HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-11-2025; 1 - Boards and Commissions – Annual Work Plan Summaries 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 11, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 1
SUBJECT: Boards and Commissions — Annual Work Plan Summaries
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Annual Work Plan Summaries Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To receive brief presentations from representatives from the second group of County
boards and commissions on their annual work plans and provide feedback and/or direction.
BACKGROUND: Each year the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) requests that internal
boards and commissions complete reports on the activities each board has conducted over the
past year and a plan for future activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the BOCC.
The Chairs or other board representatives make presentations to the BOCC to share the
information in their written report. The first group of work plan presentations occured at the
February 11, 2025 work session.
Boards and commissions presenting at this meeting:
Board Name Representative(s) Presenting
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Judson Williamson
Economic Development Advisory Board Kristen Smith Young
Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board D.R. Bryan
Arts Commission Denise Duffy
Advisory Board on Aging Ann Bradford
Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Jacqulyn Podger and
Advisory Committee Shade Little
Board of Health Dr. Alison Stuebe
Orange County Board of Adjustment Leon Meyers
Orange County Planning Board Lamar Proctor
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: There are no Orange County Strategic Plan Goals
applicable to this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board review the annual work plan
summaries from boards and commissions and provide feedback and/or direction.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Orange County ABC Board
Report Period: January 2025-December 2025
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: General Manager Tony DuBois
and Judson Williamson Board Chair
Primary County Staff Contact Person: Board Liaison Changes Yearly otherwise Tara
May
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special
meetings and sub-committee meetings? 10 Times per year monthly except for July
and December.
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
The Orange County ABC Board is a political subdivision of the state and operated
as an independent government agency inside Orange County.
The Mission of the Orange County ABC Board and our employees is to serve our
locality responsibly by controlling the sale of spirituous liquor, returning profits
to Law Enforcement, Alcohol Education, and the County Fund while providing
excellent service in customer friendly, modern and efficient stores
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
In the current fiscal year, a distribution of $840,000 is being made to the Orange
County General fund. The board funded the local Alcohol Law Enforcement
agencies $184,000. The board also granted community Alcohol Education and
Rehabilitation funds to schools and local community organizations are $291,000.
The distributions from the board for fiscal year 2024-25 total $1,315,000.
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List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
We partner with local agencies by providing grants for work done in the
community for alcohol education, rehabilitation and underage drinking
prevention in the amounts listed below.
Grow Your World $ 4,000
Reentry House $ 20,000
Carpe Diem $ 20,000
Chapel Hill-Carrboro city Schools $ 25,000
Freedom House-Orange Partnership $ 25,000
EI Centro Hispano $ 27,000
Campus & Community Collaborative $ 31,500
Orange County Drug Court $ 33,500
Orange County Schools $ 35,000
Boomerang Youth $ 35,000
EI Futuro $ 35,000
Total Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation $291,000
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC
goals)/priorities, if applicable.
The Orange County ABC board provides funds to local law enforcement as listed
below to help keep Orange County a great place to live, work and get an
education.
Hillsborough Police Department $ 14,000
Carrboro Police Department $ 20,000
Chapel Hill Police Department $ 40,000
Orange County Sheriff's Department $110,000
Total Alcohol Law Enforcement $184,000
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory
boards and commissions? NA
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2024 as they relate
to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e.,
funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please
list). No fiscal impact as we are self-funded. We are a living wage employer
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming
year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention?
NA
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Economic Development Advisory Board
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact Information:
Kristen Smith Young (Chair)
Dir. Of Communications UNC School of Data Science and Society
Phone (919) 843-1705
kristen unc.edu
Elise Tyler (Vice-Chair)
General Manager/Part-Owner— The Colonial Inn
Phone (919) 962-9245
eiise0coloniallnn-nc.com
Primary County Staff Contact Person:
Steve Brantley, Director
Orange County Economic Development
Work Tel # (919) 245-2326
sbrantleyCa)orangecountync.gov
Amanda Garner, Assistant Director
Orange County Economic Development
Work Tel # (919) 245-2330
agarner(q_)_orangecountync.gov
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special
meetings and sub-committee meetings?
• For 2024, six (6) meeting dates took place: January 9th, March 12th, May 14tH
July 9th, September 10th and November 12th.
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• The Orange County Small Business Grant subcommittee, comprised of 5
members of the full advisory board, met three times throughout 2024 to review
and score all business grant applications that were received during the year.
Those meeting dates occur following the grant application deadlines of
December 31, 2023, March 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The program did
not have funding left for a June 30, 2024 cycle. Five members will continue to
serve on the small business grant subcommittee in 2025.
• One member of the advisory board also participated in 2024 for reviews of local
farmers' and food producers'Agriculture Grant applications that were submitted
to the Orange County Agriculture Grant program. One member will continue to
serve on the agriculture grant subcommittee in 2025.
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
• The Advisory Board works closely with Orange County's Economic Development
staff and other economic development partners in Orange County to help market
Orange County as a desirable and competitive location for the recruitment &
retention of small business ventures, to include agriculture and food processer
ventures, the Piedmont Food Processing Center, the Breeze Farm Incubator
Program., and the promotion of new & expanding capital investment for non-
residential (retail, commercial, light manufacturing and distribution/logistics)
business prospects which make a meaningful impact to creating new
employment opportunities, and diversify the tax base.
• The Advisory Board supports the growth and recruitment of agricultural and food
processing systems local businesses, the promotion of entrepreneurial talent via
the "LAUNCH" high-tech incubator facility in Chapel Hill, the Piedmont Food &
Agriculture Processing facility (PFAP) in Hillsborough, and through the expansion
of new, high-technology employment opportunities.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
• Several Advisory Board Members met individually with some members of the
Orange County Board of Commissioners to discuss economic development
needs and objectives. The plan is to continue to have a direct dialog periodically
throughout each year.
