RALEIGH – A regional planning initiative led by the Centralina Regional Council in partnership with the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Integrated Mobility Division (IMD), has earned national recognition for its work to improve transportation access and reduce congestion in the greater Charlotte region.
The awards honor innovative regional projects that improve quality of life and build long-term resilience.
Backed with $285,000 in state funding, along with $115,000 in local contributions, the project produced the Charlotte region’s first Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan.
TDM refers to programs and strategies that reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by encouraging options like carpooling, transit, walking, biking and remote work.
These efforts support healthier communities, ease congestion and promote sustainability equity and economic growth.
“The partnership reflects our commitment to helping regions create smarter, more connected communities,” said Brennon Fuqua, director of NCDOT’s IMD. “Supporting local innovation is key to reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips and improving mobility statewide.”
The state transportation department’s IMD played a hands-on role, from consultant selection to project oversight.
“CONNECT Centralina is a one-of-its-kind program in our region that gives residents the opportunity to take their commutes back for themselves. NCDOT IMD’s support, both in providing financial support and technical assistance throughout the process, was critical to the development of our transportation demand management plan,” said Sarah Niess, Senior Planner at Centralina Regional Council.
A regional planner from IMD served as both project manager and steering committee
member throughout the project.
The CONNECT Centralina project was one of three initiatives recognized by NADO under Centralina’s leadership.
To learn more about NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division visit
here. For more information about the Centralina Regional Council visit
here.