle region is not overlooked when it comes to transportation needs. By working together and speaking with a unified voice, he believes the region can better advocate for priorities that improve connectivity and access for all residents.

Breathwaite sees the Commission’s work as vital in fostering communication among member counties and local governments. Through this collaboration, representatives are able to find common ground and build support for initiatives that enhance the quality of life across the region.

He believes it is important for residents to better understand the wide range of issues the Commission addresses — many of which have a direct impact on the entire Albemarle area. Increasing awareness of this work can help communities better appreciate the value of regional cooperation.

Guided by the principle, “Experience is the best teacher, but a fool will learn from no other.” —Benjamin Franklin, Breathwaite approaches his role with a commitment to learning, growth, and thoughtful leadership in service to his community.
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Troy Breathwaite ejerce como Delegado Suplente por el Condado de Currituck en la Junta de Delegados de la Comisión de Albemarle. Ha sido miembro de la Junta durante seis meses. Al representar a una de las comunidades costeras en crecimiento de la región, Breathwaite aporta una perspectiva fresca y un firme compromiso con la colaboración regional.

Para Breathwaite, la parte más gratificante de su servicio reside en trabajar codo con codo con sus colegas delegados de toda la región de Albemarle. Valora la oportunidad de colaborar y aprender de los demás, reconociendo que, si bien muchas comunidades comparten desafíos similares, cada localidad también enfrenta sus propias circunstancias únicas. Este intercambio de ideas contribuye a fortalecer las soluciones que benefician a toda la región.

Se siente particularmente orgulloso de su participación en la Organización de Transporte Rural (RTO, por sus siglas en inglés). Breathwaite subraya la importancia de asegurar que la región de Albemarle no sea pasada por alto en lo que respecta a las necesidades de transporte. Al trabajar juntos y hablar con una voz unificada, considera que la región puede defender mejor las prioridades que mejoran la conectividad y el acceso para todos los residentes.

Breathwaite considera que la labor de la Comisión es vital para fomentar la comunicación entre los condados miembros y los gobiernos locales. A través de esta colaboración, los representantes logran encontrar puntos en común y generar apoyo para iniciativas que mejoran la calidad de vida en toda la región.

Opina que es importante que los residentes comprendan mejor la amplia gama de temas que aborda la Comisión, muchos de los cuales tienen un impacto directo en toda el área de Albemarle. Aumentar la conciencia sobre esta labor puede ayudar a las comunidades a valorar mejor la importancia de la cooperación regional.

Guiado por el principio: «La experiencia es la mejor maestra, pero el necio no aprenderá de ninguna otra» —Benjamin Franklin—, Breathwaite asume su función con un compromiso inquebrantable con el aprendizaje, el crecimiento y un liderazgo reflexivo al servicio de su comunidad.

04/27/2026

From the Albemarle Commission Connection: Funding, Deadlines and Opportunities for Local Governments.
To join the newsletter, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5uoo09T/albemarlecommission?source_type=fbpo&source_id=154acec6-983d-41b2-bcaa-e199db278bf5

SLFRF Reporting Webinars
and Updated Report User Guide

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is hosting a series of webinars to assist recipients with submitting their 2026 Annual and Q1 Project & Expenditure (P&E) Reports, due April 30, 2026. These sessions will cover key reporting requirements, common errors, and a live demonstration of the Treasury reporting portal.

Two additional webinar options are available next week:

Tuesday, April 28 at 3:00 PM ET (Q1 Report Focus)

Register: https://ustreasury.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_2LfmtW-qRYGl1WHoUbOtyA

Thursday, April 30 at 3:00 PM ET (Annual & Q1 Reports Focus)

Register: https://ustreasury.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_QGz3QZvCSrCRAf1Nk_YClw

These webinars are intended for staff responsible for SLFRF reporting or administration, including finance, grants, and program staff.

Treasury has also released the new and updated April 2026 Project and Expenditure Report User Guide to assist recipients in a successful submission of the 2026 Annual and Q1 P&E Reports.

Treasury’s Portal opened for quarterly and annual reporters to submit P&E Reports on April 1, 2026. The recipient must submit their report by April 30, 2026.