• In 2024 the Advisory Board's subcommittee reviewed many small business grant
applications that were submitted by Orange County residents for the "Small
Business Grant Program", and approved 31 small business grant awards,
totaling $149,245.00 for the yea .
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• In 2024 the Advisory Board also assisted in the "Agriculture Economic
Development Grant Program" to receive and review applications, approving 17
grant awards totaling $135,173.00 in support of Orange County's small farmers
and food processors for the year.
• Economic Development used budgeted advertising funds towards two Ad
Campaigns starting that began in 2023 and carried through June 2024 with
Triangle Digital Partners (Chapel Hill Magazine) and WCHL who highlighted
multiple grant recipients and advertised the Business Investment and Agriculture
Grant Programs through live radio interviews, various commercials, and Social
Media Posts.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• The Advisory Board meets quarterly to review, score, and consider all
applications submitted by Orange County small businesses and Agricultural
ventures to the Orange County Small Business Investment Grant program, and
the Orange County Agriculture Grant program.
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC
goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
• Advisory Board members assist Orange County with the regular review of the
many small business loan & grant applications, and agriculture/food processing
firms' grant applications, that are submitted to the County throughout the year.
This is a valuable service that promotes the growth of Orange County's local
economy, and directly helps fulfill the Orange County Board of Commissioners'
strategic goal under the Diverse and Vibrant Economy section of the Countywide
Strategic Plan to "Foster an environment that attracts and retains sustainable and
diverse businesses and visitors, employment opportunities and diversifies our tax
base."
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory
boards and commissions?
• One (1) member of the Economic Development Advisory Board, who serves as
the representative of the hotel/hospitality sector seat, also sits as a liaison on the
Orange County Visitors Bureau's advisory board.
• One (1) additional member of the Economic Development Advisory Board, who
also serves as the representative on the Agriculture Preservation Board, and who
participates in the County's administration of the Orange County Agriculture
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Grant program.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate
to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e.,
funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please
list).
• The advisory board will play a key role working with the Economic Development
Department and an outside consultant to develop a department Strategic Plan
throughout 2025.
• Promote the attraction of environmentally clean, light manufacturing, distribution,
corporate headquarters, commercial and retail businesses, and the required
County infrastructure (zoning and utility services) that is needed to support these
investments.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming
year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention?
• A desire for our advisory board members to occasionally meet with BOCC
representatives in order to voice our Advisory Board's thoughts and concerns,
and for the Commissioners to be aware of our advisory board's role and
contribution to serve the County.
• The board would like to provide input to the planning department and planning
board on the County's Land Use Plan 2050.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
*Note: Requesting March meeting time slot
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: D.R. Bryan, Vice Chair, Bryan
Properties, drbC@.bpropnc.com (919) 880-1478
Primary County Staff Contact Person: Ipaolicelli@visitchapelhill.org (919) 259-1658
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special
meetings and sub-committee meetings? Monthly, excluding July and December, for 1.5
hours each month. 10 meetings per year.
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
The mission of the Orange County Visitors Bureau is to develop and coordinate visitor
services in Orange County and to implement marketing programs that will enhance the
economic activity and quality of life in the community.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
• Orange County saw the highest increase in visitor spending out of all 100 North
Carolina counties the prior year, 2023.
• The nearly $267 million spent by visitors in Orange County in 2023 marked a
13% increase over the year before.
• The Visitors Bureau serves to build and maintain the tourism industry in Orange
County.
• This year the Visitors Bureau increased focus on convention and business
travelers through a national search engine marketing and communications
program.
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• Created a mini film festival online to encourage longer stays in Orange County.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ECHaTaLS8E&list=PLi2tRNR_PLIudIXubgT
gymGX5yNWvdlhd
• Redesigned the website showcasing local tourism: Visit Chapel Hill.
• Encouraged international and national fans to the Celtic vs. Manchester City
game to come downtown by offering hospitality promotions and using a trolley
service for seamless exploration.
• Financed Sonark Music's promotion on North Carolina PBS stations, highlighting
Orange County music and rural beauty.
• Provided services to hundreds of business conferences including the 13th NC
Bike Walk Transportation Summit.
• Continue to market diversity to National Association of Black Meeting
Professionals using the www.chapelhilldiversity.com website and joined the
National Association of Black Journalists.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• Operation of a Walk-In Visitors Center that operates Monday through Saturdays.
• Fulfillment of visitor racks at RDU Airport and state Visitor Center.
• Production of an annual Orange County Visitors Guide and digital information.
• Sponsorship of Orange County events that increase tourism.
• Sales outreach to meeting and conferences managers' events to Orange County.
• Hosting of travel press to establish stories on Orange County.
• Management of a travel and tourism digital strategy.
• Production of BIPOC business directory that is sent to media:
www.chapelhilldiversity.com
• Ongoing Data Analysis of key performance measures.
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC
goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
Economic development: Tourists and travelers contribute to three high-priority goals of
Orange County- the generation of income, employment, and cultural exchange.
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Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this board has with other advisory boards and
commissions?
The board has a monthly exchange of information, content, ideas and strategies with
multiple boards and commissions including the Hillsborough and Chapel Hill Chambers
of Commerce; Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership; Carrboro Business Alliance;
Hillsborough Arts Council; Orange County Arts Commission; UNC Media Relations;
UNC Athletics; North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association; North Carolina
Travel and Tourism Coalition; Black Meeting Professionals; Society of American Travel
Writers; Public Relations Society of America; VisitNC tourism.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate
to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e.,
funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please
list).
