Legislative Directive
S.L. 2025-77 directs the UNC School of Government’s Environmental Finance Center to study and report on the benefits, costs, and financial, statutory, or regulatory obstacles to regionalization of water and wastewater services across the State.
In the report, the EFC shall provide recommendations regarding all of the following:
- Legislative or regulatory changes in financial, auditing, or oversight requirements imposed on public water and wastewater systems that will lead to more informed decision making on financial stability of those systems, and the potential of various regionalization measures to address financial instability.
- Particular public water or wastewater systems in the State that would benefit significantly from various regionalization measures.
Data Collection
We want to hear from you. Your insights will help guide this important work. You can share your perspective by:
- Completing our general input survey
- Joining one or more of our virtual listening sessions (schedule below).
Zoom Link: https://unc.zoom.us/j/92866721136
Meeting ID: 928 6672 1136 - Submitting relevant documents, such as interlocal agreements, at regionalizationstudy@sog.unc.edu.
All information submitted—including written input and video recordings of listening sessions—is a public record and will be posted on the study web page at NCFinanceConnect.com.
Your participation is critical in shaping a thoughtful and practical approach to regionalization in North Carolina. We encourage you to share your ideas, attend listening sessions, and help ensure that the study reflects the diverse perspectives of communities and stakeholders across the state. If you have questions, please contact regionalizationstudy@sog.unc.edu.
LISTENING SESSION SCHEDULE
Financial Drivers – Exploring the costs and funding challenges that influence whether utilities consider regional partnerships.
Wed, Sept 10 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Thu, Sept 11 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Viability – Examining the long-term sustainability of utilities and how regionalization impacts financial and operational sustainability.
Thu, Sept 18 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Fri, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Growth – Considering how population shifts, economic development, expansion, and contraction affect utility planning and the potential for shared services.
Wed, Oct 8 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Thu, Oct 9 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Decision-Making – Exploring how perceptions and realities about governing boards potentially losing control influence whether and how regionalization decisions move forward.
Mon, Oct 20 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Tue, Oct 21 | 10:00–11:00 AM
Public Relations – Examining how community views, concerns, and support (or opposition) impact local government decisions about regionalization.
Tue, Nov 4 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Wed, Nov 5 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Regulatory Compliance – Identifying the regulatory requirements utilities must meet and whether regional models help or complicate compliance.
Wed, Nov 12 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Thu, Nov 13 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Knowledge Gaps – Highlighting areas where utilities, governments, or the public need more information to make informed choices about regionalization.
Mon, Nov 17 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Wed, Nov 19 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Operations & Staffing – Addressing workforce challenges, technical expertise, and day-to-day management in regional or shared service arrangements.
Thu, Dec 4 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Fri, Dec 5 | 1:00–2:00 PM
HOW TO JOIN
Zoom Link: https://unc.zoom.us/j/92866721136
Meeting ID: 928 6672 1136