Created to assist the region’s local governments with administering and effectively leveraging funds stemming from the American Rescue Plan Act. The department also provides a variety of planning services and technical assistance aimed at increasing local and regional resiliency and disaster recovery capacity. This page offers a brief overview of the services offered by the department, along with a collection of helpful data and resources.
Assistance ranges from guidance and advice to full compliance and reporting depending upon the staffing and needs of the local government. Examples of assistance offered:
Staff are available to assist counties with claiming their Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund allocation from the Treasury Department, maintaining compliance with these funds, and completing all mandatory reports.
Staff assist communities with administration and implementation of earmarks they receive in the state budget stemming from the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This assistance includes:
Much of the funding stemming from the American Rescue Plan Act is available in the form of competitive grants at the federal and state level. Staff proactively monitor grant programs and notify local governments of funding opportunities. They also advise local governments on funding fits and assist them with developing and submitting competitive applications. Frequent funding agencies include:
The State of North Carolina has prioritized efforts to build disaster recovery capacity among local governments, particularly as it relates to management of recovery funds. To that end, the General Assembly provided a grant to the North Carolina Association of Regional Councils of Governments to provide financial training and conduct activities to build regional and local capacity. The Association disseminated these funds to the sixteen Councils of Government across the state to oversee capacity building in their service area. High Country COG is using this funding to build capacity in several ways, including:
Each county in North Carolina is receiving funding stemming from the Opioid Settlement. Counties are tasked with using these funds to undertake activities that address the negative impacts of the opioid epidemic in their communities. COG staff are available to assist counties with the financial and annual reporting required by the Opioid Settlement Fund, and to facilitate community planning meetings.
The American Rescue Plan Act and associated funding offers a generational opportunity for local governments to address long-standing needs and facilitate economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Building long-term resiliency, however, requires thoughtful planning and assessment. COG staff are available to provide technical assistance and planning services to increase regional and local resilience, primarily focused on:
The High Country Council of Governments serves local government members and stakeholders with professional services by effectively maximizing resources to meet ever-changing needs that improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of the High Country.
468 New Market Blvd
Boone NC, 28607
(828) 265-5434