Using a portion of Orange County's 3% hotel occupancy tax, The Orange County Visitor
Bureau champions the interests of local businesses that drive $550 million in annual
sales through food, apparel, lodging, and other visitor-supported industries. With 468
leisure and hospitality establishments employing over 7,500 individuals-18% of the
county's workforce—the Visitor Bureau fosters economic growth, job creation, and
community vitality, making Orange County a premier destination for visitors and
residents alike.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming
year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention?
Greater user of Al
Travel has become one of the most popular use cases for Al that Google, Microsoft, and
OpenAl like to point to in demos, and firms like Tripadvisor, Expedia, and Booking.com
have started to launch AI-powered vacation-planning products too.
The Visitors Bureau must recognize and support travelers use of Al when booking their
trip to Orange County.
Al agents can create itineraries, translate languages, book rooms, and provide
restaurant suggestions.
Our technology must be compatible with Al.
Our public relations efforts repurpose local promotional materials on our website and in
our news releases.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Arts Commission
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Waiting to hear— will let you
know ASAP
Primary County Staff Contact Person: Katie Murray
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special
meetings and sub-committee meetings?
1 meeting per month
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
Created in 1985 as the official government agency on the arts by a Resolution of the
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the Orange County Arts Commission serves
as a clearinghouse for arts information, facilitator of arts programs & advisor to the
Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding the arts. We have been the
Designated County Partner (DCP) of the North Carolina Arts Council in Orange County
since 1985 and are responsible for sub-granting state and county funds to arts
organizations, schools and artists throughout the county.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
• Completed third year of operations at the Eno Arts Mill in October 2024 providing
space for artists and community that prioritizes accessibility and inclusion. The
space successfully generated enough revenue in its 3rd year of operations to fully
coverexpenses.
o The Mill continued several signature programs in its 3rd year:
■ Eicholz Foundation 2024 BIPOC Artist in Residence Program featuring
Tyamica Mabry
■ Monthly Weave & Spin Open Mic offering a featured spoken
word/poetry artists and open mic for underrepresented voices.
■ Coalesce: gallery exhibit featuring 10 visual artists paired with 10
poets, every January
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■ Makers at the Mill Holiday Bazaar, offering space for 40 vendors to sell
their work before the holiday season. This year saw record attendance
and sales for our vendors.
■ LGBTQ+ Teen Arts Collective, which has grown to an average of 25
nonbinary and/or neurodivergent teens per session.
o The Mill hosted several new programs:
■ Orange County Juneteenth Celebration in partnership with the
Department Equity and Inclusion
■ 1.5°C art exhibit featuring environmentally themed/recycled works of
art in partnership with the Department of Sustainability.
■ Panel conversation with Washington Post contributor Steven Petrow
and News of Orange editor Dale Edwards around Steven's new book,
The Joy You Make
■ Our first dance performance in the gallery, Stop. Look. Listen with
Killian Manning/No Forwarding Address in response to Paint it Orange
Plein Air Paint-out
■ Triangle ArtWorks Creatives Happy Hour, hosting 100+ creatives from
around the Triangle at the Eno Arts Mill
■ Orange County Roadshow Volunteer Fair
■ A screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show as a fundraiser for our
nonprofit arm
o The artist studios saw seven new artists in 2024 and maintained at minimum
of 30% tenants who identified as a member of a underrepresented
communities (currently 43% BIPOC and/or LGBTQ tenants)
o We finished our first year of "Studio Be" — a grant-funded project to help
underrepresented youth find community through the arts. Projects included
puppet making, mural making, and creative writing.
o We hosted 105 young artists through our summer camp program and, with
the assistance of DSS, were able to offer $11,000 in scholarship assistance to
low-income families
o Provided area artists critical space to show and sell their work through
monthly art exhibits in the Gallery:
■ January Coalesce 2024
■ February TJ Mundy, Blackfuturism group exhibition
■ March DUET with John Dempsey and Judith Ernst
■ April 1.5°C with Department of Sustainability
■ May Read the Room Then Take Flight Grow Your World
■ June Pastel Society of NC Statewide Exhibition
■ July Body Politic: Five Years of Basement (group exhibit of
UNC MFA grads)
■ August Eno Arts Mill Studio Artist Showcase
■ September Shady Kimzey/TJ Mundy Living Estate Sale
■ October-Nov 8t"Annual Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out
■ December The Really, Really, Super-Local Holiday Art Show
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ENO ARTS MILL IMPACT —Year 3 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Change
FY23 vs 24
Number of artists paid for work sold, classes, 125 144 256 78% T
performances, or services
Amount paid to artists for work sold, classes, $48,179 $90,230 $106,219 18% T
performance, or services
Number of artists exhibited 212 172 261 52% T
Dollar amount of work sold $18,980 $24,888 $29,656 19% T
Number of people hosted for adult classes 232 638 811 27% T
Number of youth hosted during Summer Camp 77 90 105 17% T
Summer Camp scholarship recipients 16% 15% 44% 193% T
• Partnered with arts councils in Durham, Wake, and Chatham counties to present Big
Night In for the Arts in March, 2024, on WRAL, raising $180k for arts programs
across the Triangle.
• Dispersed and administered $107,651 in grant funding through annual Arts Grants
and Arts Educator Grants Programs.
• Participated in Triangle-wide partnerships including Big Night In for the Arts, the
Emerging Artist Program, Piedmont Laureate Program, and the Artist Support Grant
Program.
• Served as county lead on behalf of Arts North Carolina, gathering local arts
supporters to advocate for public arts support to state and federal legislators.
