NC Community Pulse Survey
The NC Pandemic Recovery Office is seeking community leaders to participate in the NC Community Pulse Survey, which will launch in early 2022 to track the local impact of the pandemic and our progress toward recovery. Monthly results will be analyzed and published to help local and state leaders make data-driven decisions to help accelerate recovery and strengthen economic resilience.
Complete this contact form to participate.
Participants will be asked to provide perspective on pandemic-related issues beyond their own household or business. We are seeking to build a diverse, robust panel of experts in each county.
If you or your organization can help recruit participants, please forward this message and/or email Andy MacCracken (andy.maccracken@osbm.nc.gov) to explore further collaboration with NCPRO on this important project. This project is funding by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
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A Word from NCPRO Executive Director Stephanie McGarrah
As we welcome the new year, NCPRO is looking toward the many opportunities for recovery across the state that comes with the upcoming distribution of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF) to state agencies and the ongoing work of local governments with the Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (LFRF).
In November, Governor Cooper signed the State budget into law, which included $5.4 billion in ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF) that NCPRO will oversee. Our staff have been working closely with state agencies to prepare for these funds, set up the grant administration processes, and hold meetings to answer questions and assist with guidance. With the U.S. Treasury adoption of the Final Rule, we now have even clearer guidelines for this funding.
Going into the new year with this increased clarity makes me feel like 2022 is off to a good start. We at NCPRO are looking forward to brighter days ahead as we work together to help North Carolina emerge from the shadow of this pandemic stronger and more resolved than before.
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Governor Cooper Signs Budget into Law
On November 18, 2021, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 105: 2021 Appropriations Act into law. This budget included allocations for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF) that will be distributed through and overseen by NCPRO to North Carolina State Agencies for relief and recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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U.S. Treasury Adopts Final Rule for ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
On January 6, 2022, U.S. Treasury adopted the Final Rule - detailed guidance of the requirements for the use of ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF and LFRF). The Final Rule takes effect on April 1, 2022, though recipients can choose to take advantage of its flexibilities and simplifications now.
The Final Rule builds on the program’s implementation efforts so far. In May 2021, Treasury published the Interim Final Rule (IFR) to govern eligible and ineligible uses of funds (as well as other program provisions), sought feedback from the public on these program rules, and began to distribute funds. The IFR went immediately into effect in May, and since then, governments have used SLFRF funds to meet their immediate pandemic response needs and to begin building a strong and equitable recovery.
A few core improvements included in Final Rule are:
- Broader set of uses that are available to respond to the pandemic’s public health and economic impacts on households, small businesses, and others, including capital expenditures
- Major simplification for thousands of recipients through the $10 million revenue loss standard allowance
- Greater flexibility in eligible broadband investments to address challenges with access, affordability, and reliability, as well as the addition of numerous eligible water and sewer infrastructure investments
- More streamlined options to provide premium pay through broadening the share of eligible workers who can receive premium pay without additional justification
Learn more about the Final Rule.
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Housing Corner
The latest on the NC Housing Assistance Fund (HAF) Program...
The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund is being administered by the NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) using $273 million that was allocated to North Carolina under the American Rescue Plan to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements, and foreclosures for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Treasury requires the submission and approval of an operational plan known as the Housing Assistance Fund Plan or HAF Plan. The State of North Carolina’s HAF Plan is currently under review by US Treasury with approval anticipated in the next 30 days.
Meanwhile, the NCHFA has established a Call Center to answer questions and receive contact information for interested homeowners that want to be notified when the program opens. The call center number is 1-855 MY NC HAF (855-696-2423). Additional information may also be found on the NCHFA website.
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Economic Update
North Carolina continues to recover from its 2020 economic downturn. While North Carolina’s Gross State Product and Personal Income have grown beyond their respective pre-pandemic levels, employment has yet to catch up and the unemployment rate remains above a full employment rate.
Also, a deeper look at the Personal Income data shows that North Carolinians receive only 84.75 cents for every dollar of the national average – something that has declined over time (89.27 cents in 2010Q1) and can only be overcome with adequate and effective investments in our state’s infrastructure and citizens.
Further, we (in North Carolina and as a nation) need get as many people as possible to get vaccinated so that we can curb COVID’s negative influence on the health of our economy, our health infrastructure, and our citizens. Given the record number of new cases that we are finding at the at the beginning of 2022 (where we have now surpassed our previous COVID infection peaks), we still have work to do to meet this goal.
Read the full monthly economic update.
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NCPRO has a new website! Same URL, all the latest information, with an updated look. Click the link below to check it out.
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Our NC Pros
Each month we will feature the innovative work happening across the state of North Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in being featured or know of other groups and stories we can highlight, please contact our Communications Team at NCPRO@osbm.nc.gov.
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Curtis Wynn Honored with North Carolina Rural Leadership Award
Curtis Wynn, president and CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative, has been selected to receive the 2021 Larry Wooten Rural Leadership Award, awarded by Governor Roy Cooper and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
Wynn has served in leadership roles with Roanoke Electric for 24 years, improving the quality of life in diverse rural communities and becoming an influential leader in rural North Carolina. Wynn’s efforts have helped bring high speed internet to rural North Carolina to connect families, farmers, and businesses with the resources they need to thrive in the global economy. Wynn is also a long-time advocate of sustainable land management, including a sustainable forestry program that works specifically with Black landowners, and developing North Carolina’s clean energy workforce.
Read more.
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NCDHHS Office of Rural Health Joins Nationwide Observance of National Rural Health Day on Nov. 18, Recognizes NC's 'Community Star'
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is proud to recognize the selfless, community-minded spirit of health professionals and volunteers in North Carolina communities during National Rural Health Day 2021. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year and recognizes the efforts of those serving the health needs of an estimated 57 million people across the nation.
Beginning in 2015, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) additionally made a nationwide call for Community Star nominations, seeking individuals, organizations and coalitions making a positive impact in rural communities to highlight during National Rural Health Day. Dr. Gayle Thomas, Medical Director of the NC Farmworker Health Program, has been named North Carolina’s 2021 Community Star, NOSORH recently announced.
Read more.
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Governor Cooper Signs Budget and Two Bills into Law
On November 18, 2021 Governor Roy Cooper signed the following bills into law:
Governor Cooper made the following statement on SB 105:
"This budget moves North Carolina forward in important ways. Funding for high speed internet, our universities and community colleges, clean air and drinking water and desperately needed pay increases for teachers and state employees are all critical for our state to emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever. I will continue to fight for progress where this budget falls short but believe that, on balance, it is an important step in the right direction."
Governor Cooper made the following statement on SB 183:
“This legislation will expand the use of ignition interlock systems that are proven to reduce alcohol related accidents and save lives."
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Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order Extending Health Care Help to Strengthen State's Response to Omicron Variant
On January 5, 2022, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 245 to strengthen the state’s ongoing fight against COVID-19 with more health care workers and flexibility for care facilities, as well as easier access to vaccines, tests and treatments. The regulatory waivers in the Order are key to facilitating the state’s COVID-19 response at this critical juncture in the pandemic.
“It’s more important than ever to support our health care providers and give them more flexibility and tools. As hospitalizations rise we should make sure people get the medical care they need as well as more access to vaccines and tests,” said Governor Cooper.
Read more.
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Visit the NCDHHS COVID-19 Response website for more information about
COVID-19 data, guidelines, testing, vaccines and more.
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