RALEIGH, N.C. — A groundbreaking regional planning initiative has earned national recognition for its efforts to transform transportation in the greater Charlotte area. The CONNECT Centralina project, a collaboration between the Centralina Regional Council and the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Integrated Mobility Division (IMD), received a prestigious 2025 Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO).
Award Recognition for Regional Innovation
The NADO Impact Awards honor innovative regional projects that demonstrate measurable improvements to quality of life while building long-term community resilience. The CONNECT Centralina project stood out among submissions nationwide for its comprehensive approach to transportation demand management.
Led by Sarah Niess, Centralina’s senior planner, and supported by NCDOT’s IMD, the initiative represents a significant milestone in regional transportation planning. The project was one of three initiatives recognized by NADO under Centralina’s leadership.
Comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Plan
The $400,000 project, funded through $285,000 in state contributions and $115,000 in local funding, produced the Charlotte region’s first comprehensive Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan. This planning document establishes a framework for reducing the region’s reliance on single-occupancy vehicles through strategic promotion of alternative transportation options.
Transportation Demand Management encompasses programs and strategies designed to encourage carpooling, public transit usage, walking, biking, and remote work arrangements. These approaches support multiple community goals, including improved public health, reduced traffic congestion, enhanced sustainability, greater transportation equity, and stronger economic growth.
Strong State-Local Partnership
NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division played a central role throughout the project lifecycle, from initial consultant selection through final project oversight. A regional planner from IMD served dual roles as both project manager and steering committee member, ensuring seamless coordination between state and local priorities.
“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.”
Regional Impact and Future Implications
The CONNECT Centralina initiative addresses critical transportation challenges facing one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. By providing residents with viable alternatives to driving alone, the program aims to reduce congestion while improving air quality and community connectivity.
“CONNECT Centralina is a one-of-its-kind program in our region that gives residents the opportunity to take their commutes back for themselves,” said Sarah Niess, Senior Planner at Centralina Regional Council. “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.”
The award recognition positions the Charlotte region as a model for other metropolitan areas seeking to implement comprehensive transportation demand management strategies. The project’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of state-local partnerships in addressing complex regional transportation challenges.
