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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes 01-17-2025-Retreat Meeting 1 APPROVED 2/25/25 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RETREAT January 17, 2025 9:00 a.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a retreat on Friday, January 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton, and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee (arrived at 11:57 a.m.) and Phyllis Portie-Ascott (arrived at 9:11 a.m.) COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Interim Deputy County Manager Caitlin Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. All commissioners were present, except Commissioner Portie-Ascott and Commissioner McKee. Chair Bedford welcomed everyone to the retreat. Housing Programs Overview Blake Rosser, Housing Director, introduced staff from his department: Danielle Butler, Alycia Brown, and Aaron Rimmler-Cohen. He then made the following presentation: Slide #1 n ORANGE COUNTY � HOUSING DEPARTMENT Overview of Services- 2025 2 Slide #2 Affordable Housing Low-income residents pay no more than 30%of income on housing costs(rent/mortgage+utilities) AMI—Area Median Income In 2024 in the Durham/Chapel Hill metro area, this is$105,900 for a family of four Law-income 80%of AMI—$84,700 for a family of four;$59,300 for a single person Very low income 50%of AMI—$52,950 for a family of four;$37,100 for a single person Extremely low income 30%of AMI—$31,750 for a family of four;$22,250 for a single person FMR—Fair Market Rent Calculated annually by HUD,for 2025 Durham1CH it is$1,637 for a 1SR,$1,872 for 2BR,and$2,334 for 3SR CoC—Continuum of Care HUD Definition:"A community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency.It includes action steps to and homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness" OCPEH The CoC for Orange County:Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness HOME Committee Collaborative partnership operated by OCPFH in which area service providers meet twice monthly to discuss clients and refer for services Transitional Housing Temporary housing with supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness,with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing.A client in transitional housing is still considered homeless and not in a form of permanent housing.An example is IFC's shelter,which can be from 90 days to 1 year. PSH-Permanent Supportive Combines rental assistance with voluntary supportive services to address the needs of chronically homeless Housing people. The services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills,and connect people with community-based health care,treatment and employment services. Rapid Rehousing A program offering housing search,move-in and rental assistance along with case management, on a temporary basis(no longer than 2 years). The goal is to quickly re-house someone who recently became unsheltered and transition them to more permanent housing. Housing First A policy that advocates unconditional, permanent housing as quickly as passible to homeless people, and other supportive services afterward (House first,add supportive services later). Rapid Rehousing is an example of a Housing First program. HCV—Housing Choice The modern name for Section 8 rental assistance program serving"very low income"residents Voucher OCAHC—Orange County A group of area agencies working on affordable housing from all angles:development,acquisition, rehabilitation, Affordable Housing Coalition rental assistance,and homelessness OCHPC—Orange County Agroup operating out of UNC's Community Practice Lab(CPL)which coordinates repair and rehabilitation Home Preservation Coalition applications from low-income residents and refers them to participating community partners. AHAB—Affordable Housing Volunteer advisory board which advises the Board of County Commissioners on affordable housing priorities for Advisory Board the county. Commissioner Greene said that there is another definition of affordable housing that includes transportation. She said the average cost of transportation for Americans is 20% of their income. She said while it is not part of the HUD formula, it is a significant cost of housing. She said the Orange County transit plan recommends that transportation be taken into consideration. Blake Rosser said that it is good to keep that context in mind. He said that is one of the things they talked about in the affordable housing scoring matrix. He said he believes they shortened the distance required to be close to transit in the scoring matrix. 3 Slide #3 Housing Department has 4 divisions comprised of 16 programs (number of staff in parentheses) • -. - OCHA Development SOHRAD Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection Housin =hb RRH Rapid Rehousing 9 Helpline EDP(2} HCV(6) {Ipl) SOAR SSIISSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery LHA Longtime Homeowner 5 (3.5) HOME(1) EHA(1) Board Assistance (3.5) EDP Eviction Diversion Program Housing t HA(0.5) CRP(2) EHA Emergency Housing Access{1) Assistance CRP Civil Rights Program (Fair Housing) KRRH(2.5) CAHAB OCHA Orange County Housing Authority SOAR(1) BondlCIP (0.5) nORANGECOUNTY �° HOUSING DEPARTMENT Weather 4 Slide #4 �� _ 1¢sanns9tM1nrll %: �df�t glglriertr[rn Nreykrrss(arriYtn 0(IEN{pxiiaplx Yxaal (hrsrrpMrrladrson Vacant N(YYa.rpx lSMprgar - � ii' AiYlttiteiYwiaistartll NouurgHepbae8 Rawdleloniap(awAgf. ASorbo�a 1�lfhws Oxilisllinferrx Chmeadt(oardrador — Vacant Vacant H(YSpedtip 91[q�fhr IplalSgrdplili# Twrnrf0lrakwurtt AapolelwrsngfasaYq. AlmaSidbucy IunrAElrt AMIS1pra Sr�hm+irFipurrtir! (o &RmEMUSpxialrst mordaHrmo k ladcargrono N(4Sgaddin EBA(ateSprzahf Iaka1S►adaPnl Tuxpxx1011oeRaivattt PapolehonpgU*Xgt AWLI&se Ikrrupa(xw 1,446ami ParrkirWilkmv [oxdrutrdFnhrSpuuln W,61Jekesva ly�iaC'.x l N[YSpedalu GniRglts{oxdNtx {OAmhst .r PerrSippxt Wow SONUP iadyu�vfr Ydmzmdwu WAllsllrard (oxdoutedEn1rjSpeWm1 owrfwymr UnpOwmra IEIh5wo, Iwhia*1h1w PeerSrNw Navigator SOAAA roSroar irdelG*a Ellyn McBo de Nrasiaq Exata i laspxta Prer Support Nangrtx SWO lAripNma ��„ SOAR Cutworbr ChmAarhnsan nORANGECOUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT 5 Slide #5 r Civil Rights Program(Fair Housing) (0.5) Department Eviction Diversion 2 Emergency Housing Assistance 1 $450,000 Civil Rights Program 2 Fun('7 n(�" • Housing Choice Voucher 6 $7,000,000 ILL��..111 Ya • Client Needs $16,000 HOME Investment Partnership 0.5 $350,000 Overview HOMF-ARP $400,000 Urgent Repair Program{NCHFA) $120,000 Essential Single Family Rehabilitation(NCHFA) $160,000 Longtime Homeowner Assistance $2501 Bond/CIP $1,666,667 Emergency Repair Fund (Fee-Funded) Urgent Repair Program 2 $40,000 Administration 2 Housing Helpline 2.5 Rapid Rehousing 1.5 $250,000 Administration 0.2 Cold Weather Cots $30,000 *OCPEH Consists of Contributions Bridge Housing $95,0o0 from four OC municipalities broken Landlord Incentives $20,000 dawn in the following proportions: Permanent Supportive Housing $150,000 39.7%-Chapel Hill e SSIiSSDI Outreach,Access,and Recovery 1 39.5%-Orange County • 14.3%-Carrboro Rapid Rehousing 1 • 6.5%-Hillsborough Street Outreach,Harm Reduction and Deflection 4 Housing Helpline 0.5 Rapid Rehousing i **Administrative personnel includes Housing Access Coordinator 1 L11rector(partial},Business Officer, Bridge Housing $149,000 Grants Coordinator,and 2 Administration 1.625 Administrative Assistant equivalents Administrative Personnel— d Commissioner Portie-Ascott arrived at 9:11 a.m. Chair Bedford asked for more information on the HOME Investment Partnership. Blake Rosser said it is more commonly called the HOME Program, and it is a federal program. He said the county is in a HOME consortium with Chapel Hill and Carrboro. He said that the county decides what to do with the funds. He said that Chapel Hill gets around $400,000 for CDBG, and the county gets around $400,000 and the county then decides how it will spend it each year. He said that you see it with the consolidated plan, the Annual Action Plan, the CAPER, and he said you see it every 5 years for consolidated plan. Commissioner Carter asked for more information about how landlord incentives work. Blake Rosser said it is a program funded through the Partnership to End Homelessness and is intended to recruit landlords. He said best practices for landlord incentives is a signing bonus. He said that is the most common incentive. He said there is also a referral bonus. He said there is a risk mitigation incentive, which is to compensate landlords for tenant damage to properties. Commissioner Greene asked Blake Rosser to review where those funds come from. Blake Rosser said that administrative fees from the HCV program are used for the risk mitigation incentive. He said they also request funds in the budget for incentives. Commissioner Carter asked for more information about SSI outreach. Blake Rosser said that is the SOAR program. He said is for unhoused individuals and helps them get registered for benefits. 6 Commissioner Carter asked for clarification of where the cold weather program was administered. Blake Rosser said it is under the Partnership, but it is a shared responsibility in the department. He said that in the current fiscal year, they have already surpassed the number of cold weather nights the county had last year. He said that they are experiencing burnout among overnight staff and an unprecedented volume of people needing shelter on cold weather nights. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for information on the employees under eviction diversion. She said one was an attorney. Blake Rosser said is the Eviction Diversion Expediter. He said the role functions as a paralegal for the attorney. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked for another column on the chart in slide #5 of the number of customers served by each division. Slide #6 LegalIF I n ORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#7 income- basedLegal Services Only . below,and evictionfacing or experiencing"Life Changing Events"that impact ability to pay rent. Ryan Evans nORANGE COUNTY Legal Services Manager 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT ryevans@orangecountync.gov Blake Rosser said that during the pandemic, the county spent $15 million on Emergency Housing Assistance due to ARPA funding. He said that as those funds decreased, they went to $2 million, and in the current fiscal year the county appropriated $400,000 for the program. He said that those funds combined with the remaining ARPA funds allowed for about $500,000 for the current year. He said they changed the parameters of the program to allow assistance to folks with life changing circumstances, including sickness, loss of job, and a death in the family. He said they also changed the requirement for AMI to 30% or below. He said they have seen some benefits with those changes. Slide#8 aboutLegal Services Eviction Diversion Program. Legal advice landlordhousing issues. Representation in court if a has violationsalready filed an eviction case in small claims court Civil Rights Program. Investigation into any civil rights -.- local Fair Housing, AccommodationPublic ordinances Lyan Evans egal Services Manager n ORANGE COUNTY ryevans@orangecountync.gov 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Blake Rosser said the Civil Rights Program used to be the fair housing program in the Office of Equity and Inclusion. He said it was moved into the Housing Department so that it was under the supervision of an attorney. He said that the program was underperforming for several years, and that the county voluntarily chose to withdraw from the program with HUD temporarily. He said they have a plan to streamline the program's practices and policies to show HUD that they are capable of reassuming administration of the program by the end of the year. He said they have a goal to reapply for certification by the end of the year. He said they are still taking applications, and they are explaining the circumstances that the department is in, and giving them the option of applying directly to HUD. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked for more information on the partnership with HUD. Blake Rosser said it brings reimbursement for handling the cases, such as paying for the staff investigating the cases and training. He said HUD also offered expertise to the department. Blake Rosser said he is still speaking with HUD to determine what supports will be available. He said he is optimistic that HUD will still be a resource. He said it was beneficial to the program to be an official HUD authority. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked about the experience for residents with the changes. Blake Rosser said theoretically there should be no impact because they can still provide intake and investigations as before. He said practically speaking, people can get more efficient review of their cases with HUD rather than with the county. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the process is for putting an application in with HUD. Blake Rosser said that the HUD office for our region is based in Atlanta, but they have local offices. He said that forms can be completed online or by phone. He said that his experience with this HUD office is that they are responsive to applicants. 8 Commissioner Carter asked what measures would be used to gauge the progress and when will the Board hear more about that. Blake Rosser said he is still looking into that with HUD. He said the most basic metric is how many cases the program has processed and closed. He said the measure from HUD is that the program needed to close eight cases a year, which is a reasonable amount. He said one investigator can have a case load of fifteen cases. He said that he would like to close four cases between July and December. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what a typical day looks like for the employees in the civil rights program. Blake Rosser said the two employees are the intake specialist and the civil rights coordinator. He said that the civil rights coordinator was not only coordinating, but doing all the investigations. He said that the intake specialist was fielding complaints from residents, assessing standing, and administrative work such as handling purchases and finances. He said that both were developing advertising and training materials and engaging in community outreach. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the four closed cases that Blake Rosser hopes to show HUD as evidence for recertification are all that the office would hear. Blake Rosser said there would be additional cases, but the four that they would need to close for HUD would be fair housing related. He said two of the cases they are currently working on are public accommodations cases. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how quickly public accommodations cases are closed. Blake Rosser said he would get that information for the Board. He said that 3-6 months would be a reasonable timeframe. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked for Blake Rosser to walk the Board through a typical fair housing case. Blake Rosser described an example of how a case might start and walked through the process until closure. Commissioner Greene asked for more information on public accommodations cases. Blake Rosser said one case they are currently investigating is a person who believes they were discriminated against based on their religious beliefs. He said another case is a person who was trespassed from a business and believes it was for personal characteristics. Slide #9 Strategic Plan Objectives advanced: •Housing For All, Objective 2: Address need and any policy barriers to increase access to emergency shelter beds and other low-barrier housing including eviction diversion. •Healthy Community, Objective 7: Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community (Civil Rights Program) nORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 9 Slide#10 Avg.Assistance Amount $4,179 Avg.Monthly Expense $50,149 Avg.Time to Process 31 days Households assisted with Life-Changing 35 Event(LCE) Households assisted with Court Summons 37 Number of LCE Households assisted prior 12 to eviction Ryan Evans nORANGE COUNTY Legal Services Manager Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT ryevans@orangecountync.gov Commissioner Portie-Ascott said it appears people are waiting to reach out for assistance rather than in the first month. Blake Rosser said it is a mix. He said that he can look into that data further. Commissioner Fowler asked if there are ways to communicate with the public better about the program. Blake Rosser said he would work with the Community Relations Department on a communication plan. Commissioner Carter asked if there was any overlap in the three household categories. Blake Rosser said there can be some overlap between life-changing event and court summons households. He said he is not sure if the numbers in the chart reflect an overlap. Commissioner Carter asked about the funding for legal services. Blake Rosser said it is locally funded, except for reimbursements for the civil rights program. Commissioner Carter asked if the county knows how many households can be supported by the Housing Department budget. Blake Rosser said they don't look at it in a big picture sense as she described. He said the total EDP clients served in the last 9 months is 468, with two FTEs performing the work. He said that would be $180,000, then you add the expenses for EHA and operations, and it's in the ballpark of 150 people for $700,000. 10 Slide#11 LegalPerformance Measures Clients from 4/1124—12131/24 Number Percent of Total EDP Clients Served 468 Repeat Court Summons + No EHA 48 10.3% (�o.�%) Repeat Summons + Received EHA 21 4.5%(s.s°i°► Total Repeat Court Summons (With 69 14.7% (��.s°r► and without EHA) Ryan Evans nORANGE COUNTY Legal Services Manager Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT ryevans@orangecountync.gov Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there are guidelines on how many times a person can receive Emergency Housing Assistance. Blake Rosser said they can only receive it once. Slide#12 LegalPerformance receivedMeasures Oct-Dec * 107 Denials • Do • Over-income: Avg AMI for denied applications was 46%, range was 33% . .- Outside • refused:• Property Landlords• Court case already decided: 21 complexes, declined, and most have said they will review but will not accept for now. Ryan Evans nORANGECOUNTY Legal Services Manager Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT ryevans@orangecountync.gov Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many cases were covered by the landlords that accepted partial payments. 11 Blake Rosser said three. Slide #13 OrangeIHousing Authority (OCHA) nORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#14 OCHA OrangeHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8). Housing Authority�OCHA)operates the federal Section 8 householdsprogram, serving and below OCHA administers almost 700 vouchers and currently householdhas over 650 under lease. Program assistance is indefinite and lasts for as long as the is income-eligible and programcompliant with closedThe HCV Waitlist is currently to the general public, but we have tentative plans to open it once more in 202S. Alycia Brown HCV P og am Manager n ORANGE COUNTY albrown@orangecountync.gov O HOUSING DEPARTMENT Commissioner Greene said that the practice of Chapel Hill administering public housing and the county administering vouchers is not typical for other counties. Blake Rosser said it is a unique situation to have two authorities in the same area. He said it makes some sense because the public housing is located in the Town of Chapel Hill. He said there was a law in the 1990s that prevents more public housing from coming online. Commissioner Greene said that Town of Chapel Hill has had to fill in the gap for public housing needs. 12 Chair Bedford said the county also helped fund renovations for Trinity Court. Blake Rosser said the federal government has moved away from public housing and is focusing on public/private partnerships. He said the only way to get more public housing is to privatize it. Regarding other places where the housing authority is its own entity, Commissioner Fowler asked if they are only funded by the federal government. Blake Rosser said it is only federal, but it is supposed to be self-sustaining. He said this gets to Commissioner Greene's point that they are only receiving a certain amount of money because they are also collecting rent. Slide #15 OCHA OCHA Board. The Orange County Housing Authority • C•. • oversees the running of OCHA programs, chiefly the Housing • Voucher • program, • -• by Board monitors all HCV processes and approves major policy changes and updates. In 2009 the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointed a group of citizens to the OCHA Board. Prior to this time the BOCC had served in the role of Housing Authority :•. • Alycia Brown .,)ORANGE COUNTY HCV Program Manager Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT albrown@orangecountync.gov Slide #16 Strategic Plan Objectives advanced: Objective 1: Allocate predictable funding sources to contribute or support adding to affordable housing stock • Objective 6: Partner with public agencies to increase opportunities for public employees to buy and rent homes where they work. Objective 9: Increase representation of people with lived experience on housing related matters nORANGECOUNTY O HOUSING DEPARTMENT OCHA — Performance Measures Vouchers Under Lease: 650/fi87 Subsidy Utilization rate: 100% 2024 HUD Evaluation: "High Performer" Inspection turnaround: 48 hours Certification Submission Rate: 98%+ 13 Slide#17 Two program participants on governing board ProgramHCV Alycia Brown 1 'A 1 „ DEPARTMENT alr . . . . . . SlideAaron Rimmler-Cohen continued the presentation: Community Development nORANGECOUNTY Community Development HOME Federal Grant. Approximately $400,000 in federal funds disbursed annually to our program, which we then award to applicants for a variety of activities including: • New development of affordable housing • Repair/Acquisition of existing housing • Homebuyer assistance • Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Affordable Housing Bond. Similar to the above 14 Slide#19 process but with local funds...less strings attached. Aaron - DevelopmentCommunity 1 ' COUNTY acohen „ I , , . . . . SlideAaron Rimmler-Cohen said that the HOME program is one of the most flexible programs under Community Development. He said that over the last 7 months, the division has tried to focus on specific activities to make the best use of the county's funding. #20 ommunity Development Urgent Repair and Single Family Rehabilitation. In collaboration with the Housing Preservation Coalition, uses state and local funds to preserve existing affordable housing, allowing residents to age in place. Longtime Homeowners Assistance. Another preservation strategy: reimbursing longtime homeowners for their increasingly burdensome property taxes Aaron - DevelopmentCommunity 1 ' 1 acohenu HOUSINGDEPARTMENT . . .. 15 home rehabilitation. He said they are working to get urgent repair response down to 3-6 weeks. He said that his completion goal for single family rehabilitation is 6-12 months. He said that these programs are for homeowners, and can only be used for essential repairs. Commissioner Greene said Habitat for Humanity has a program for painting homes. She asked if the division collaborates with Habitat for Humanity. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said they coordinate with Orange County Home Preservation Coalition, which is run out of the UNC Community Practice Lab. He said that due to capacity limitations with outside agencies those types of projects are not being serviced as often. He said there is a backlog of essential repair projects. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked about the income eligibility guidelines. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said that it is mostly under 80% of the AMI, and the AMI for a family of four in Orange County is $105,000. He said they also look at the age of the home, if there is a child under 6 in the home who might be at risk of lead exposure, or if there is an individual in the home with a disability. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the division refers people to the energy funds for all programs. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen asked for clarification. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she had heard of a program with available funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, which would help replace things like HVAC. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said if the county was coordinating with that program, it would be under the Orange County Home Preservation Coalition, but he was unaware if the coalition had partnered with the program. He said he would look into it. Chair Bedford asked if the county was still working on a backlog of homes that need repairs. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said he anticipated bringing a plan to the Board with information about rental assistance and home renovation and repair services after more conversations with HUD. He said they will be able to provide assistance to individuals through the Partnership to End Homelessness Home-ARP program as well. He said that assistance is available to people at risk of experiencing homelessness or those fleeing domestic violence. Commissioner Carter asked if those funds are already available. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said that they received a $1.3 million allocation in 2023 that the county hasn't drawn down. He said he has submitted information to begin drawing those funds down. He said he could provide a report on their services to the Board later in the year so they could begin receiving funds in 2025. He said all those funds must be spent by 2030. Commissioner Fowler asked if people with disabilities qualify for that kind of assistance. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said if the person only has a disability and wasn't also at risk of experiencing homelessness, they will not qualify for the Home-ARP. He said that similar communities have prioritized helping individuals experiencing homelessness and are living unsheltered. He said as the county builds out the program, they are looking at how to give preference to the highest need individuals. Commissioner Greene asked if there were people not served by Longtime Homeowners Assistance when funding ran out. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said that funds are spread out based on the number of people who apply. Commissioner Greene said that the minimum number of years to be eligible for Longtime Homeowners Assistance is 5 years. She wondered if there are people who lived here much longer who are not getting the assistance they need. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said he would not see a problem with increasing the minimum number of years for ownership. He said the majority of people in the program have lived in Orange County longer than 5 years. 16 Chair Bedford said that the Board should expect to see tweaks every year as the county refines the program. She said as they raise taxes for the school bond, they can expect to need to put more money into the Longtime Homeowners Assistance program. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the heirs of a property can access the program. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said no, because they would not have owned the property for 5 years. Chair Bedford said there is a distinction between heirs who want to live in the property, vs those who want to be a landlord. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said some heirs might want to move back and live in the property, but repairs must be made first. She said they will need to keep the taxes up while they make repairs. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said she brings up an important point. He said they run into that in the county, but the NCHFA does not include regulations that are flexible enough. He said if that is of interest to the Board, it would require local funding to support programs for heirs' properties. Chair Bedford said that might be an important addition to the county's legislative priorities. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said most of the properties the county forecloses on are heirs' properties. Chair Bedford said heirs' properties need protections from investors. Commissioner Greene said that heirs' properties are another category from what she would like to do with the minimum years of ownership. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked for the County Manager to determine how much it would cost to fund the same number of eligible owners in the Longtime Homeowners Assistance program at the anticipated increased tax rate. Slide#21 Communityo • HousingMinimum •d- Our • Community Rehabilitation / and investigates concerns / about compliance with local ■ code.+ • Advisory Board. advisory board that recommends policy to the Board of CountyCommissioners about how best to address affordable housing issues in Orange Aaron Rimmler-Cohen ORANGE COUNTY Community Development Manager � HOUSING DEPARTMENT aco hen@o rangecou ntyn c_gov 17 Slide #22 Strategic Plan Objectives advanced: Objective 1:Allocate predictable funding sources to contribute or support adding to affordable housing stock. Objective 4: Prioritize and select County-owned land and/or facilities as part of an overall plan of facilities to create crisis, bridge, low barrier, affordable, and permanent housing Objective 7: Expand resources and invest in housing designed for our aging and disabled residents. Objective 8: Preserve existing housing stock from disrepair and avoid displacement. nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said that 8 lots have been set aside for affordable housing, but his understanding is that there are problems with 6 of those 8 lots. He said the division would like to be part of the future process for selecting lots that are earmarked for affordable housing. Commissioner Carter asked what the problems are with the 6 lots. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said it is usually a combination of zoning issues, and sometimes there are gradient or water issues or site-specific issues. Commissioner Carter what lots are facing zoning issues. Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said he would provide that information to the Board. Chair Bedford said that the Board also received that information in a previous Board meeting. Slide#23 Community • • Performance Measures Number of homes repaired (G3, • : • • $43,720.45 • • Trinity Court (Community Housing LHA . . . • •0 Aaron Rimmler-Cohen Community Development Manager ` 1ORANGE COUNTY acohen@orangecountync.gov Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT Aaron Rimmler-Cohen said that ESFR stood for Essential Family-home Rehabilitation. 18 The Board took a 5-minute break at 10:38 a.m. Blake Rosser continued the presentation: Slide #24 Orange County Partnership to HomelessnessEnd nORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#25 Intervention: Overview Orange 90 . . . 9 Danielle Butler n OCPEH Manager Q ORANGE COUNTY dabutler@orangecountync.gov HOUSING DEPARTMENT Blake Rosser said the Partnership to End Homelessness provides a continuum of care for addressing the causes of homelessness and the needs of unhoused individuals and families. He said, fundamentally, it coordinates resources in the community. 19 Slide #26 2024-25 OCPEH BUDGET CH OC CARR. HILLS. 39.70% 39.50% 14.30% 6.50% Staff/Description Total PORTION PORTION PORTION PORTION OCPEH Expansion Budget 2.625 FTE:1 Homeless Programs Manager, CoCPersonnel.625 Homeless Programs Coordinator&1 Housing Access Coordinator $241,173 $ 95,746 $ 95,263 $ 34,488 $ 15,676 CoCOperations $ 82,460 $ 32,737 $ 32,572 $ 11,792 $ 5,360 SOHRAD Personnel 4.0 FTE:1 Clinical Coordinator(CJ RD),3 Peer 5treet Navigator(OCPEH) $285,516 $ 113,350 $ 112,779 $ 40,829 $ 18,559 SOHRAD Operations $ 37,050 $ 14,709 $ 14,635 $ 5,298 $ 2,408 RRH Personnel0.5 FTE $ 33,500 $ 13,300 $ 13,233 $ 4,791 $ 2,178 RRH Operations $ 3,415 $ 1,356 $ 1,349 $ 488 $ 222 2/3 of annual operational costs(OCPEH is Bridge Housing Operations requesting funding for four of the six beds available.The two remaining beds will be funded with support from UNC Health) $ 147,887 $ 58,711 $ 58,415 $ 21,148 $ 9,613 Coordinated EntryPersonnel0.5 FTE $ 34,195 $ 13,575 $ 13,507$ 4,890 $ 2,223 Coordinated Entry Operations $ 3,415 $ 1,355 $ 1,349 $ 488 $ 222 FY23-24 Fund Balance$70,000 was approved to carry over from FY22-23 to apply in FY24-25 $(70,000) $ 27,790) $ (27,650) $ (10,010) $ (4,550J TOTAL EXPANSION BUDGET $798,611 $ 317,048 $ 315,451 $ 114,201 Is 51,910 2024-25 OCPEH BUDGET $1,893,545.00 Joint Funding("Expansion Budget") $798,611.00 County Funding("Local Investments") $309,294.00 ) ORANGE C4UNTY Federal Grants("OCPEH Grants") $785,64D.OD HOUSING DEPARTMENT Commissioner Carter asked if the county talked to Mebane about contributing to the program. Chair Bedford said that Mebane has not been interested in participating, but they hope to have a joint meeting with Mebane soon. 20 Slide #27 Local Investments Outside OCPEH Landlord Incentive Program FY 23-24 General Fund Doll a rs $ 50,000 PSHFundingFY23-24 Genera l Fund D oil ars-Perm anent5upportive Housing toIFC $ 150,000 Cold Weather e me rgencyFY 23-24 General Fund Dollars-Part-time as needed for staffing in overnight shelter accordancewith the Community's Inclement Weather Response Plan. $ 14,500 Bridge Housing FY23-24 So cl a I Justice General Ford Do Ila rs $ 94,794 TOTAL LOCAL INVESTMENTS $ 309,294 OCPEH Grants JL DV Rapid Re-housing grant transfer(January 0.9 FTE Rapid Re-housing Case Manager CoCGrant .December 2024) (DV);Rental and utility assistance S 157,208 CoC Grant Supportive Service Only:Coordinated Entry 2.5 FTE:2.5 Coordinated Entry(Housing (October 2023-September 2024) Helpline)Specialists $ 191,764 CoCGrant Rapid Re-housing(November 2023-October FTE:2 Rapid Re-housing Case Managers 2024 $ 161,924 HOME Grant Rapid Re-housing(FY 23-24 Year to Date Rental and utility assistance spending) $ 121,989 ESG Annual Rapid Re-housing(January2024-December 0.5 FTE:0.5 Rapid Re-housing Case 2024i Manager $ 43,660 State Fiscal Rapid Re-housing(CPS)(January 2024-June 0.1 FTE Rapid Re-housing Case Manager; Recovery Funds 2025i- Rental and utility assistance $ 85,200 CoC Planning (July 2023-June 2024) .2 FTE:Homeless Programs Coordinator; Grant (July 2024-June 2025-anticipated) Stipends for people with lived experience $ 23,899 TOTAL GRANTS 1$ 785,CA0 2024-25 OCPEH BUDGET $1,893,545.00 Joint Funding("Expansion Budget") $798,611.00 County Funding("Local Investments") $309,294.00 r'd*N, 0 RAN G E COU NTY Federal Grants("OCPEH Grants") $785,640.00 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for more information on the burnout experienced by cold weather shelter staff. She asked how many people are on staff and how many are needed to operate the shelter. Blake Rosser said that they hire additional temporary staff for the cold weather shelter. He said they have already exhausted the current funding for the shelter. He said that the burnout is due to the continuous stretch of cold weather days. He said there is a pool of 8-9 people who staff the cold weather shelter, and they have hired 2 more. He said they need 3 people each night for the shelter, and the pool of employees do not want to work overnight as often as is needed due to the weather. Blake Rosser said there are other organizations which are providing coverage for the shelter due to exhausted staff resources. Travis Myren said there will be a budget amendment on the January 21 business meeting agenda to appropriate more funds for the cold weather shelter. Chair Bedford said the Continuum of Care also received funding that they dispersed to IFC and other non-profits. She said the leadership team makes decisions each year on how those funds are spent. Commissioner Carter asked how cold weather shelter guests are connected to resources while staying in the shelter. Blake Rosser said that is a good opportunity to connect folks with services. He said the Street Outreach Team is present at the shelter and conducts coordinated interviews during intake. He said this week DSS is providing resources to connect people to food stamps and getting people registered for Social Security. 21 Slide#28 • _ 0 0 Housing Access Working with landlords to make &A Coordinator units available for people at very low incomes • Short-term rental assistance �`JF■'1 Rapid Re housing and services AffHomelessness Supportive service to prevent Prevention/ homelessness and bring Housing Stabilization housing stabilization 00 Street Outreach,Harm Connections to housing and Reduction&Deflection services for people living r� Partnership with txCriminat unsheltered Justice Resource Department Danielle Butler ORANGE COUNTY OCPEH Manager Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT dabutler@orangecountync.gov Commissioner Greene asked if anyone representing the SOAR program is still at UNC Hospital. Blake Rosser said he didn't know. Commissioner Greene said a person was trained to do the work for SOAR and was located at UNC Hospital. Blake Rosser said that his department has people who are trained to do SOAR work. He said SOAR used to be administered by DSS. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what services SOHRAD connects chronically homeless individuals to. Danielle Butler said the purpose is to connect them with permanent, supportive housing. She said that service is being provided by IFC. She said that in a recent funding CoC cycle, the Partnership to End Homelessness applied for funds to expand housing for those individuals. Chair Bedford said there weren't any openings for years, and the county appropriated $150,000 to help, but that amount could only serve approximately 8 new people. She said that not everyone needs the same level of services, so there is an effort to reassess what current needs are, and how does the county adapt to those needs. Danielle Butler said nationwide there is a desire to help people currently receiving assistance move out of the program to make room for new participants. Chair Bedford said it is important for the Board to remember that transportation to shelters can be a barrier and people in the northern part of the county should be considered. Vice-Chair Hamilton said it is important to find out what the needs are of people in permanent supportive housing. She said it is also important to know what needs new people are facing to see if there are common reasons or circumstances. Danielle Butler said the leadership team is reviewing this type of information and they are also making sure that service providers are working together. oc Housing Helpline. Front door to all housing services. Information and referral, application assistance. Coordinated Entry interviews (homeless system intake). 919-245.2655 � , help@oranl;ecountync.�ov In-Person Assistance available: • Monday(IFC Community Kitchen,10am-1pm) • Tuesday/Thursday(Southern Human Services Building,8:30am-4pm) Service Providers with any special or urgent requests should directly contact Housing Helpline Coordinator(currently vacant) 22 Slide#29 Danielle Butler 1' y 1 • . w dabutier@orangecountync.gov HOUSING �AR Blake Rosser said one of department would like to reach morepeople Northern Orange County is to have an employee hold an in-person office day in Hillsborough each week. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if staff are working in-person or remotely. Blake Rosser said there are no completely remote employees. He said some are completely in-person and some are hybrid. Slide ocPEH Danielle Butler SOHRAD. The Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection program (SOHRAD) connects people experiencing homelessness in Orange County with housing and services. Peer support and clinical staff use arelationship-based model to provide ongoing engagement and case management for people living unsheltered. SOHRAD is co-managed by the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department and OCPEH. ORANGE COUNTY OCPEH Manager HOUSING DEPARTMENT dabutier@orangecountync.gov 23 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the SOHRAD team is finding out why people might refuse shelter when approached. Blake Rosser said yes, to varying degrees. Danielle Butler said that the team continues to try to engage with individuals. Commissioner Greene said it sounds like Danielle Butler believes that the team needs to keep trying to engage because perhaps they aren't asking the right questions. Danielle Butler said she knows of one individual who had to be worked with for seven years before they would agree to try a housing program, because this person did not want to have anything that could be taken away. She said the initial point of entry is the housing helpline, but also completing a coordinated entry. She said the SOHRAD team is also trained on completing the coordinated entry. She said they will also be training Rapid Rehousing staff on coordinated entry. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that she recalled that those who remain unsheltered are black men. Blake Rosser said approximately 60-70% of people remaining unsheltered are black men. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what the demographic information is for the people on the SOHRAD team. Danielle Butler said they have the following: 2 African American males, 1 Caucasian male, and 1 Hispanic female. Slide#31 OCPEH nationalSOAR. SSl/SSDl Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) is a program that assists eligibleadults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to apply for SSl/SSDl disability benefits. The program was begun to help address the low benefit approval rates for people experiencing homelessness. As of 2017, the approval rate for applications done through SOAR in North Carolina is over four times higher than applications completed outside of •A' Danielle Butler nORANGE COUNTY OCPEH Manager Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT dabutier@orangecountync.gov OCPEH Cold Weather Cots. Extra shelter beds provided on "White Flag" nights(when temperature drops below 32° Fahrenheit during the fall and winter. The shelter runs from 7pm to lam on cold nights, and serves as overflow for IFC's cold weather beds which are in operation from November to April. New location for Winter 2024-25 is at University Baptist 24 Slide#32 Church, 100 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill Danielle ButlerORANGECOUNTY OCPEH Manageru HOUSING DEPARTMENT . . Blake Ro • that individualswho can pass a background check may be eligible for nights.a bed at IFC. He said the main barrier is the individual is a sex offender. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked where those who are sex offenders can go on cold weather Blake Rosser • the county will take them in the cold weather shelter. Chair Bedford said that there used to be more barriers at IFC, but been reduced in recent years. Commissioner Greene said she thought all barriers had been removed. Chair Bedford said they had not. Slide#33 OCPEH Landlord Recruitment. A limiting factor is the amount of landlords with affordable units who are willing to lease to participants in county programs(such as Rapid Rehousing or Section 8).We have a dedicated full-time staff charged with recruiting and retaining landlords, as well as the following reward programs: • Landlord Incentive Program: $1,000 signing bonus for new landlords,and$500 referral bonus to current landlords who refer associates • Risk Mitigation Program: Up to$3,000 in compensation for tenant-caused damages beyond security deposit amount ChristopherHousing Access 1 ' ' 1 .. HOUSINGDEPARTMENT counties. 25 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said it is not a program that is offered in many other Blake Rosser said that Orange County is one of only a handful of counties nationally that offer it. He said it was easier to offer it when ARPA was funding the program, but it's a worthwhile Commissioner Carter asked how many landlords are in the program. Blake • . • he would have to check, but • • about Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked why landlords might be hesitant to participate. Blake Rosser said when he's spoken with landlords, • tape around Section i and the stigma • '• with people in Sectioni housing. Slide OCPEH OCPEN Leadership Team. The governing body of OCPEH, which develops and implements policy to prevent and end include Gaps Analysis & homelessness in Orange County. The vision of OCPEH is that homelessness in Orange County becomes rare, brief, and one-time. OCPEH was established by representatives of relevant organizations within Orange County to carry out the responsibilities set forth in the HUD CoC Program interim rule (24 CFR Part 578}. 10-year plan w/materials (last • 1' + COUNTY dabutler@orangecountync.gov HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#35 Danielle Butler OCPEH Manager OCPEH HOME Committee. Coordinates care and prioritizes housing resources for households living unsheltered in Orange County. Ranking on the HOME Committee list is determined using(in order):the Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDATJ, whether someone is fleeing domestic violence, length of time homeless, and whether sheltered or unsheltered.The task force obtains consent forms for each client. Service providers countywide are involved, from non-profits, DSS and other county depar#ments, UNC Hospitals, veterans organizations, law enforcement, private attorneys, and more. ORANGECOUNTY , , , . . .- .. 26 Slide#36 Coordinated Entry -Access Housing Helpline, -Assessment SOHRAD, SOAR (VI-SPDAT) •Prioritization •Refe rra I HOME Committee n ORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Commissioner Fowler asked if everyone must go through the HOME committee. Blake Rosser said if they aren't currently experiencing homelessness, then they can be referred to other services. Slide #37 There Are Different Outcomes Based On Household Need At risk of Experiencing homelessness Unstable Housing homelessness (2+weeks ofse(ured (less than 2 weeks ofhomelessness housing) stable housing OR less o ' diverted) than 2 weeks experiencing homelessness) Financial Emergency, Permanent Assistance Homelessness Response Housing Eviction and Diversion Referrals homelessness &A& prevention Flexible funding � via Emergency Hauling available Assistance(EHA) Structured Legal conversation help with 20%find other HOME evictions places to stay In-County committee Shelter Out County by name list shelter Housing Choice Fair housing/ Fleeing Vouchers Discriminationa Domestic Permanent Violence/ Supportive Sexual Assault Housing Other p Stable Cold Weather Rapid Re-housing Resources Housing Cots during Veterans programs winter months Supportive services 27 Slide #38 Strategic Plan Objectives advanced: • Housing For All (Goal 3) • Objective 2:Address need and any policy barriers to increase access to emergency shelter beds and other low-barrier housing including eviction diversion • Objective 3:Invest in permanent supportive housing. • Objective 9:Increase representation of people with lived experience on housing related matters. • Healthy Community(Goal 2) • Objective 1:Improve harm reduction, prevention,and support services for adults and children experiencing behavioral health issues,substance use disorder,and intellectual or developmental disability. • Objective 3:Provide social safety net programming and the resources needed for our most vulnerable community members(e.g.,veterans, unhoused people,foster children,older adults,etc.). • Objective 4:Reduce impacts and barriers for justice-involved children and adults through deflection,diversion,therapeutic interventions, and re-entry support, including housing. ORANGE COUNTY �Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#39 • Performance Number of Households • • decrease)Returning to homelessness in I year: 7%(1 pt. Number of people unhoused: 148(17%increase) Nationally:18% Chronically Homeless: 26(8%decrease) Entering Shelter/Homelessness: 40 First time homeless: 274 (Both Highest Ever) Median days homeless:288(13%decrease) Median time in shelter: 56(20%decrease) Danielle Butler nORANGE COUNTY OCPEH Manager Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT dabutier@orangecountync.gov Commissioner Greene said the number of chronically homeless seems consistent from figures 15 years ago. Commissioner Carter asked what new programs the department might implement. Blake Rosser said that they are developing new ways to get more work done with less money. He said there is compelling data about UBI [universal basic income] programs. He said that in the pilot programs, they disbursed funds for a year, and they found that by disbursing it to those experiencing homelessness, they reduced homelessness significantly. He said that even when the UBI stopped, the results stayed. 28 Slide #40 INTRAdepartmental Coflaboration ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #41 HCV serves OCPEH referrals HCV clients receive EDP from HOME Committee and EHA assistance 0OCHA Housing Repair& EDP HCV Helpline HHand Rehab EDP refer clients to each other EHA SOHRAD HOME CD does repair work for HCV homeowners fAcucesssing HAC recruits landlords and units for HCV clients RRH FRRH uses HOME funds for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance(TBRA) nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 29 Slide #42 INTER• . Coflaboration ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #43 Planning MAP OCHPC '0 LUP HCVIFYI MAP MaslerAging Housing Helpline Plan HOME Commitlee Utility Assistance FYI Foster Youth to HOUSING CW C Independence SOHRAD - CWC Cold Weather Cots Emergency ServicesEnv.Health LUP Land Use Plan Minimum Code RepairlRehab LHA SOHRAD Tax SOAR 01`7� JRD nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 30 Slide#44 Orange County • Department 00 W. Tryon Street Hillsborough and 2501 Homestead • . . . Chapel . , •0 Blake Rosser nORANGE COUNTY Director, OC Housing Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT brosser@orangecountync.gov Vice-Chair Hamilton asked for future presentations to include the work performed by outside agencies. FY2025-26 Budget Outlook Travis Myren, County Manager, made the following presentation: Slide #1 f� ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA FY2025-26 Budget Outlook and Long-Range Financial Planning January 17, 2025 Board of Commissioner Retreat 31 Slide#2 Budget Tools and Terminology — Cost to Continue • Cost Associated with Continuation of Current Staffing — Ten (10)Year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) • Creates a Ten(10)Year Plan for Capital Expenditures • Approves Appropriations for Year 1 — Debt Service Model • Projects Debt Service Requirements and Affordability Measures based on CIP — Long Range Financial Plan • Ten (10)Year Operating Budget Projection Model based on Previous Expenditure Trends • Integrates Debt Service and Operations and Maintenance Costs from CIP ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #3 Strategic Plan Alignment Mission Statement Orange County is a visionary leader in providing governmental services valued by our community, beyond those required by law, in an equitable, sustainable, innovative, and efficient way. Vision Statement We are a diverse, inclusive, and healthy county working together to strengthen our community and enhance the quality of life for all residents. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 32 Slide #4 Strategic Plan Priorities Environmental Promote sustainability and resiliency across the County and Protection)and Climate collaborate with our partners to activate our community.protect Action and preserve our natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Healthy Community Increase equitable access to care and social safety net programming to promote the physical.social,and mental well- being of our community_ Housing for All Promote equitable and accessible housing and address housing disparities through policies,partnerships,and collaboration to create a thriving community. Multi-modal R}. Collaborate with our regional partners to expand.integrate/ Transportation connect.and provide accessible public transportation options. Public Education/ Enhance and maintain quality school operations and infrastructure Learning Community and cultivate lifelong learning. Diverse and Vibrant Foster an environment that attracts and retains sustainable and Economy diverse businesses and visitors.employment opportunities. and diversifies our tax base. a Ot a.N G ECOUNTY Slide #5 Countywide Financial Performance Audited General Fund Revenues and Expenditures $300.0 $271.5 S 276.2 $251.2 $269.2 $250.0 $ $233.3 $200.0 ■Revenues $150.0 Expenditures $100.0 $50.0 $0.0 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 Proj `_ ORANGE COUNTY 5 NORTH CAROLINA 33 Slide #6 FY 2025-26 Expenditure Budget Total County Expenditures by Category Capital Pay-Go 4.7% - Transfers To �CIP and Expiring Grants ■Personnel Services 0.2% Operations Recurring Capital ■Education ■Transfer to Debt Service ■Capital Pay-GO Transfers To Recurring Capital 0.1 CIP and Expiring Grants ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #7 FY 2025-26 Expenditure Budget County Expenditures Excluding Education Opera Personnel Services L —..aA OPANGE NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner McKee arrived at 11:57 a.m. 34 Slide #8 FY 2025-26 Expenditure Budget Cost to Continue Personnel Assumptions Wage Adjustment-$800,000 for each 1% Merit Performance Awards-$440,000 Increase of Employer Health Insurance Contribution -6.5%-$700,000 Increase of Employer Retirement Contribution Rate-6% Per LGERS rate stabilization program-$500,000 Maintain Living Wage Right size Overtime-$600,000 Increase to Retiree Health-5%at$160,000 Annualize Library Personnel Costs-$100,000 Increase Employer Dental Insurance Contribution-4%at$20,000 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #9 FY 2025-26 Expenditure Budget Potential New Operating Costs Support for Existing Operating Costs Increased Software as a Service Cost$500,000(Financial System Cloud Upgrade+ New Programs) - Bonds and Insurance-$200,000 Continuation of Enhanced Programming Expanded Funding for County Child Care-$750,000 Expiration of Grant Programs-CARE Team and CJRD Mental Health-$300,000 - Annualized Aging Programming(take out meals and inhome services) -$180,000 Transfer to Debt Service Fund-pending the size of Spring borrowing ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA The Board took a break at noon for a group photo and lunch. 35 Slide #10 FY 2025-26 Expenditure Budget Educational Spending Assumptions • No growth in projected number of students - November 15�hAverage Daily Membership was 132 students below budgeted enrollment • Current Expense - modeling a 3% increase -$3.2 million - Per pupil expense would grow by$170 per student if enrollment remained at FY2024-25 levels • Debt service-expected to decrease by$181,000 if all planned projects move forward • Pay-Go for Schools -$10 million (3.15 cents equivalent on tax rate) • Health and Safety Contracts—modeling a 3% increase -$120,140 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Travis Myren said health and safety contracts fund school nurses and SROs. Commissioner Fowler asked if the 3.15 cents take the revaluation into account. Travis Myren said yes, it will be on the new estimated tax base. Slide #11 Student Enrollment Over Time Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Average Daily Membership 13,000 17,129 12,256 12,353 12,203 12,2'19 11,41, 12;355 12,321 12,448 12.01] 66 11,834 12,000 y �26^ ]}$1g 11,343 11,466 11,393 (882) I1,219 11,132 11 000 (73)--TJT4) (87` 0,000 I,OUV u o00 7,00o 200J.08 2008.09 2W310 2030.11 201112 201313 P013.14 2014.13 3015.1fi 2016]] 201].16 ]018.19 3019.20 202021 2021.23 2022.23 ]02324 2024.23 2043.26 Est. ORANGE COUNTY 11 N"RTTT CART TNA Travis Myren noted that the 2025-26 estimate is a decrease of 87 students in CHCCS. 36 Slide #12 Student Enrollment Over Time Orange County Schools Average Daily Membership 8,000 7,698 7,500 7,501 7,526 7,551 7,544 7,420 7,272 7,299 7,192 7,182 7,122 6,954 7,030 7,007 (117) 6,990 6,945 7,000 (fi0) (132) (45) 6,500 6,000 5,500 5,000 zoo7ae xaaaov xw¢zo xmuu zuzz-u zmz-ze xmaza zozo-xs zms xe 202s-i7 2m1xe x01 2029-xo xozo-zz 2.-xz 2Oxz-z9 2029-24 M-5 zoxs z6 eR ORANGE COUNTY 12 NORTH CAROLINA Travis Myren noted that the 2025-26 estimate is a decrease of 45 students in OCS. Slide #13 FY2025-26 Education Projections Current Expense $108,090,282 $111,332,990 $3,2425,708 Local funding for operating expenses Capital Pay-Go $3,060,000 $13,121,200 $10,061,200 Recurring Capital+New PayGo Debt Service $19,182,204 $19,000,277 ($181,927) Principal and interest payments on school debt Health &Safety One School Nurse per Facility Contracts $4,004,666 $4,124,806 $120,140 One Safety Officer for Middle and High Schools TOTAL $134,337,152 $147,579,274 $13,242,122 ORANGE COUNTY 13 NORTH CAROLINA Travis Myren reminded the Board that the amount dedicated as pay-go each year is flexible. 37 Slide #14 Per Pupil Allocation ModeledPer Pupil Allocation - Total Current Expense Budget $111,332,990 Total Countywide Budgeted Students 19,077 Per Pupil Amount $5,836 Each budgeted student funded at the same per pupil amount m�F . . F Students Per Pupil � Allocation CHCCS 11,141 $5,836 $65,018,653 OCS 7,936 $5,836 $46,314,337 ORANGE COUNTY 14 NORTH CAROLINA Slide #15 Per Pupil Allocation Over Time County Per Pupil Funding Amount History $7,000 $6,000 55666 $5,836 3�$5,000 $4,808 — $4,1fi5 S4,000 — $2,967 $3,069 $3,868 $3,991$3,200 $3,096 $3,102 $3,167 53,269 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 '10� �y �ti0 �ti1 �,1ti titi3 3;Yb o-'tih h'16 6•�^ '1;19' 4'l°j 9ry0 �'L~ 'r'Lti ,1,'�� tia �tih t1'� �ry Change in Per Pupil Allocation 1600.00 $s' $500.00 $400.00 $300.00 $170.50 174.00 $170.00 $200.00 $112.00 $100.00 $1100.001 y ,�, S ;b ;r ti ti ;ti ti ti ti ,ry P ;y 6 Slzoo.001� �~ �~ &' �ti e -+ �tio �� e �tiP e' �ti �,�ro 4tio ory I 38 Slide #16 County Revenue Sources Total County Revenues by Category ■Property Tax Sales Tax ■Sales Tax Intergovernmental ■Charges for Service in Other Revenue Charges for Service ■Transfers In 4.9YO other Revenue 1.0% eApprop of Fund Balance Transfere In 0.2 Approp of Fund Balance 2.4 k ORANGE COUNTY 16 NORTH CAROLINA Slide #17 Property Tax Mechanics Property Tax Base X Tax Rate = Property Tax Collections f Real and Personal Property $21,713,241,752 Motor Vehicles $1,602,886,809 Total Tax Base FY2024-25 $23,316,128,561 FY2024-25 Total Tax Base FY2024-25 $23,316,128,561 Adopted Tax Rate 0.8629 Total Potential Property Tax $201,194,873 Adjustments made for 99.2%collection of real and personal and 99.6% collection for motor vehicles=$199,640,640 ORANGE COUNTY 17 NORTH CAROLINA 39 Slide #18 Impact of the Revaluation PROPERTY TAX BASE • New tax base for FY2025 -26 based on revaluation and natural growth Goal is to value all property in the County to reflect market conditions/market value at the time of the revaluation Completed every 4 years in Orange County • Preliminary estimated new tax base of approximately$32 billion - Represents an increase of$8.6 billion or 37%over FY202425 ORANGE COUNTY 18 NORTH CAROLINA Slide #19 Countywide Revenue Changes • Budget Assumptions —Tax Base History Percent Change in Assessed Value Real,Personal,and Motor Vehicle 50 .22% $a 50 5a 19.76% 5a 18.60% So 12.66% 50 5a 91% 1.08% 0.94% 2.02% 2A6% SO .54% pp��gg�F,, FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 2FY2D20 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Est —CWg,fr—P-r Yea r ORANGE COUNTY 19 NORTH CAROLINA Travis Myren said this sort of projected growth from a revaluation has never been seen before. 