• Hosted the 8t"Annual Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out & Wet Paint Sale as a
fundraiser, hosting a record-breaking 92 adult artists, 44 youth artists, and raising
approximately $17k for arts programs
• Offered 24 stories of local arts community on artsorange.org through a partnership
with music writer David Menconi and writer Arshia Simkin.
• Continued discussions with Town of Hillsborough, Hillsborough Arts Council, and
Orange County Historical Museum to explore a future arts and cultural facility.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• Operations and programming of Eno Arts Mill
• Coordination of biennial Uproar Festival of Public Art
• Consultation and advisement to local community partners on matters pertaining
to the arts throughout Orange County
• One annual grant cycle that funds artists, schools and nonprofit organizations
utilizing state and county funds
• Annual Arts Educator Grant program that funds professional development
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opportunities to local public school arts teachers
• Annual Emerging Artists Program through a partnership with the Durham Arts
Council
• Annual Piedmont Laureate Program through a partnership with the Durham Arts
Council, the Raleigh Arts Commission and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and
Wake County
• Public Art initiatives
• Annual Paint it Orange: Plein Air Paint-out and Wet Paint Sale
• Hosts monthly Arts Partners meetings for leadership of county arts organizations
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out
BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality
of life of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
OBJECTIVE 1. Provide family-oriented and inclusive programming or other
cultural events for residents and visitors.
OBJECTIVE 4. Provide resources to small, creative, and agro-businesses that add
character and quality of life to our community to attract employers, employees, and
visitors.
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other
advisory boards and commissions?
Throughout 2024, the OCAC Advisory Board worked in partnership with:
• The ArtsCenter
• Arts North Carolina
• Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership
• Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
• Chatham Arts Council
• Durham Arts Council
• Greater Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce
• Hillsborough Arts Council
• North Carolina Arts Council
• Orange County Department of Equity and Inclusion
• Orange County Department of Parks and Recreation
• Orange County Department of Sustainability
• Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department
• Raleigh Arts Commission
• Town of Carrboro — Economic Development/Arts
• Town of Chapel Hill Community Arts and Culture
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• Town of Hillsborough
• Town of Hillsborough Tourism Board/Tourism Development Authority
• Triangle ArtWorks
• United Arts Council of Raleigh/Wake County
• UNC -Ackland Art Museum
OCAC director Katie Murray served on the following board and committees:
• Local Advisory Board Member, Ackland Art Museum at UNC
• Board Member, Arts North Carolina
• Grassroots Steering Committee, North Carolina Arts Council
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2024 as they
relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal
impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed
activities (please list).
• Uproar Festival of Public Art will return in August, 2025. This accessible,
family-friendly, free festival provides residents and visitors with an interactive
opportunity to experience the arts in Orange County while patronizing local
businesses during a slow time of year. The County, together with the towns of
Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce,
and Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership provide funding towards the event; the
Orange County Arts Alliance will raise additional funding to support expenses.
While more areas of festival planning will be contracted out in 2025, it is still
primarily led by the OCAC director. This is challenging due to other
responsibilities of the position. A county event planner could be a tremendous
help for Uproar, and could plan other economic-boosting arts and cultural events
for the county.
• 2025 exhibits in the Eno Arts Mill include several highly impactful, first-time
programs:
o In April, the OCAC will partner with End Solitary NC/Disability Rights North
Carolina, Hidden Voices, Alamance Orange Prison Ministry, Orange
County Justice Project NC, Human Kindness Foundation, Orange County
Criminal Justice Resource Department, OC Local Reentry Council, the
Care Bear Foundation, and NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty to showcase the artwork of formerly/currently incarcerated
individuals, as well as people impacted by the justice system. Opening
night (April 4) will feature Jaki Shelton Green, Nick Courmon, and
Changed, a band that was formed at Orange Correctional.
o In May, the nationally recognized social justice/arts organization Hidden
Voices will present a multi-media installation addressing domestic
violence.
o In July, we will present our first group photography exhibit focusing on
photos of people and places in Orange County.
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o In August, we plan to feature a mutual aid exhibit to raise funds for artists
in Western NC.
o In September, we will provide exhibit space for Triangle Book Arts to
showcase the work of their membership
• LGBTQ+ Teen Arts Collective (ages 13-18) which has offered life-changing
connection opportunities for nonbinary youth and their families, has received
funding to expand to a Tween Arts Collective (ages 9-12) starting in February.
• Continue to explore expanding space and offerings for the community. We
will partner with the Town of Hillsborough on a feasibility study for a community
arts and cultural center to determine the space needs of a facility and the
associated costs. The Town will pay for this study.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the
upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners'
attention?
Funding. Currently we are funded through Occupancy Tax under the Visitors Bureau.
As staffing has increased, operating funds have decreased. This has been felt
especially since programs were established with NC Arts Council ARPA funding that is
no longer available. We are trying to maintain programs with less funding and not
enough staff.
With more staff and programmatic funding, we could increase our service to the county
exponentially. We could activate spaces like Blackwood Farm and provide economy-
boosting events. We could partner with fellow county departments to better serve youth
and residents that need create alternatives to traditional programs. And based on
constant feedback from the community and the proven success of the Eno Arts Mill, we
could provide more, much-needed space that currently does not exist, such as
community performance space, which would have a significant economic impact on the
surrounding neighborhood.
While our fledgling nonprofit arm is beginning to raise money to support the OCAC, a
new or increased County funding model is needed if leadership wishes for continued
growth of the OCAC.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Advisory Board on Aging
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and
welcomes input from various boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information,
limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a
substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Ann Bradford, Chair, abradford@carolwoods.org
Primary County Staff Contact Person: Janice Tyler, Dept. on Aging Director,jtyler@orangecountync.gov
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings?
