Community & Economic Development
WPCOG has administered $504,512,583 in federal, state, and local grants since its inception.
In the last five years (2019-2024), WPCOG has administered $94,726,584 in federal, state, and local grants.
Since its inception, the HOME Consortium program has assisted over 3000 first-time home buyers and provided each with up to $20,000 in down payment assistance.
​
Our Mission
To strengthen communities across the Western Piedmont region, encompassing Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. We assist local governments in securing and managing funding for a broad range of needs. This includes providing affordable, decent, and safe housing, improving public infrastructure, and advancing economic development through the application, preparation and administration of federal and state grants.
​
Our Department
The Community and Economic Development Department at the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is composed of professionals with expertise in housing, infrastructure planning, grant administration, workforce development, and economic growth. The department works directly with local governments to address housing needs, enhance infrastructure, and support business development across the region. Staff collaborate with a wide range of partners including municipalities, nonprofits, developers, and state and federal agencies to implement projects that improve quality of life, strengthen local economies, and promote sustainable community and economic development. Regional coordination and strategic planning are central to the department’s mission to support resilient and thriving communities.
Contractors Needed for Home Repair Programs
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments is seeking contractors to participate in several home repair programs available in counties across the region.
The WPCOG has received more than $2 million for programs such as Essential Single-Family Repairs Loan Pool (ESFRLP), Urgent Repair Program (URP) and Scattered-Site Housing. The repair programs' maximum expenses are up to $70,000 depending on program year/county for ESFRLP, up to $13,000 for URP, and $72,000 for Scattered-Site Housing.
The counties included in the WPCOG program area are Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba. Typical repairs for ESFR include heating, electrical, handicapped access, windows and doors. URP repairs include heating, roofing, and porches. The Scattered-Site Housing repair program is funded through the N.C. Department of Commerce and involves more comprehensive repairs. The WPCOG provides administration for the programs, and payments are made promptly.
For projects under $40,000, contractors do not have to be licensed. Still, they must carry liability insurance of at least $300,000 for personal injury and $100,000 for property damage, along with workers' compensation insurance if required by statutes.
For projects more than $40,000, contractors must be licensed and carry the same type of liability and workers' compensation coverages. Contractors need to be NCRRP (North Carolina Right to Repair Program) certified to work on any home built prior to 1978.
The WPCOG maintains a list of eligible repair projects in the four counties it services. For more information about contracting opportunities, contact Lisa Acuff at the WPCOG at 828-485-4262 or by email at lisa.acuff@wpcog.org.