40 Slide #20 FY 2025-26 Revenue Assumptions PROPERTY TAX RATE County is required to publish but not adopt a"Revenue Neutral Rate" - The tax rate that would be required to raise the same amount of revenue as the previous year,plus an allowance for average natural growth rate. - Current tax rate -0.8629 cents per$100 of value Revenue neutral rate will drop to approximately 0.64 cents - Property Tax Base X tax Rate=Property Tax Collections 2.36% Natural Growth =$4.7 Million ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner Carter asked how natural growth is calculated. Travis Myren said natural growth is based on the previous three years of actual growth in the tax base. Commissioner Carter asked if the natural growth calculation would take the revaluation into account at some point. Kirk Vaughn said revaluation years are not used to establish natural growth rate, so the 3 years prior to the revaluation would be used in future calculations. Vice-Chair Hamilton said it is possible that revenue neutral rate could be different depending on the results of the revaluation. Travis Myren said staff is confident in the projection, but the tax base is established in January each year and that is what will be used in the budget. 41 Slide#21 Impact of the Revaluation on Individual Property Owners Interaction between increased value and tax rate decrease �FY2024-25 Tax -_ v. Change Rate Neu �Laialbility y Pre-Revaluation $ 400,000 0.8629$ 3,452 Post Revaluation Value $ 450,000 0,64 $ 2,880 $(572) Value Pre-Revaluation Value $ 400,000 0.8629$ 3,452 Post Revaluation Value $ 600,000 0.64 $ 3,840 $ 388 ORANGE COUNTY 21 NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner McKee said this is a catch 22 on a lot of "lower cost" housing that exist around urban areas. He said West Hillsborough is a prime example. He said these folks are usually lower income or on fixed income and have a large jump in their tax value. He said this happened after the last revaluation in Northside and other areas around the County. Chair Bedford shared that a listsery email was sent out yesterday from Community Relations with the timeline for tax notices and the appeals period. Travis Myren said home values alone are estimated to increase around 50-60%. Slide #22 FY 2025-26 Revenue Assumptions PROPERTY TAX REVENUE PROJECTION Allowance for average natural growth above revenue neutral collections-2.36%or$4.7 Million No Change in Collections 99.2%for Property, 99.6%for Vehicles Total property tax revenue estimated to be$204 Million for FY2025-26 budget model ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 42 Slide #23 FY 2025-26 Revenue Assumptions SALES TAX TRENDS Sales Tax now growing significantly slower than pre-Covid trends. Annual Growth Rate of OC Sales Tax 18.00% 16.00% 14.W% 12.00% 10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00% FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025-YTD —Per-Capita Sales Tax —Point 01 Sale Sales Tax ——Per-Capta Pre-Covid Trend ——P.S Pre-Covid Trend Travis Myren said it is a little bit perplexing that the first three months collected so far have been below pre-Covid rates. Travis Myren said the per capita calculation is determined by population, so the state collects all the sales tax and it's distributed to the counties based on population. He said the Point of Sale/Delivery is based on sales and deliveries that occur in Orange County. He explained that the county has adopted Articles of Sales Tax and that goes to the county directly and then there are the state sales tax components that are distributed. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what the articles of county sales tax are. Travis Myren said Article 44 is hold harmless and Article 46 is for economic development. Travis Myren noted that these projections don't take into account the loss of per capita sales tax that will inevitably decrease because of the lack of tourism etc. in the Western part of the state after Hurricane Helene. 43 Slide#24 FY 2025-26 Revenue Assumptions SALES TAX REVENUE PROJECTION - Based on a 2%increase from FY 24-25 Budget - Projecting $917,000 increase from FY2024-25 Budget - Watch for decreases in Article 44 Hold Harmless Funding County Medicaid costs could be rising faster than Article 44 sales tax ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #25 FY 2025-26 Revenue Assumptions Sales Tax History $50,000,000 18A% 20% $45,000,000 $43,396,760 $42643,720 $44,139,012 $45,056,012 $40,000,000 14.1 $37,996,379 15% $35,00000 $ ,101,943 $30,000,000 $27,844,579 $28,126,263 10% $25,000,000 $24,409,044 $25,676,026 $20,000.000 5% $15,000,000 $10,000,000 0% $5,000,000 $- -5% FY2016-17 FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 Budg.1 FY2025-26 Proj. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 44 Slide #26 FY 2025-26 Budget Guidelines to Departments • Additional expenditure requests will require reallocation of existing funds or new revenues • New General Fund positions should come with new revenue or reallocation of existing funds • Analyze current service levels; review historical spending patterns utilizing Budget versus Actual reports • Initiatives will be reviewed with DEI framework and alignment to Strategic Planning Objectives • Continue to develop interdepartmental and intergovernmental collaboration initiatives �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #27 Long Range Financial Planning • New debt service associated with the capital budget and general obligation school bond • Personnel and Education costs consistently growing at a faster pace than revenues • New Operating Costs related to upcoming Capital Investments in next 3 years - $3 million Operating Subsidy for Crisis Diversion Facility - $800,000 Upgraded Public Safety Software for ES&Sheriff - $500,000 Staffing new Emergency Services Substation in Chapel Hill ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 45 Slide #28 Ten Year Capital Investment Plan Projected Capital Expenditures (in millions $) $120.0 $110.0 $110,0 $110.0 $100.0 $8a 0 5704 $60.0 $40.0 $37.6 $31.3 $22.6 $23. $23.6 $23.9 $24.5 $24.9 $14.3 $13,$14. $20.0 $16.2 $79. f $15.®16. $13.8 $1 l■ 1 22.9 1 11 $10. 1 Ii Il$24. $1 $ Ii 1$5.0. $1 10 $5.7 FY26-26 FY26-27 FY27-28 FY28-29 FY29-30 FY30-31 FY31-32 FY32-33 FY33-34 ■Base County CIP ■Major County Projects Base School CIP ■School Bond Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she thought 2025-26 is when the work for the Justice Complex would begin. Travis Myren said staff is currently working with the Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office on what that will look like. He said he would be surprised if the work begins then because the concept is not done yet. Commissioner Greene said she thought there were three $5 million amounts set aside for housing every three years. She asked when those will come forward. Travis Myren said one was done last year, so the next will be in 2027-28 and then 2030- 31. Commissioner Greene asked why the major county project is so high in 2027-28 and not so high 3 years later. Travis Myren said 2027-28 includes the viper radio system and Emergency Services headquarters. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said going back to the Justice Complex, what are the plans to mitigate the damage happening at the Link Building. Travis Myren said he is not aware of any damage happening inside the Link Building but will double check. Commissioner McKee said he would like for there to be an ongoing effort to keep the outside of the building presentable. Travis Myren said the building will be on a schedule for pressure washing going forward. 46 Slide #29 Projected Future Debt Impact Debt Model anticipates significant increases over the next 5 years Size and timing of tax increases are highly variable, based on timing of current projects and upcoming school projects Year Debt to AV DS to GF Revenues Tax Rate Equivalent 2026 1.31% 11.80% 0.11� 2027 1.57% 14.18% 3.25� 2028 1.68% 14.73% 0.680 2029 1.93% 16.60% 2.29� 2030 1.73% 17.87% 1.52� 2031 1.65% 19.01% 1.44� 2032 1.83% 18.27% - 2033 1.70% 18.75% - 2034 1.46% 19.06% - 2035 1.33% 18.19% - Total Im 9.290 pact . ---E E COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #30 -_ong Range Financial Model GENERAL FUND SUMMARY FORECAST Actual Original Projected Projected Projected 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 ($in Thousands) Property Tax 193,179 201,999 206,746 211,040 215,425 Sales Tax 42,644 44,139 45,057 46,605 48,213 Intergovernmental 20,541 22,018 22,639 23,279 23,938 harges for Service 13,912 15,104 14,851 15,103 15,361 ther Revenue 6,242 3,044 2,999 3,007 3,015 ransfers In 1,508 1,006 653 116 120 kpprop of Fund Balance 7,100 7,313 7,532 7,758 Total Revenues 278,024 294,410 300,259 306,682 313,830 Personnel Services 94,558 102,975 108,326 112,185 116,279 Aerations 35,658 35,858 37,816 38,768 39,716 Recurring Capital 566 194 198 202 206 Education 104,038 113,115 116,507 119,999 123,597 ontribs.to Other Agencies 2,171 2,511 2,535 2,561 2,587 Transfers To(Including Debt) 39,236 39,757 51,332 63,494 67,629 &M Impact from CIP - 0 652 5,104 5,378 Total Expenditures 276,228 294,410 317,366 342,314 355,394 Net Annual Rev(Exp) 1,796 (0) (17,107) (35,632) (41,564) Gap to Close 0 17,107 35,632 41,564 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Travis Myren said through the upcoming budget cycle, staff will work on getting the highlighted gap to zero. 47 Federal Funding Overview Slide #31 Federal Funding • County receives over$20 million in ongoing federal support • Over$235 million in federal benefits are also provided directly to residents and childcare centers that benefit the local economy .- Aging $533,005 Child Support Services $1,480,632 DEAPR $28,651 Emergency Services $3,283 Health $1,014,017 Housing $8,027,923 Social Services $9,334,625 Transportation $212,736 TOTAL $20,634,872 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #32 Federal Funding - Aging Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description 9231=11 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Mobility Grant provides rides for community members and includes a volunteer driver $102,004 Disabilities program.Grant supports staff position as well. Home and Community Care Block Grant-Access Grant provides in-home services,and other support services to remain independent. $2D1,280 In Home Support Services Grant also supports county positions. Special Programs for the Aging-Title III Part C- Congregate meals provided by caterer five days a week.Grant also supports county $142,156 Nutrition positions. ORANGE COUNTY NOR-"I CAROLINA 48 Slide #33 Federal Funding — Child Support Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Federal I Expenditures Child Support Enforcement Funds represent a reimbursement of administrative costs. $1,480,632 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #34 Federal Funding - Housing Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description funding for street outreach,emergency shelter, Emergency Solutions Grant Program homelessness prevention,rapid re-housing assistance,and data $0916" collection. Provides formula grants to fund the building,buying,and rehabilitation HOME Investment Partnership Program of affordable housing for rentlownership.Funds can also be used for $429,496 rental assistance to low-income people. Funds are used to provide permanent housing,transitional housing, Continuum of Care Program supportive services,data collection,and homelessness prevention. $359,745 Grant also supports county positions that provide these services. Rent subsidies to low-income families.Most of this funding goes Housing Choice Vouchers directly to residents.Funds also supports county positions that provide $7,148,994 these services. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 49 Slide #35 Federal Funding — Social Services Federal GrantoriProgram Title Program Description Food and Nutrition Services(or Food Stamps)for low-income residents to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) purchase food.Funds represent just the administrative cost to the county to $2,216,817 manage this program. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act(WIOA) W IOA grant provides workforce training,education and support.Grant also $160,989 supports county positions that provide these services. Medicaid provides low-income individuals and families access to health Medical Assistance-Administration insurance.Grant Funds represent just the administrative cost to the county to $3,097,462 manage this program. Grant provides in-home services,case management,family planning counseling Social Service Block Grant and guardianship.Grant also supports county positions that provide these $395,866 services. Child Care Development Fund-Administration This grant provides county funding to manage the Child Care Subsidy Program. $276,021 This just represents the administrative costs to the county. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #36 rederal Funding — Social Services Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF)program is designed to help families TANF-Work First Atlmin and Services with children experiencing tow-income achieve economic security and stability.Provides $1,005,157 employment services,child welfare and child-care.Grant also supports county positions. CPS IV-E provides services to address and identify child maltreatment issues in serious risk IV-E CPS of foster care placement.Grant also supports county positions- Provides Provides funding for allowable pre-placement administrative activities for eligible children IV-E Foster Care determined to be at imminent risk of removal who,absent effective provision of preventive 1,161,535 services,would be placed in foster care.Grant also supports county positions. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 50 Slide #37 Federal Funding — Social Services Federal GrantoriProgram Title Program Description LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills,energy crises,weatherization,and Low Income Home Energy Administration minor energy-related home repairs.This grant represents administrative $104,301 costs of managing the program. The Integrated Care for Kids(InCK)Model is a child-centered local service delivery and state payment model that aims to reduce Integrated Care for Kids Model expenditures and improve the quality of care for children under 21 years $108,179 of age covered by Medicaid through prevention,early identification,and treatment at behavioral and physical health needs. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #38 Federal Funding — Transportation Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Federal Expenditures Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit The Formula Grants for Rural Areas program provides capital, Program(5311 Admin) planning,and operating assistance to states to support public $198,035 transportation in rural areas. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 51 Slide #39 Federal Funding — Social Services • County residents and childcare centers also receive federal funds/benefits directly Program Value Medicaid Benefits $206,454,830 Food and Nutrition Service Benefits $21,986,484 Crisis Intervention Program— Assistance with Heating and Cooling costs $230,278 Low Income Energy Assistance Benefits $520,792 Child Care Subsidy $6,821,392 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #40 , 2025-26 Budget Calendar of Events Department Director Guidelines Presentation January 9 Operating Budget Kickoff meetings January 9-10 FY2025-26 Budget Submission Deadline February 21 Meeting w/Outside Agencies and Related Mid to Late-March Department Directors County Manager Meeting w/Department Directors Mid-March to Early April County Manager Meeting w/Fire Districts Early April BOCC Joint Meeting w/Boards of Education April 29 Presentation of FY2025-26 Recommended Budget May 6 , ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 52 Slide #41 FY 2025-26 Calendar of Events Budget and Capital Investment Plan (CIP) Public May 13 & May 29 Hearings Schools and Outside Agencies Work Session May 15 Fire District, Public Safety, and Human Services May 22 Work Session Support Services, General Government, May 27 Community Services, and Durham Tech Work Session Budget Amendments and Resolution of Intent to June 5 Adopt FY2025-26 Operating and CIP Budget Adoption June 17 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Local and Regional Agriculture Jonathon Smith, County Extension Director, made the following presentation: Slide #1 Orange County Agricultural Economy Update January 17, 2025 Orange County Board of Commissioners Retreat ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Jonathon Smith explained the relationship between Cooperative Extension and Orange County. He also described the work of the County Extension Office. He commended the Board and Orange County residents for maintaining agricultural as a core part of the culture here. He said his conversation today will be framed by the dynamics of producers vs. consumers. 53 Slide #2 Presentation Overview k S. Profile of the Current Agricultural Economy a. Farms-Small,Medium.Large b. Farm Statistics t C. Farmer Demographicst . d- Products&Revenue 2. Community Needs a. Food Insecurity ! b. Ag Preservation Survey Results c. Ag Summit Survey Results 3. Orange County Programming Overview 4. Regional Collaborations 5. Future Planning and Opportunities Slide#3 ■ • i of AgricuLturaL Economy 1, f` 54 Slide #4 2022 USDA Ag Census: - - - . Orange County North Carolina Orange Total and Per Farm Overview,2022 and changs singe 20V {I)Pereent of state agriculture sales %change n ty 20Q2 sine WIT $hare Pf Sales 4TYve i°6y Cou Number of farms 6P 0 Ps 48 Lend In farms lanes} 53-00 -24 Average we df farm fares) 77 lrves�d gamy,and products 4r3 Summary Total ;aJ land in Farms 6y Use(arrea) Market value of producla sold 32,449,000 -14 Cropland 20.7a3 Governmarl peymedts 283.000 Pasturerand 10,337 Farm related income 2,IO-WID Nk7efa&k1 18,911 Tote!farm production axpansee 32.914,000 .4 dher SA07 Not cash fermi irwoma 2,511,000 37 fens irrigated:759 Perfamr sv@rag4 t31 1%of lend In farms Market valuer or produces sold 47.233 44 GoYernmenl paymanle' ON •90 Land Use Practleas M dfiamy Fami-relaled ineurne° 11.029 -36 Total farm prvdudlon erpaneee 47,909 { No till 13 Net csah farm inoorne 3,655 -9 Reduced hlI s Intensive 01 13 Jonathon Smith said the average of 77 acres is a lot smaller than some other counties, so it shows that smaller farms are common in Orange County. 55 Slide #5 Producers d 1,199 Percent of farms that: Top Crops In Acres S.. Forage[haylhaylagej.all 8,330 Male 734 Have interrlet pp Soybeans for beans 3,266 Female 465 access O v Com for grain 2,752 Whea2022 D �g Tobee for grain,all 184 Age Tohacoo 164 35 117 Farm 35-64 813 organically 2 65 and older 469 Census: Race Sell directly to 20 Livestock Inventory(Dec 31.2022) American India NAlaska Native 11 consumers Asian B Broilers and other Black or African American 47 meat type chickens 1,082 Native Hawaiia NPacifrc lslander - Hire Cattle and calves 6,271 White 1,11D {arm labor 25 Goals 507 More than one race 23 Hogs and plus 439 Orange Horses and ponies 1,Dg0 Other characteriatca Layers 2L10,291 Are family Hispanic.Latina,Spanish grigln � farms94 Pullets 1,1pH With military servlce 90 Sheep and Iambs 1,217 Count■i New and begin nirg farmers 474 Turkeys 205 County YD Aage per farm mmiwng b May rot and In 100% m in—ing c Among munbas wr~rank can im emplayad a Der.mremild for a m inrn Summary four producere per f mmo arm.•Crop codity names may be shortened;see full names wwwne.e.usde govrgdc apnemu.per.r poabW below the line does not indWaLe rank.(D)Wltl heW to avoid dlsclos,ng data for mclividµal operations.(NA]Not aveliable.(Z)Law than half of the oalt ahorrn.{-} Represents zero. (cont'd) Jonathon Smith explained that he looked into why the percentage of "Farm organically" is only 2% and learned that there are 13 farms that responded to the survey that do organic product sales. He said Orange County is the number 1 county in North Carolina for voluntary sales of organic products. He said a lot of smaller farms are farming organically but don't complete the survey. Based on the age demographics, he said there is a unique opportunity here to mentor and engage young farmers in production agriculture and encourage them to continue. Commissioner McKee said there are only 687 farms and the net cash farm income from the last slide is concerning. He said it indicates that farming is not viable without a second source of income. Mike Ortosky, Extension Agent for Community & Rural Development, said Commissioner McKee makes a great point. He said the vast majority of household income on farms of all sizes in the United States comes from off-farm sources of income. He said this is a critical issue. Commissioner McKee said there is a small percentage of people who are able to juggle the high value crops. He said if there are 5 producers making money, adding 5 more will overwhelm the market and no one makes a profit. Mike Ortosky said part of the solution is building more market for farmers to sell their products. Commissioner McKee said more resources to help farmers with marketing and figuring out a pathway to get their products to the end point at a profitable dollar figure. Jonathon Smith said the presentation will touch on some of the things they are doing to help with this a little later. He said there are a lot of resources for farmers to plug into that County Extension can help them access. He said many Ag Summit attendees appreciate the sessions on money and helping them access markets. 56 Slide#6 ECONOMIC Agriculture and Agribusiness, CONTRIBUTION OF including the farming,processing,wholesaling .RTH . and retailing of food,natural fiber and forestry , LINA products,accounted for$91.8 billion of valueAGRICULTU ! . riE AND added to the North Carolina economy.' AGRIBUSINESS THAT'S 17.1 CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR. 1.V".-Wd"Isu.e-.0 u:er -WonesM Wd-Mn m Lha aorta and--e,d.-PLO 6e ppmpensat-P`PWmy name.oleo V dReRyty"-e.and mdiwt bw+neas t- College of Agriculture Swr ,Agft-,4 q w1Aa-knAmw rn Noah Cuvwir,Or MIch,W and Life Sciences L.VJWdak NC$I&%UMwr.:ty.tdav 2010 oat, for 2a17. Slide #7 Statewide Dollar Multiplier ltotal new Statewide Jobs Far Market spending in the state Multiplier(total new Dollar Value of per$1 of employment in state Orange additional product per$1 million Beef cattle 2.24 11.2 County output using North additional product Products Carolina inputs output using North Dairy Sold (value-added)] Carolina inputs) Beef Cattle $2,362,000 2,24 Cotton $0 2,02 12.00 Dairy D 2.32 B.30 and nurse nos Fruit $1,064.060 2.40 24.80 Oilseeds Grains $3,452,000 19.12 11.80 Poultry and eggs 2.65 5.7 Greenhouses&Nurseries $7.026,000 1.95 15,20 Timber 1.7 20.8 Oilseeds $1,600,000 2,05 7.70 Poultry&Eggs $11,132,000 2,65 5.70 Tree nuts 2.44 17.5 Timber $3,379,857 1.70 20.80 Tobacco $811.000 222 14.10 nrelors Tree Nuts D 2.44 17.50 Other animal 1.71 14.5 Vegetables&Melon $2.110,000 2.07 13.50 production Other Animal $1,407,000 1.71 14.50 Other crops 2A6 24.7 Other Crops $3,085,000 2.46 24.70 $37,428,857 Nei rh Carotlu sla[ewlde da[ahnm Aarlcullure aro'Aglbuslness In lJneth CalculationlaOrange Countybaudon2022 USDA AS Cenn -ke...i J,-: CarolIna,m-_MVhaelL Wa1den,NC5'ate UnluerslTy.May 2u19_Dara are for 2u1]_ and-Agfi dtureand Ayebwrness In MWh[ore1x W.Michael L Walden,W State Ilnl.erslty,May 2019.Gat.are fer 20 V. Jonathon Smith said there are Extension professionals providing direct support and technical expertise to help all of these production processes. Mike Ortosky explained the Statewide Dollar Multiplier. 57 Slide #8 Profile of the Agriculture Economy: Forestry 2022 Forestry Contributions Orange County, NC IAOrange County has about 116,121 acres of privately owned timberland. 0 Landowners in this county received an estimated stumpage harvest value of$1.7 million. The forest sector in this county had a total economic contribution of approximately$189 million in industry output to the county's economy. �� The forest sector in this county supported 652 total jobs with a = payroll of about$48 million. Slide #9 Profile of the Agriculture Economy: Forestry Timberland!& Reserved Timber Growth vs. Forestland by Ownership' Harvest Volumes" Ownership NC orange Acres Acres Volume Estimate NC Orange Public 2,601,709 12404,Timberland (Million Green Tons) Private 15,367,452 116,121 Timberland Growth 58.1 0,63 Reserve 640,263 - Forestland Harvest 32.4 0.18 Total Timberland 8 18,617,424 128,525 Growth:Harvest Ratio 1.79 3.50 Forestland All Land 1 31,531,452 256,603 %Timberland 1 57% 50% %Reserved 1 2% 0% 58 Slide #10 Profile of the Agriculture Economy: Forestry Economic Direct . of the Forest Sector! . Empbymerk laborinimme Vskm Industry Output 0*W (mililian Sy ■MM (.MM.S)- Iml4lon$]- ima�sery 15 1,48 1,74 2,12 tegqing 87 5,04 slog 9.54 Pnrrmry Selyd Wao6 Plodacla Secondary Solid wood p1Od"L8 270 19.63 27.45 73.80 Pnrnary purer& pWOMOard Products _ _ Ste-Ad"Per s paperboard products 102 10.03 15.92 67.94 Taal 475 34 51 154 Slide #11 Profile of the Agriculture Economy: Forestry Employment Labor Value Industry Output {jobs? Income Added (million S)' (million S)- (million S)s °emery 17 1.59 1.96 2.49 °99'n9 110 6.71 8.63 13.32 wary SoNd Wood °ducts anciary Solid Wood rodu0ts 362 25.63 37.66 92.83 rinary paper 8 perboard products mdary paper a perboard products 162 13.92 22-68 80.63 e"I 652 48 71 189 59 Slide#12 Community Needs GRANGE COUNTY NORTH CAR�LINA Slide #13 Food Insecurity Jonathon Smith,County Extension director,will begin food security Extension program work on February 3. Outside Agencies involved in food security are now working directly with Cooperative Extension through that process. Will begin meeting with outside agencies including nonprofits,churches,food banks,and other organizations to map current work and identify gaps. Attending trainings to find ways to link Cooperative Extension resources from NC State University and NC A&T State University to extend education and address gaps. Once we have a baseline,will move forward to work on a food security plan for the county with metrics, funding goals,and anticipated outcomes. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Jonathon Smith said Wake County did a food security plan a few years ago and he hopes to begin work on that soon and complete it. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how long training etc. will take before the plan can be developed. 60 Jonathon Smith said he is going to talk to his counterparts to get an idea of what is realistic and will address low-hanging fruit first. He said a plan should be in place by the end of next year. Chair Bedford added that Aging, DSS, Sheriff's Office, and other county departments all do food-related work too. Jonathan Smith said he will be sure to include all relevant entities and departments. He said one of his first steps will be to create an inclusive advisory council that is ready to work with him. Commissioner Greene said Food Council did a preliminary study that she could find for him. She said the Food Council also did a Community Food Access Assessment in 2022. She suggested looking at some of these things to help him get started. Mike Ortosky said Tri COG Feeds is working on a planning grant for Regional Food System planning. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said Central Elementary recently got a grant to open a food pantry. She asked if it would be appropriate for someone from the schools to be involved in these planning discussions. Jonathon Smith said there is distribution already going on at some other OCS schools as well. He said he will figure out what is currently offered and how to support. He said there is a significant number of students receiving free and reduced lunch in public schools across the country, so this is a major need in schools and will work on ideas to further assist families. Slide #14 Food Production Resource& 4 Distribution& Waste Recovery Aggregation Food System Elements Preparation& Food Consumption Processing Purchasing Marketing Adapmd by ChtktyShi.fmmfnmeIIUMeroty 019(eve MthwR dSycem. A Armeron Com ey Food Systems:Lh*4 phod,W?F0I!pn a+dAykAW ORANGE COUNTY NORTti CAROL114A Jonathon Smith said food security has to involve more than just distributing food. He said there are a lot of variables that might prevent someone from having access to food and will look at all aspects of the local food system. 61 Slide #15 U.S.households with children by food security status of adults and children,2023 Food-insecure households:17.9% Food-insecure adults only,9.0% Food-in- 44 Low food security secure among children:7.9% children and Food-secure ' ' Very low food security adults: among children:1.0% 8.90/0 6hL -.A Note:In most instances,when children are food insecure,the adults in the household are also fuvd insecure. Source:USDA,Economic Research Service using U.S.Department of Commerce, 1 Bureau of the Census,2023 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement data. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #16 Orange County Food Insecurity According to the 2022 Feeding America Map the Meal Gap estimates... 17,980 people in Orange County are food insecure o That is a 12.3%food insecurity rate. • 45%of this population are above the SNAP eligibility threshold,55%are below the SNAP eligibility threshold. o What percentage of this population are not enrolled in SNAP? How can we increase enrollment? Is there a correlation between food insecurity rates and Medicaid enrollment? • Average meal cost is$4.90. This is above the state average cost of$3.91. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Jonathon Smith said that the cost of a meal in Orange County is, on average, higher than the average state cost. 62 Commissioner Carter asked for more information on the food insecurity rates and Medicaid enrollment. Jonathon Smith said with more people taking advantage of Medicaid, he was speculating if there would be a change in food insecurity rates. He said more data should be available on this with next year's census. Travis Myren said he will look into the eligibility cross over. Commissioner Fowler said she thinks DSS tries to enroll people into every program they are eligible for at once. Jonathon said he will touch base with DSS about this. Mike Ortosky said 75% of Farm Bill expenditures go to nutrition programs and less to agriculture. Commissioner Carter asked about vertical farming. She said she's heard it drastically increases productivity on a small footprint. She asked if looking at it for use in Orange County is under the purview of Cooperative Extension. Mike Ortosky said research at NC State and other universities is being done on controlled environment agriculture, which includes vertical farming. He said it does require tons of money and a lot of energy to build or rehab a place that can be used for this purpose. He said it is becoming a larger part of the food chain. Jonathon Smith recommended looking up the Plant Sciences Institute at NC State for interdisciplinary research focused on how to keep North Carolina as an industry leader in agriculture and the plant sciences and to drive technology innovations in this area. He said they send out a newsletter as well. Mike Ortosky said another thing to keep an eye on is Al. He said it is now being used to identify weeds in fields to target them directly, which will decrease pesticide use. Commissioner McKee said any building can be turned into a production facility but is very expensive. He said these technologies are coming, but may be limited to large commercial farmers due to cost. He said there's no reason the county can't support farmers through grants, etc. Commissioner Greene said she just looked up the Farm Bill and it has been extended through September of 2025. Jonathon Smith shared that Caswell and Rockingham counties have been able to purchase large farm equipment and loan it out to farmers for their use which lowers barriers. He said County Extension is working on similar ideas. The Board recessed for a break at 2:40 PM. Commissioner McKee left the retreat at 2:40 PM. 63 Mike Ortosky continued the presentation: Slide #17 Recent Orange County Farm Survey ResuLts ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Mike Ortosky said this survey has to do with the update of the Farmland Preservation Plan that is underway and has been for a couple of years. He said it's currently being reviewed by the Agricultural Preservation Board and will come to the BOCC in April. He said the update to the plan was precipitated due to the rapid growth being seen in the Triangle. He said there is tons of research talking about the farmland being lost and the most robust is the American Farmland Trust Longitudinal Study which has been underway for the past 15-20 years. He said that study shows that North Carolina is second in the nation, only behind Texas, in terms of the total acreage lost and converted to non-agricultural. He said 70% of that is low-density residential. He said Texas is about 5 times the size of North Carolina and the amount lost is 600K acres vs. 500K acres, respectively, making North Carolina the number one state in terms of percentage of farmland lost. He said the Agricultural Preservation Board has taken the lead on this, especially Jane Saiers. Slide #18 ORANGE COUNTY FARMER/LANDOWNER SURVEY: conducted by Ag Preservation Board: ag Preservation subcommittee • Emailed to 366 CALLING ORANGE COUNTY FARMERS AND County FOREST PRODUCERS! farmer/landowners in Oct 2023 FARMER/LANDOWNER SURVEY • Survey closed on Your Agricultural Preservation Board requests your help in updating the County's Agricultural Preservation and Nov 17, 2023 with Farmland Protection Plan,which describes the challenges and opportunities for agriculture and forestry in the County,outlines a vision for the future,and defines action steps to achieve that vision.Please complete this 92 respondents survey to provide vital information that will shape the Plan. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 64 Slide #19 The most common descriptors of respondents are farmer/producer, agricultural landowner, forest landowner. Which of these categories describes you? 92responses Farmerlproducer 61 (66.3%) Agricultural landowner 47(51.1%) Forest landowner 44(47.8%) Producer: livestock 31 (33.7%) Producer:produce/row crops 21 (22.8%) Producer: eggs 18(17.4%) Producer:dairy 4(4.3%) Producer;greenhouse 9(9.8%) Producer: agdtourism 11 (12%) Producer:ornamental trees... 1 (1.1%) Honeybees and honey 1 (1.1%) beekeeper 1 (1.1%) Horse farm 2(2.2%) Nursery owner 1 (1.1%) Producer: honey bees 1 (1.1%) Producer honey and honeyb... 1 (1.1%) Q 2Nmber{%)of 40 fiQ 80 u respondents Slide #20 Most respondents (73%) are 48 years or older. What is your age? 90 responses 35 33 30 w Rp -0 20 FP CL y* ' 13 12 10 10 5 0 0 [0,121 (12,241 (24,361 (30,481 (48,601 (60,721 (72,841 (84,961 Age (range) �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 65 Slide #21 Farming/forestry is not the main source of income for most respondents (70%). Is farming/forestry your (or your family's) main source of income? 91 responses Yes No t �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #22 Agritourism does not contribute to farm income for most respondents (68%). Does agritourism (visitors to the farm for recreation, education, or purchasing farm products) contribute to your farm income? 91responses •Yes No ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 66 Slide #23 • The most frequently cited challenges to making a living by farming in the County are small profit margins and high cost of land. • The most common plan for the future of farmland/forestland is transfer to family member(si for farm use. • The topics of most interest for an info session or training are preserving my land through a conservation easement, ways to diversify my operation, and transition planning. • The most common measure respondents would consider for enhancing their agricultural business is agritourism. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide#24 Respondents overwhelmingly consider the most important threat to farming in Orange County to be development. What do you perceive as the most important threats to agriculture/forestry in Orange County?List up to three threats. 85 responses Devely ment 50 Cost of land (13) Cost of infrastructure (12) Taxes (12) Inflexible regulations (9) �� Climate change (9) New generations not taking up farming (5) .sue All other threats were listed by fewer than 5 ORANGE COUNTY respondents. NORTH CAROLINA 67 Slide#25 "As farmers age out and are dying, "Housing development. their heirs are sellingland to cash "Encroaching urban areas, This...Leads to increased cost of out on its purchase value to farmland/forest land being sold to land and decreased value of develop?4S'70MM'housing developers for multi-family homes land for agricultural purposes. complexes are being built on and multi-family developments There's a Lot more money in farmland while we are losing our instead of being kept in selling the land for 5-10 acre lots resources for soil,foodshed,and than keeping it as an intact farm. farms.This will create a crisis for farm/forest" None of the land I see for sale both our environment and local around me is selling as ecosystem as well as for food farmland.It's simply not worth it. production and water retention and -tn]evelopment,particularly pro sprawling development that It's subdivided into plots and filtering.We need to stop encourages large(to acre)lots. houses are built.This leads to developing every square inch of the The county development ecosystem deterioration which county!It took me 20 years of policies should encourage decreases the quality of workingtwo jobs to clusters of homesleavinga Q ty 1 g large perrentofopen space farmland as well.I'm in the far scrape together a down payment for rather than making it easy to northern reaches of the county.. my small little farm.it should not be develop io acre lots,5 acre lots. This is not isolated towards like this.There needs to be more The problems of sprawl in our county are COMPLETELY the southern more urban parts of done to save our farmland and predictable based on the the county." counteract incentives to sell to policies in place currently. developers." ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Mike Ortosky said around urban areas when acres are sold here and there to developers, it results in farmers in the area lessening their planning horizon and not investing in the farm when they see development happening. He said these quotes focus on aging farmers and encroaching urban areas, which can result in nuisance lawsuits. He said in Orange County there is an aggressive Voluntary Agricultural District program, and for participating farms, buyers of property within half a mile are made aware during closing that they are within half a mile from a farm. Slide #26 7 of io respondents lack a documented farm transition or estate plan. Do you currently have a documented farm transition plan and/or a documented estate plan? 92 responses Yes No EF ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 68 Slide#27 Do you know what a conservation easement is? 91 responses •Yes Most respondents (84%) .No know what a conservation easement is, but few of them (1 brio) have farmland or Do you have farmland or enrolled in a conservation easement? forestland in a 92 responses conservation easement. 6 Yes No Doniknow ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #28 Respondents consider the most important opportunity for farming in Orange County to be cooperative arrangements. What do you perceive as the most important opportunities for growing and/or diversifying agriculture in Orange County?List up to three opportunities_ 53 responses 11 respondents listed cooperative arrangements.All other opportunities were listed by<5 respondents. "Opportunity for shared professional "Dist r[i]bution networks that "Creating another facility for kitchen spaces affordable for small purchase directly from small producing value-added farm batch production so we can get farmers" products,because the existing started producing and selling one is booked 24/7/355." without significant startup costs" "Decentralized private "I'm in the non-commodity livestock food hubs/farmer owned business.I sell my meat direct to "Investment in infrastructure and cooperatives" consumers and to other businesses which projects that support small sell my meat direct to their customers. farmers and local food systems-- think for too long farmers in my sector food hubs,processing centers, "food cooperative" have been focusing on what they,as farmer cooperatives" individuals,can produce and sell. I think we need to start thinking more collectively and pool our resources." 69 Jonathon Smith continued the presentation: Slide #29 2025 Ag Summit Needs Survey What do farmers see as the critical challenges for their operations? • Input Costs • Development • Affordable Farm Labor/Labor Costs • Land Prices • Managing pasture grasses and cover crops • New FSMA Produce Safety Rule Pre-Harvest Water requirement updates coming in 2025 • Keeping machinery in good repair and finding local mechanics to assist when things break down. • Marketing • Attaining information on Extension and Soil Conservation • Climate Change zo'z's! Jonathon Smith said three farmers were added to the Ag Summit planning committee this year. Slide #30 2025 Ag Summit Needs Survey What do farmers see as the critical challenges for their operations? • Sustainability • Succession Planning • Time Management • Livestock Challenges(disposal of deceased livestock,predators,high cost of veterinary care,profit margins) • Technology(what's out there,what's affordable,what's useful) • Assuring equitable distribution of resources across racial groups • Changing rules and processes to increase organizational sustainability for for-profits and nonprofits supporting the ag sector • Access to land and credit for farms and food businesses �a,..��ir • Increasing the number of local and regional government personnel who support the local food system !o'2 70 Slide #31 2025 Ag Summit Needs Survey Topics Identified as Greatest Needs for Education • Agriculture Technology (exposure, adoption, training, capital access) • Farmland Protection (policies, procedures, process) • Regenerative Agriculture and Alternative Production Methods • Taxes/Present Use Value/Bona Fide Farm Status policies and processes • Forest Management • Climate Change (preparing for and adapting to) • Access to start-up capital vz • Highway Safety •°Y" • Fire Ants/Pests brnno.cocJJn-ry Slide #32 2025 Ag Summit Education Opportunities 25 Agriculture Industry Partners and Resources will be present to share information with an estimated 120-150 farmers and agribusiness leaders. Introductions during opening session from elected officials and agricultural service partners. Panel Discussion on Farm Emergency Preparedness 744 , e';Y�-�;�, 7Li- Workshops . . • New Farmer Networking February 10,2025 • Alternative Grazing Management • Agriculture Technology and Tools Demonstrations • Ginger Production (Speciality Crop Discussion) Ask ,, • Creating an Emergency Plan for Your Farm 71 Slide#33 CountyWays Government Working To Support the Industry ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #34 Visitors Bureau 1. Maintains an Agritourism webpage on its website: https://www.visitchapelhill.org/agritourism/ 2. Maintains a Made in Orange County webpage that includes products made by farmers or made at the Piedmont Food Processing Center:https://www.visitchapelhill.org/restaurants/made-in-orange-county- nc/ 3. Features farm events on its website event calendar: https://www.visitchapelhill.org/event/8th-annual- holiday-at-the-farm/31035/ 4. Administers the Orange County portion of the Visit NC Farms app by adding new farms and events and scheduling push notifications to app users: https://visitncfarmstoday.com/who-is-in-it 5. Tables at various markets and events to promote the Visit NC Farms app. & Promotes local farms and markets in its Sneak Piques mini online film Pest: R https://www.visitchapelhiIl,org/sneak-piques/agritourism/ aAm 7. Maintains a photo library and video library for farmers. 8. Works to recruit travel press to write about local farms. 9. Sponsorship of Hog Day 2024:Sponsorship of Lloyd's Dairy farm agricultural tourism events$3,500 10. Spotlights local farms in the annual newsletter,Orange Slices,which reaches 3,000 readers weekly. Tina Fuller provided some information on the NC Farms app and said 100 businesses are on the app for Orange County, 30 farms, and 10 restaurants. Commissioner Greene said she learned there is a lot of tourism interest in going to a restaurant that has ingredients from a local farm. She asked what efforts are being made to increase the number of farms in agrotourism since that was listed as an interest in the survey. Mike Ortosky said the best resource is the Orange County Planning Department. He said they have all the information about what's required for being a bona fide farm. He said because of increasing growth, there is more demand to "get out of the city" so staff tries to work with people through planning issues. Commissioner Greene asked if he is optimistic about increasing agrotourism here. 72 Mike Ortosky said there is a ton of interest. He said there are existing farms and new people wanting to get into agrotourism. Jonathon Smith said agrotourism bridges the gap between consumers and producers. He said Mike spends a lot of time talking with farmers about this opportunity and other land use policies. He said the Orange County Planning staff also does a great job informing farmers. Slide #35 Recent Articles from Orange Slices Newsletter • Local Nut Butter Producers,Big Spoon:Orange Slices-November 12,2024: Big Spoon Roasters • Botanist&Barrel:Orange Slices-September 3,2024:Cedar Grove cidermaker named one of Wine Enthusiast's 'Future 40 Tastemakers'in U.S • Hog Day's commitment to promoting local agriculture:Orange Slices-August 13,2024:Craig Lloyd and Hog Day Hillsborough • The Farm's of Orange County:Orange Slices-March 26,2024:Embracing Agricultural Serenity:Enjoy Farms around Chapel Hill and Hillsborough,NC • Protecting farm lands: Orange Slices-July 18,2023:"We only have one earth.Let's take care of it"- Deb Haaland • History of Blackwood Farm:Orange Slices-June 20,2023:After Renovations,Blackwood Farm Park Reopens • Union Grove Farm's Future:Orange Slices-June 6,2023: Union Grove Farm&Vineyard �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #36 Stories About Orange County Agritourism from the past year • This story from June 2,2024 mentions three area farms to visit as part of best things to do in Chapel Hill: EERMPREE— do-in-chapel-hill-nc.html -i , 'z • There is a Visit Farms near Chapel Hill section of this story on nctripping.com which s includes Hillsbaraugh and Chapel Hill farms.Scroll to find. https://www.nctripping.com/things-to-do-in-chapel-hill-nc-weekend/ • Blackwood Farm was featured an North Carolina Weekend an PBS an May 9,2024: - k https://vid a o.pbsn c.org/video/blackwood-farm-park-If lgmt/ Pick urCut Your 0—Fruit and • The Historic Occon eec hee Speedway Trai I in Hillsborough(History+How to Visit Flouxws at them Orange Today!)on August 1,2024 on the NCTripping.com website: Cuuatg,NC Farn s https://w,ww.nctripping.com/historic-acconeechee-speedway-trail/ - • Hope Blooms at Blawesome Family Farm in Chapel Hill in Our State on March 25, -a�-�- --- n--n--W 2024:https://www.ourstate.com/blawesome-flower-farm/ -� --•-.�- •�-��. • Indy Week story on Union Grove Farm on November 15,2023: https://indyweek.com/news/orange/a-chapel-hi ll-venture-capitalist-is-betti ng-the- fa rm-on-muscadi ne-grap es-katand in-sheep-and-100000-red-wigg ler-worms/ ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 73 Slide #37 Stories About Orange County Agritourism from the past year Recent Blogs that include farms,farm events,etc. • https://www.visitchapelhill.org/blog/post/festive-holiday-events-in-chapel-hill-orange-county-nc/ • https://www.visitchapelhiiI.org/blog/post/visit-chapel-hill-orange-county-this-haIIoween-for-9hosts- witches-haunted-barns-goats/ • https://www.visitchapelhill.org/blog/post/made-in-orange-county-north-carolina/ • https://www.visitchapelhilI.org/blog/post/top-summer-festivals-and-events-in-chapel-hill-and-orange- county-nc/ • https://www.visitchapelhill.org/blog/post/pick-or-cut-your-own-fruit-and-flowers-at-these-orange- county-nc-farms/ • https://www.visitchapelhiiI.orp,/blog/post/top-10-spring-events-to-attend-in-chapel-hill-orange-county/ ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #38 Economic Development Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program The Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program assists local farmers to develop new sources of agricultural income through the provision of cost-share grants. Individual grant limit is$10,000. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their operation is a verifiable farm business.The farm tract and farming operation on which the funds are to be used must be in Orange County. • Total agriculture grants awarded from 2015-2024: u 129 awards totaling $1,036,736.61 • 2024 annual grant activity: 17 awards totaling $135,173 • FY 24125 fiscal grant activity(only 3Q 2024): 11 awards totaling $91,312.00 • Remaining funds available to grant for 4Q 2024, & 1Q and 20 2025: `�� $78 028 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Jonathon Smith said this is updated through the 3rd quarter of 2024. Mike Ortosky continued the presentation: 74 Slide #39 Agriculture grants awarded to women & minority-owned farms in 2024 Agriculture 'W"M Grant Applications Awards Applications Awards Applications Awards 4 2 11 7 18 13 %Received 50% 64% 72% Funding 15%of Total awards were to minority owned farms. 85%of total awards were to women owned farms. "4Q 24 GRANTS NOT AWARDEO AS OF 1110125" Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, said the original guidelines to the Ag Grant program were largely drafted by Karen McAdams of McAdams Farm who was on the Economic Development Advisory Board at that time. He said the review committee currently includes Jane Saiers who is currently the Agricultural Preservation Board representative on the Economic Development Advisory Board, several Agricultural Preservation Board members, so multiple departments work together on this grant program. He said previous recipients are featured in social media ads to recruit grant applicants. Jonathon Smith continued the presentation: Slide #40 Agriculture grant awards by community,total since 2015- Carrboro 1 $10,000 Cedar Grove 30 $250,353 Chapel Hill 17 $128,374 Efland 10 $82,515 Hillsborough 29 $227,666 Hurdle Mills 18 $128,665 Rougemont 6 $59,910 Mebane 16 $131,363 Durham 2 $17,140 TOTAL 116 $1,035,986 75 Jonathon Smith said Mike Ortosky is working on videos to show the impact the county has made. Commissioner Carter asked if any other county has a program like this. Steve Brantley said he is unaware of any. He said he receives calls about this from other jurisdictions. Mike Ortosky said he believes Durham has a program like this as well, and if there are others they are not funded at this level. Slide #41 Agriculture Grant 129 Awards (90 unique farms) ► 22 Farms that have received 2 awards ► 7 Farms that have received 3 awards ► 1 Farm has received 4 awards Farms that have 2 or more Grcmts $20,000 or More 14 ($30,000 curmnt high) $15,000 - $19,999.99 6 $10,000 - $14,999.99 5 Less than $10,000 5 Slide #42 Cooperative Extension • AgVentures Grant Program o NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is one of three programs to offer cost-share grants to NC family farms to diversify,expand or enhance their agricultural operations.Together these programs provide a grant opportunity to all 100 counties in the state. o $27,106 was awarded to Orange County farms in 2023-2024, o Funds supported: ■ Expansion of cut flower production from 3 to 5 acres for U-pick flower agritourism operation. ■ Transition of 5 acres of row crop land into high density peach orchard with irrigation and fencing. ■ Purchasing grain bins to help farmer better time sales in accordance with better market conditions ■ Increasing pasture poultry operation to process more poultry at once. 76 Slide #43 Cooperative Extension • On-Farm and Virtual Support For Farmers o Mart Bumgarner,Extension Agent for Crops&Horticulture o Alex Kissinger,Area Extension Agent for Livestock,Forage,and General Agriculture (including pond management) o Mike Ortosky,Extension Agent for Community&Rural development(agriculture economic development programs and Breeze Farm programs) • Manages Breeze Farm in Hurdle Mills o Provides new farm incubation support and facilities. o Licenses to other farmers needing additional land for added farming capacity. o With funding from the W.C. Breeze Endowment housed in the NC Agricultural Foundation, will begin withdrawing $25000+ interest annually to add new features and programs. • Provides a soil test drop off location and technical assistance to landowners for testing interpretation/application of results. - �N` Jonathon Smith explained that extension agents share research, practices, etc. out of the University with farmers in Orange County. Slide #44 Cooperative Extension Contract Administrator for Piedmont Food Processing Center Agreement o Renewed in 2024 for 5 years. o New in 2025 ■ Open House for public (including elected officials)will be held in mid-to-late October. ■ Partnering with Extension Farm School to present to new and established farmers. ■ Adding a minimum of two value-added workshops for farmers to help them better navigate the process of value-added production and using PFPC. ■ New Marketing Materials are being developed to help Extension and other partners promote PFPC as a resource to farmers. ■ More youth engagement opportunities(4-H,etc.) 77 Slide #45 i r� 1 ' 2 David Stancil, DEAPR Director, continued the presentation: Slide #46 DEAPR - Orange Soil and Water Conservation District • NC Agriculture Cost-Share Program-Address nonpoint source pollution by providing technical and financial resources through a voluntary,incentive-based program designed to improve water quality through the installation of various best management practices(BMPs)on agricultural lands. o Examples:Grassed Waterways,Livestock Exclusion Systems,etc. o FY24 Funding: ■ $40,224 encumbered and reimbursedto the producer for water quality improvement BMPs. ■ $19,508 encumbered and planned to reimburse the producerfor future water quality improvement BMPs. • NC Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program-Increase water storage and availability for agricultural purposes by providing technical and financial resources through a voluntary,incentive-based program through the installation of various best management practices(BMPs)on agricultural lands. o Examples:Water Supply Well,New Pond or Pond Repair,etc. o FY24 Funding: ■ 1 Water Supply Well Completed with$8,175 in cost-share reimbursed to the producer. ■ 1 Water Supply Well Planned with$14,994 in cost-share encumbered. ornn�w„nv ORANGE COUNTY ■ 1 New Pond Planned with$36,000 in cost-share encumbered. SOIL&WATER 78 Slide #47 DEAPR - Orange SoiL and Water Conservation District • Swine and Dairy Assistance Program -A one-time assistance program for swine and dairy producers who suffered a loss due to the shutdowns following the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible for 90% cost share (up to $100,000 per applicant) for closing their structure. o Examples:Waste Holding Pond and Lagoon Closure Projects o FY23 and FY24: ■ $167,092 reimbursed to two producers for two closure projects. ■ In Process- Planning for$100,000 to be encumbered for additional closure project. • Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Help reduce flooding by protecting and restoring the drainage infrastructure of North Carolina's waterways. Funding covers 100%of the costs for approved projects. o Example: Stream Debris Removal on farms to mitigate crop field flooding and timber damage. o FY22 Application: Completed projects totaled $55,593.56 of services. o FY24 Application: Approved for$59,295.50 of funds for future projects. o�cai�ty ORANGE COUNTY SOIL&WATER Slide #48 DEAPR - Orange Soil and Water Conservation District • Voluntary Agricultural District and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Program - Enhances the identity of the agricultural community by encouraging the voluntary preservation and protection of farmland from non-farm development. o 155 farms Enrolled o 14,864 acres in the VAD o 2,714 acres in the EVAD o Total of 17,578 acres in the program O` gecO11tr ORANGE COUNTY SOIL & WATER Deyurtment yEmironmvrt, Ayrkvlturv,Pxrknrt Herrexi irin � � � Commissioner Carter asked about the difference between VAD and EVAD. 79 David Stancil said participants can withdraw from VAD at any time, but EVAD is binding for 1 years. He said that is the main difference. Slide •4• Regional Collaborations ORANGE • NORTH . . . Slide#50 Tri-COG FEEDS Goals: • Identify the infrastructure needed to shorten food supply chains, • Qrive economic development, • Enhance resilient practices, • Faster equity,and FEE • Increase rural-urban connectivity in the region 1 Td•COG FEE©5 51 Spring 202a� Council of Government Kerr-Tar Central Pines Lipper CoastaE 80 Slide#51 Tay-coo Tri-COG Food Ecosystem Economic Development Strategy (FEEDS): The Case for r, r, FEEDS Local . . ■ . Systems Infrastructure ,_, ,. , �„",�`•.�' �� RTI Kerr�Tar �= E D A �..,,�.�,.,,, :,h.,... Slide #52 Cooperative Extension Local Foods Program Team Economic Impacts Working Group-Connects county and campus Extension personnel,provides education and training,answers questions around local food and economic development, and develops resources to share statewide Multiple Collaborations with NC State, NC A&T, and Extension Offices Statewide ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 81 Slide #53 Future Planning and Opportunities The Agricultural Preservation Board (APB)Subcommittee is finalizing the draft update to the Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Pion for initial presentation to Board of County Commissioners in Late Winter/Early Spring. January 15: APB meeting-gather APB member feedback on the current draft of the plan (circulated to members on Dec 15 for review). By January 30: Revised draft(incorporating APB feedback at 1/15 meeting)circulated to APB members and Staff for final comments or approval by Feb 7-prepare and submit abstract and schedule presentation to BOCC. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Mike Ortosky said one last thing he wants to share is he is working with Amy Eckberg and others on the possibility of a Department of Energy to install an agrivoltaics research project at the Breeze Farm. He said Central Pines COG will help draft the plan. He explained agrivoltaics for the Board. Jonathon Smith said the goal of that project is to demonstrate to area farmers how they can do it on their farm. He said going forward, there will be approximately $30K in interest available annually at the Breeze Farm for improvements. Evaluation and Next Steps Chair Bedford said she appreciated being able to do a deep dive into the subjects today. Commissioner Carter expressed thanks to staff for their work every day and to the retreat planning committee for the agenda. Adjournment A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to adjourn the meeting at 3:53 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Recorded by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board and Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.