The Advisory Board on Aging meets monthly. Members play a vital role in the implementation of the Master Aging
Plan including participating in the MAP Steering Committee and participating in the seven MAP Implementation
work groups that meet quarterly. The MAP Workgroups are Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Transportation;
Housing; Social Participation and Inclusion; Civic Engagement and Employment; Community Support and Health
Services; Communication and Information. There is also board representation on the Orange County Joint
Community Advisory Committee (formerly the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and the Adult Care
Home Advisory Committee that merged in July), and the Intergovernmental Parks and Recreation Commission.
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
The Advisory Board on Aging suggests policy and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners
and the Department on Aging, while acting as the liaison between the older adults of the county and county
government. It is charged with promoting needed services, programs and funding that impacts older adults.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
• The implementation of the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan, including supporting the seven workgroups with 150+
persons and community partners participating in the quarterly meetings. Implementation matrix is updated
quarterly and is posted to the Department on Aging's website. The workgroup leaders meet with the Aging
Board quarterly to present updates on goals, strategies and objectives. At the end of Year 2 68% of goals had
significant progress made.
• Orange County was represented by the Department on Aging Director in the development of the All Ages All
Stages NC Multisector Plan on Aging (MPA). With our county leading the way in NC in aging services planning,
the Department on Aging Director was asked to co-lead the Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime
workgroups, which is one of the four sections of the MPA. Our leadership in MAP development and years of
successful implementation has also led the NC Division of Aging to model their implementation matrix after
ours.
• Supported Hands Four Development Cooperative (Fiddlehead Corner) for the UDO text amendment to allow for
Family Care Facilities to be built under the MPD-CD zoning. Family Care Homes are an ideal model that
supports aging in community.
• Celebrated one year anniversary of our Aging Well Together Radio Show.
• R Place, our volunteer-based respite program based on the Respite for All model, celebrated its first year of
operations. The program has received outstanding support and has a participant waiting list. Plans are
underway to replicate this program in our local faith-based communities. We are also exploring options with the
Jackson Center to support them in offering a similar program in the Northside community.
• Funding of the FitLot at the Seymour Center to support older adults to remain physically active.
• Dementia Friendly Business Campaign continues with trainings to local business and government.
• The newly graduated Project EngAGE Class 6 of 13 volunteers from across the county have reactivated the Falls
Prevention and Health Promotion and the Neighborhood Connections Senior Resource Teams. The End-of-Life
SRT hosted the first End of Life Expo with over 200 people attending.
• Supported the re-design of the department website to be more user and reader friendly.
• Supported Outreach Coordinator to identify underserved communities and to connect with faith-based
organizations. Offered 9 events serving English, Spanish and Mandarin speakers.
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• Hosted our annual Direct Care Worker Awards celebration.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• Provide Orange County representation to the Central Pines Area Agency on Aging Board and the Senior Tar Heel
Legislature. Board Representatives work on developing legislative priorities for the local, regional and state
levels.
• Keep community partners up to date on the Master Aging Plan, including providing quarterly updates of the
MAP matrix.
• Make recommendations to the BOCC of potential legislative issues to be included in the Orange County
legislative agenda.
• Review and provide recommendations on applications for the County's Outside Agency Grants.
• Continue to offer the Annual Direct Care Worker awards. This type of recognition is needed more than ever with
the dire shortage of direct care workers in our county and across the state.
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
Through the MAP process this board addresses the BOCC goals of promoting and protecting the well-being of all
older adults, including addressing diversity, economic issues and the ability to age in community. The Aging Board
is committed to endorsing board applicants that reflect the diversity of Orange County and its older adult
population.
Describe the collaboration relationship(s)this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions?
This board has representation on the Joint Community Advisory Committee (formerly the Nursing Home and Adult
Care Home Community Advisory Committees) and also has representation on the Intergovernmental Parks and
Recreation Commission. A representative of this board serves on the Central Pines AAA Advisory Board.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate to established BOCC goals and
priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these
proposed activities (please list).
This board will continue to advocate for affordable senior housing; support our community to help all older adults
to have the choice to age in community; expanded transportation for rural Orange County; improvement of the
quality of care in long-term facilities, including supporting efforts to strengthen the direct care work force both for
long term care and in-home services; and continue implementation of the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan with support
from a charitable gift donation and many partner organizations and with specific focus on meeting our goals related
to racial equity as named in the plan.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes
to bring to the Commissioners' attention?
• Need for more affordable and accessible senior housing, especially rental units and an emerging concern of the
number of seniors living in sub-standard housing. The support of Fiddlehead Corner and their UDO Text
Amendment Application to request that Family Care Facilities be designated as permitted use in the MFD-CD
zoning category. This amendment would support other communities that want to incorporate licensed assisted
living services to support aging in place.
• Continued work on improving the quality of care in long-term care facilities within the county.
• Further development of a dementia capable county including partnerships with local businesses, non-profit and
faith-based organizations.
• The level of financial insecurity of older adults, including the emerging issue of older adults needing to remain
in the work force. Collaboration with DSS and Durham Tech for more employment training.
• Addressing the increasing need for in-home services and supports, including the needs of older adults serving
in caregiving roles and the shortage of direct care workers. Caregiver burden is becoming a major concern for
many persons and families living in our community.
• Continue addressing issues that surfaced particularly during the pandemic, including social isolation, hoarding,
access to services, persons aging alone in our community, and the increasing frail older adult population.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: ADULT CARE HOME AND NURSING HOME
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Co-Chairs: Shade Little and
Jackie Podger
Primary County Staff Contact Person: Kendall McMillan, Aging Transitions
Administrator
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any
special meetings and sub-committee meetings?
