HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 12-02-19 Item 4-c - Proclamation Recognizing Robert Dowling 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-c
SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Robert Dowling
DEPARTMENT: Housing & Community
Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Emila Sutton, 919-245-2490
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing and expressing gratitude to Robert
Dowling for his devotion and service to the people of Orange County.
BACKGROUND: After approximately 22 years of service to the Community Home Trust,
Robert Dowling is stepping down as the Executive Director.
After a career in the private sector, Robert Dowling joined the board of Orange Community
Housing Corporation in 1996 and became the executive director in December 1997. Mr. Dowling
managed the organization's transition to a community land trust, and due to his leadership,
Community Home Trust is recognized as a leader in the provision of permanently affordable
housing that is integrated into market-rate neighborhoods. Because of Mr. Dowling's work, more
than 300 homes in the Carrboro-Chapel Hill area are permanently affordable to people who are
low income.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with consideration of the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with consideration of the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the attached proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Robert
Dowling for his service to the people of Orange County and wishing him well in his retirement.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING
ROBERT DOWLING,
RETIRING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY HOME TRUST
WHEREAS, Robert Dowling, after serving as a banker in the private sector, moved to
Orange County, North Carolina, with his wife, Bethaney Dale; and
WHEREAS, in 1995 Mr. Dowling embarked on a second career in community
development and joined Hayti Development Corporation, an affordable housing
nonprofit in Durham, and in 1997, after a brief time on its Board, joined Orange
Community Housing Corporation as Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, under the leadership of Mr. Dowling, Orange Community Housing
Corporation merged with the Community Land Trust in Orange County, which had been
established in 1999 with the support of the Town of Carrboro, Town of Chapel Hill, and
Orange County, and which today is known as Community Home Trust; and
WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished career, Robert has helped ensure that more
than 300 homes in the Carrboro-Chapel Hill area are permanently affordable to people
earning less than eighty percent of the area median income; and
WHEREAS, today the Community Home Trust manages a total of 322 affordable single
family ground leases and rental apartments, with a staff of 10 and a budget of nearly
$1.1 million; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dowling has served as a faithful advocate, representing both
Community Home Trust and the Orange County Affordable Housing Coalition at
affordable housing tables and before elected bodies, making the case for such policies
and investments as A Penny for Housing, the Orange County Affordable Housing Bond,
and a Pilot Master Leasing program; and
WHEREAS, Robert's work in Orange County has ensured that neighborhoods are
diverse and thriving and sustained as such for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dowling is retiring from Community Home Trust on December 31,
2019, after 22 years in service to our communities, and will be missed;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
recognize and express deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by
Robert Dowling to the Orange County community, and wish him well in his retirement.
This the 2nd day of December 2019.
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners