Welcome to the Southwestern Commission
Your regional council of government. We serve as a technical, economic, and planning resource to local towns and counties in our western region.
Officially known as the Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission, we cover the counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain, the 17 municipalities therein, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Southwestern North Carolina continues to change rapidly, and as the population increases, so does demand on local government to provide the needed services and infrastructure. The Southwestern Commission remains on the leading edge of this growth, providing expertise in land use planning, economic and workforce development, and elderly services. Our work, and your love of this region, ensure that regional growth occurs in a healthy and sustainable manner that benefits us all.
News and Updates
The Southwestern Commission Region will receive approximately $29mm over an 18-year period to address the region’s opioid crisis. To ensure that these funds are utilized as effectively and efficiently as possible,…
Join us for a 1.5-hour virtual focus group to discuss opioid use, resources, treatment, and prevention in your community. Your experience is a critical part of the opioid needs assessment…
Strong Partnerships and Sustained Efforts Help Region in Times of Uncertainty The news that Pactiv Evergreen Packaging would close its Canton facility after 115 years sent shockwaves throughout western North…
The Southwestern Commission requests proposals to create a strategic plan for the utilization of opioid settlement funds for Region A. Geographic area to be served: The Region A counties in…
It’s no secret that broadband connectivity is a challenge in western North Carolina, directly affecting the education system. But the Southwestern Commission is working with our regional partners to alleviate…
Forty students in the Clay County school system are sporting new Chromebooks to assist with their academic growth, thanks to a grant from the Southwestern Commission. The $55,000 grant also…