Meetings are held once a quarter on the second Tuesday of the first month of the
quarter
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
Serve all the Adult Care Homes and Nursing Homes in Orange County and work with
each facility in the best interest of those residing there.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments:
• Maintained a collaborative committee of dedicated community members who visit
Orange County adult care and nursing home facilities each quarter.
• While recruitment is challenging because of the reality of some senior living
facilities and the time commitment it requires, the CAC has managed to maintain
staffing to meet our responsibilities at a high level.
• Participated in continuing activities each month to further CAC member
education
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually:
• Each quarter committee members submit visit reports for all Long Term Care
facilities in Orange County to Autumn Cox, Regional Ombudsman, Central Pines
Regional Council
• All committee members are required to submit continuing education reports to
Autumn Cox, Regional Ombudsman, Central Pines Regional Council
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Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out
BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
• Committee members have established relationships with administrators and key
staff members and have been able to provide community resources along with
best practices in troubled areas
• CAC participated in Holiday Angel Tree activities directly and through
disseminating the need.
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other
advisory boards and commissions?
• Monthly reports provided to the Dept. of Aging Orange County
• Began collaboration with other Adult Care and Nursing Home CAC's- the first
one will be Chatham County.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they
relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal
impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed
activities (please list).
• Continue to recruit CAC members
• Continue to provide community resources to connect with Orange County
facilities
• Continue to provide best practice information to the administrators and key staff
• Continue to stress the importance of activities, both group and those requiring
one on one activities
• Continue to raise the level of awareness by sharing areas of improvement
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the
upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners'
attention?
The CAC in 2025 would like to emphasize resident quality of life as well as the problem
areas listed on the visit report.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Board of Health
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Alison Stuebe, Chair
alison_stuebe@med.unc.edu
Primary County Staff Contact Person: Quintana Stewart, Health Director— ext. 2412
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special
meetings and sub-committee meetings?
Board meets once monthly except for July and December.
Committee meetings resumed in September 2023. The committees meet at a
minimum quarterly, with most choosing to meet bi-monthly. There are currently
four committees.
In May 2024, there was a special meeting of the board to adjudicate a dispute
regarding a denied permit to build a car port.
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
The Board of Health is the primary policy-making and adjudicatory body (NCGS
130A-39(a) (powers and duties of the boards of health) and NCGS 130A-24
(appeals), for the health department and is charged to protect and promote the
public health of Orange County.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
• March 2024 —The BOH identified priority areas for work over the next four years,
in alignment with the results of the 2023 Community Health Assessment (CHA).
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These three priority areas are: Access to Healthcare; Behavioral Health; and
Connections to Community Support.
• April 2024 — The BOH submitted a letter in support of the BOCC amending the
Orange County Unified Development Ordinance to limit the opening of new
tobacco and vape shops within 1,000 feet of locations where youth congregate,
including schools and parks. Strong tobacco retailer licensure requirements are
an evidence-based way to help reduce and prevent youth tobacco use.
• September 2024 — The BOH approved the Community Health Improvement
Plans (CHIPs) for the next four years. The CHIPs are developed in collaboration
with community members and aim to address the priority areas identified by the
CHA.
• Throughout the year, committees held educational sessions with various subject
matter experts to help inform planning and prioritization.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
Community Health Assessment — Conducted every 4 years; 2023
Assessment submitted to NC DHHS in March 2024
➢ Financial Reports and Billing Dashboards — Quarterly Review
➢ Budget — Annual Review
➢ Outside Agency Funding Request — Annual Review
➢ Alliance Annual Report — Annual Review
➢ Policy Review— Annual Review
➢ Communicable Disease Report — Annual Review
➢ Child Fatality Report — Annual Review
➢ Tobacco Prevention Program — Annual Update
➢ Health Director Annual Performance Review
➢ BOH Reappointments — Chair and Vice Chair— Annual Review
➢ Healthy Carolinians of Orange County — Annual Update
➢ BOH Meeting Schedule — Annual Review
➢ Delinquent Accounts — Annual Review
➢ Immigrant and Refugee Health — Annual Update
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC
goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
o Environmental Protection and Climate Action — Promote sustainability and
resiliency across the County and collaborate with our partners to activate our
community, protect and preserve our natural resources, and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
o The Board established an ad hoc committee reviewing the Health
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Department's groundwater protection program to consider the
science around the current well rules and ensure that the rules are
equitable while ensuring safe groundwater for all.
o Healthy Community — Increase equitable access to care and social safety net
programming to promote the physical, social, and mental well-being of our
community.
o The Board of Health is the primary policy-making and adjudicatory
body for the Health Department and is charged with protecting and
promoting the public health of Orange County residents.
o The Board has also been active in promoting Expanded Medicaid,
including canvassing door-to-door and recommending the Health
Department and DSS explore an improved referral program for
eligible patients.
o Housing for All — Promote equitable and accessible housing and address
housing disparities through policies, partnerships, and collaboration to create a
thriving community
The Connections to Community Support Committee is focusing on
access to affordable housing and has been gathering information
about existing programs and initiatives to improve access to
affordable housing.
o Multi-modal Transportation — Collaborate with our regional partners to expand,
integrate%onnect, and provide accessible public transportation options.
o Nothing in 2024.
o Public Education/Learning Community — Enhance and maintain quality school
operations and infrastructure and cultivate lifelong learning.
o The Board is working to reestablish relationships with the schools
post-COVID.
o Diverse and Vibrant Economy — Foster an environment that attracts and
retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, employment
opportunities and diversifies our tax base.
o Not Applicable.
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory
boards and commissions?
