Regional Initiatives

The Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) Joint Land Use Study is a project funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) and administered by the CFCOG. The project is aimed at opening lines of communication between MOTSU commanders, local officials, and key public and private stakeholders, to work collaboratively at achieving the following primary goals:

To protect and preserve the military- and defense-related operational capabilities of Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU), the nation’s largest military terminal.
To support the continued and safe growth and economic development of MOTSU’s neighboring communities.
To enhance communication and collaboration between military commanders and local officials.
To establish policies and procedures for managing compatible land uses adjacent to and encroaching on MOTSU.

More details about the project are available on the project website.

NC 211 East Coast Greenway Feasibility Study

The Cape Fear Council of Governments was awarded a planning grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), with matching funds provided by Brunswick County, to conduct a greenway feasibility study along the NC 211 corridor. The study aimed to evaluate existing conditions and collaborate with the public and area stakeholders to determine a preferred alternative for addressing bicycle and pedestrian needs along the corridor.

The study area encompasses the NC 211 corridor and surrounding region, stretching from the Southport Ferry Terminal to Stone Chimney Road. More details about the project are available on the project website.

Cape Fear Regional Bicycle Plan

The Cape Fear Council of Governments was awarded a planning grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to develop a comprehensive regional bicycle transportation plan. The purpose of this plan is to identify opportunities and constraints for bicycling within the Cape Fear region and to establish recommendations for improvement.

The Cape Fear Regional Bicycle Plan encompasses Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender Counties, as well as southern Bladen, Western Onslow, and southern Sampson Counties.

More details about the project and a map are available on the project website.

Focus Regional Plan

In 2011, the Lower Cape Fear Sustainable Communities Consortium (FOCUS) was formed to foster better cooperation among the region’s local The culmination of nearly three years of collaborative work, the Regional Framework for Our Future is a comprehensive plan for sustainable development. This effort was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

More information about the project and the FOCUS Regional plan are available on the project website.

As part of the public engagement process, interactive voting clickers were purchased and are now available for use. These handheld devices allow audience members to quickly record their responses during meetings, training sessions, and surveys. The voting pads enable participants to provide meaningful feedback in group settings, with instant results available for presenters. To utilize the electronic voting clickers, please email Allen Serkin.

NC Tomorrow Plan

NC Tomorrow is an initiative led by the North Carolina Association of Regional Councils, in partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Community Assistance Division.

As part of this initiative, North Carolina’s regional councils prepared uniform Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) to identify regional priorities for economic and community development. These regional plans served as the foundation for a statewide Strategy for Comprehensive Community and Economic Development, which amins to function as a blueprint for state efforts to “Build Communities for Tomorrow’s Jobs.”

More information about the project and the regional report are available on the project website.

Cape Fear River Trail Map

The Cape Fear River Trail map is a comprehensive guide to access points along the Cape Fear River, stretching from Fayetteville to the Atlantic Ocean. This map is designed to assist in planning a journey along one of North Carolina’s most significant and intriguing waterways, showcasing miles of unmatched natural beauty—from quiet blackwater creeks to tidal marshes and bustling river harbors.

The map was produced by the Cape Fear River Reserve Committee and the Cape Fear Council of Governments, funded by a grant from the Adopt-A-Trail program of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, the NC Chapter Soil and Water Society, and Mike Glancy.

Click here to access the map.