Catawba Regional Council of Governments

09/15/2026

09/08/2026

Workforce housing is essential to a strong regional economy and thriving communities. It includes housing options that are affordable and accessible for the people who keep our communities running—teachers, health care professionals, first responders, manufacturing employees, retail staff, service workers, and many others.

When workers can find housing within a reasonable distance of their jobs, employers are better able to recruit and retain talent, families spend less time and money commuting, and communities benefit from greater stability, economic opportunity, and long-term growth.

The Catawba Regional Workforce Housing Study provides county-specific data, analysis, and opportunities for Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York Counties. The study is an ongoing resource to help local governments, employers, housing providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders better understand local housing needs and consider strategies to expand housing options for the region’s workforce.

Explore the county reports and interactive data dashboard to review local housing conditions, compare geographies, and download data:
https://catawbacog.org/community___economic_development/catawba_regional_workforce_housing_study.php

Hear more about the study findings in WRHI’s Straight Talk interview with Elizabeth Morgan of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments:
https://www.wrhi.com/2026/09/straight-talk-09-04-26-elizabeth-morgan-cog-results-of-housing-study-215946

Read more from The Herald online:
https://www.heraldonline.com/news/business/article317072024.html

09/03/2026

Great day of learning, collaboration, and connecting at the 2026 Workforce & Manufacturing Summit in Columbia!
I was proud to join fellow workforce professionals from the Catawba Region for a day focused on strengthening South Carolina’s workforce and preparing for what’s ahead. 💼🏭
Our team had the opportunity to attend workshops, share ideas, and take part in meaningful discussions around the future of work, employer needs, workforce flexibility, talent development, and innovative solutions to better connect job seekers with the opportunities available in our communities.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of thinking differently and being willing to adapt. The workforce is changing quickly, and our workforce system has to be just as responsive—working alongside employers, education, economic development, and community partners to find solutions that work locally.
I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside such a great group of professionals who are committed to making a difference across Chester, Lancaster, and York Counties and throughout South Carolina. ❤️💙
When we collaborate, share ideas, and stay focused on the needs of both employers and job seekers, we can build a stronger workforce and a stronger region.

09/03/2026

Last week, Catawba Regional Council of Governments staff attended the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Project Development Workshop for South Carolina.

The training brought federal, state, and local partners together to explore how to develop competitive ARC projects that strengthen economic opportunity across the Appalachian Region.

Thank you to the Appalachian Regional Commission and the South Carolina Department of Commerce for the valuable insight, and to the City of Union for hosting. It was a great day of learning and collaboration!

08/24/2026

ARC Grant Award
Catawba Regional Council of Governments is pleased to share that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Area Development funding to the City of Union to support sewer infrastructure improvements, which will enable the establishment of a manufacturing company.
The ARC selects projects for funding annually through a competitive process. The City of Union received an ARC grant of $921,600 for the Trakas Industrial Site Sewer Improvements. Local funds of $230,400 will be provided, for a total project cost of $1,152,000. This investment will create 60 new jobs.
We appreciate the opportunity to assist localities with projects that improve community sustainability, public health, and long-term growth across the Catawba Region.
Congratulations to the City of Union on this important award!

08/06/2026

HIRING EVENT REMINDER TOMORROW!

08/06/2026

MACHINE OPERATOR OPEN HOUSE!!!