➢ The Health Director serves as the designee for several Board activities and
collaborative initiatives. The Board receives monthly updates via the Health
Director's Report, which shows meetings, presentations, and other
activities completed each month. Some of the local boards and governing
bodies that the Board of Health/Health Department have worked with
during this reporting period include:
o BOCC
o Alliance
o Carrboro Town Council
o Chapel Hill Town Council
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o Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education
o DEAPR
o Family Success Alliance
o Healthy Carolinians of Orange County
o Hillsborough Board of Commissioners
o Opioid Advisory Committee
o Justice Advisory Council
o Orange County Partnership for Young Children
o Orange County Schools Board of Education
Other Boards that BOH members sit on:
o CHCCS School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
o North Carolina Dental Society
o North Carolina Dental Society Political Action Committee
o Old North State Dental Society Student Affairs Committee
o SNDA CAARES Dental Clinic
o Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board (Board member, Lee
Pickett, serves as Chair)
o Orange Partnership (Board member, Keith Bagby, serves as Chair)
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate
to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e.,
funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please
list).
o Environmental Protection and Climate Action - Promote sustainability and
resiliency across the County and collaborate with our partners to activate our
community, protect and preserve our natural resources, and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
o The Board's ad hoc committee will continue reviewing the Health
Department's groundwater protection program in light of the new
state legislation to consider the science around the current well
rules, implement equitable policies, and help ensure safe
groundwater for all.
o Healthy Community - Increase equitable access to care and social safety net
programming to promote the physical, social, and mental well-being of our
community.
o The Board is planning to sponsor a Photovoice project, allowing
Orange County residents to submit photographs detailing challenges
that they face in accessing healthcare. This will help inform planning
for future projects and ensure the needs and values of the
community are represented in future work. This project will involve
staff time and a small budget (-$2.5k).
o Housing for All - Promote equitable and accessible housing and address
housing disparities through policies, partnerships, and collaboration to create a
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thriving community.
o While the Board is still learning about the current housing
landscape, it is likely that they will lend support to certain policies or
initiatives that address access to affordable housing as a public
health issue.
• Multi-modal Transportation — Collaborate with our regional partners to expand,
integrate%onnect, and provide accessible public transportation options.
o Nothing planned at this time.
• Public Education/Learning Community — Enhance and maintain quality school
operations and infrastructure and cultivate lifelong learning.
o The Behavioral Health Committee is interested in collaborating with
the schools (based on need/desire) to address the impact of screen
use on youth mental health.
• Diverse and Vibrant Economy — Foster an environment that attracts and
retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, employment
opportunities and diversifies our tax base.
o Not applicable.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming
year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention?
• Capacity of current public health workforce to provide services to newly
eligible patients under Medicaid Expansion.
• Sustainability of Opioid Mitigation Strategies beyond use of Opioid
Settlement Funds.
• Mental health resources in the community.
• Vaping among young people.
• Potential health risks of high levels of screen time in children and
teenagers.
• Affordable housing and homelessness.
• Concerns about changes to the public health ecosystem (e.g., rollbacks to
fluoridation, rollbacks to vaccination requirements, changes in CDC
leadership and infrastructure, etc.).
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NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Board of Adjustment (BOA)
Report Period January 2024-December 2024
ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Board/Commission Name:
Board of Adjustment (BOA)
Person to address the BOCC and contact information:
Leon Meyers, BOA Chair
Imeyersnc(o)_gmail.com 919 422-5773
3126 Carriage Trail, Hillsborough
Primary County Staff Contact:
Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director Development Services
Planning & Inspections Department
pmallett orangecountync.gov
Office (919) 245-2577 / Mobile (919) 819-3402
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any
special meetings and sub-committee meetings?
One meeting per month as outlined in the published BOA Calendars.
https://www.orangecountync.gov/1178/Calendars
Note: the BOA only meets on published dates when there is a case to be considered
and/or required administrative actions or training.
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
As required by NCGS §160D-302 and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Section 1.8.1, the BOA is required quasi-judicial appointed board that is established
and maintained to hear and decide:
1. Appeals regarding any decision, or determination made by the Planning Director;
2. Applications requesting the approval of Special Use Permit (SUP);
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3. Variance requests from the minimum requirements of the UDO; and
4. Other matters as required by state law, the UDO and/or the BOCC.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
1. Successfully deciding appeals, variances and SUPs per the state statue and
UDO requirements without any higher appeals or legal challenges.
2. Revised procedures and processes regarding legal standing for cases.
3. Successfully appointing all the required and alternate BOA seats.
4. Revising the applications, required materials and published calendars to make
the process simpler, quicker and more accessible to the public.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
N/A
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out
BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
1. Successfully meeting state and UDO requirements for BOAs.
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other
advisory boards and commissions?
1. Operationally none. The BOA is by definition an independent, autonomous
quasi-judicial decision-making body.
2. Administratively, BOA's meetings, needs and support is coordinated alongside
the Planning Board.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they
relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal
impact (i.e., funding, staff time, and other resources) associated with these
proposed activities (please list).
1. Continuing to improve the process and public information about the BOA and its
processes.
2. Streamlining the review process and legal notification processes.
3. Improving language translation and interpretive services for BOA cases.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the
upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners'
attention?
1. Aligning with the various regulatory changes and recent case law.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Planning Board
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Adam Beeman, Chair, (919)
563-0463, abeeman4784@yahoo.com (Note: the Planning Board elects a Chair and
Vice-Chair every January; if the Chair changes in January 2025, the 2025 Chair would
be the presenter)
Primary County Staff Contact Person: Cy Stober, Planning Director; secondary
contact: Perdita Holtz, Deputy Director— Long-Range Planning &Administration
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any
special meetings and sub-committee meetings?
