Berger received scholarship to attend economic development program

New Hanover County Commissioner Brian Berger was slated to go through a short course on strategies for economic development.

Berger was given a scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s two-day Economic and Community Development educational program, presented by the university’s Local Elected Leaders Academy. The program scholarship was made possible as a result of support provided by Food Lion.

Port City Daily reported Friday that despite the scholarship, Berger did not attend the conference.

According to a news release from the county, the program explores the various financial mechanisms used by governments in North Carolina to promote economic development, from incentives for Main Street businesses to tax increment financing.

Earlier in September, Berger was reappointed to the National Association of Counties Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee. This body gives counties a voice in shaping national policies, legislation and regulations.

The committee is responsible for association policy development on all matters pertaining to air, water and noise pollution control; solid and hazardous waste management and disposal; the preservation and proper utilization of water resources; energy; and the use of land resources.