Generally once per month for a regular meeting + optional Ordinance Review
Committee (ORC) or training session (ORC or training sessions occur on the same
evening as the regular meeting several times a year).
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
Under the authority of NC General Statute, the BOCC created the Planning Board to
embark upon a continuing planning program, including but not limited to the preparation
and maintenance of a Comprehensive Plan for Orange County, in protection of the
public health, safety, and general welfare of present and future residents and
businesses, landowners and visitors. The duties of the Planning Board are listed in
Section 1.6.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance, and reflect the duties and
responsibilities charged to all jurisdictions by NCGS 160D.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
In 2024, the Planning Board accomplished the following:
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• Reviewed and made a recommendation on the following applications:
■ Agricultural Support Enterprise - Conditional District rezoning "The Treeist"
on Millhouse Road
■ Master Plan Development— Conditional District rezoning, Comprehensive
Plan text and FLUM amendment, UDO text amendment - "Fiddlehead
Corner" (multi-part application) — Morrow Mill Road in Bingham Township
■ General Commercial Conventional District Rezoning — Ruritan Club in
Efland
■ Rural Residential Conventional District Rezoning — Frazier Road in
Cheeks Township
■ Watershed Overlay District Amendments — two applications
• Reviewed and made a recommendation on the following UDO Text Amendments:
■ Tobacco and Hemp Retail Use
■ Regulatory Reform Compliance and Conformance
■ Landscaping Standards
• Reviewed and took action on the following major subdivision Concept Plans:
■ Williams Glen (Lawrence Road in Eno Township)
■ Stonewall (Miller Road in Hillsborough Township)
• Reviewed and made on recommendation on the following major subdivision
Preliminary Plats:
■ Williams Glen (Lawrence Road in Eno Township)
■ Stonewall (Miller Road in Hillsborough Township)
• Briefings and input on the Orange County Land Use Plan 2050
• Briefing on the Climate Action Plan
• Discussion of Public Notification Requirements contained in the LIDO
• Planning Board and staff enhanced community engagement and communication,
particularly on the Land Use Plan 2050 project
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• Monthly Planning Board meetings
• Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) meetings and special meetings as
required
• Review applications for Unified Development Ordinance text amendments,
Zoning Atlas amendments, and major subdivisions, and provide
recommendations to the BOCC
• Develop and recommend policies, ordinances, administrative procedures and
other means for carrying out plans
• Coordinate with staff on ongoing planning updates, changes, and new
techniques
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Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out
BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
The Planning Board is involved in the ongoing implementation of the 2030
Comprehensive Plan and any potential regulatory revisions resulting from updates to
BOCC priorities, particularly as described in the County's Strategic Plan.
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other
advisory boards and commissions.
In 2024, certain other boards/commissions were invited to a Planning Board meeting to
hear a briefing on the Land Use Plan 2050 project from the consultant, ask questions,
and provide comments.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they
relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal
impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed
activities (please list).
The Board will continue its work in partnership with staff to further BOCC priorities,
some of which may emerge at the January 2025 BOCC retreat. The following list is not
in priority order:
1. Orange County Land Use Plan 2050: Work on this plan is on-going and
expected to continue into 2026.
2. UDO Amendments: In response to a petition by a BOCC member, Planning staff
anticipates bringing forward UDO amendments pertaining to conservation
subdivisions in early 2025.
3. Legislative Changes: Amend regulations as necessary in response to legislative
changes at the State level.
4. Continue Training for Planning Board Members: Planning staff will continue to
offer training to Planning Board members on an as-needed basis (including the
5-module training for newly appointed members). Suggestions on additional
topics for training are welcome.
5. 2025 BOCC Retreat: Any priorities that emerge at the January 2025 BOCC
retreat.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the
upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners'
attention?
1. Wireless and Broadband Access: Wireless and broadband access continues to
be a challenge in many portions of Orange County.
2. Growth of Mebane into Western Orange County: The continued growth of
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Mebane has created uncertainty for area residents. More formal
communications, relationships, and/or agreements with Mebane should be
pursued to ensure residents have a better idea of future plans and growth areas.
3. Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement Map
Amendments / Reconciliation of Future Land Use Map (FLUM)/Zoning Lines:
There are discrepancies in these maps that should be addressed. The County
should work with WASMPBA partners to bring forward amendments to reconcile
discrepancies in the WASMPBA "Primary Service Area," County Future Land
Use Map (FLUM)/Zoning lines, and any discrepancies on similar municipal maps.
The Town of Hillsborough is anticipated to initiate an update to the WASMPBA to
ensure consistency with their adopted plans.
4. Watershed Review and Implications of County vs. State Watershed Delineations:
Review the County and State watershed delineation lines and the implications of
current differences, including stormwater standards. Be mindful of any lessened
watershed protection measures.
5. Rural Enterprises: As part of the analysis for the Land Use Plan 2050, determine
need to address innovative water & sewage disposal issues in the Rural Activity
Nodes (RANs) to encourage development in these nodes. Evaluate non-
residential acreage thresholds in both the existing Comprehensive Plan and the
UDO to better enable retail services or other uses in identified RANs.
6. Transportation Issues: As part of the analysis for the Land Use Plan 2050,
determine if rural "transit oriented development" could be hubs of transit located
in the rural community nodes. Focus should be on transit dependent populations
and their connection to other transit infrastructure, and account for
implementation of the North-South Bus Rapid Transit line between Hillsborough
and Chapel Hill.
7. Long-Term Planning for Potable Water and Waste Disposal: Planning for
potable water and waste (wastewater and solid waste) should continue to be a
topic for study (i.e., supportive infrastructure analysis) and potential discussion
with public and non-profit utility providers as growth in Orange County continues.
This could serve both economic development and affordable housing concerns.