HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 08-26-2025; 4-a - Labor Day Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 26, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Labor Day Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Jean Hamilton, BOCC Vice Chair,
919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing September 1, 2025 as Labor Day and
honoring Orange County's workers.
BACKGROUND: Orange County has over 78,000 workers and enjoys a low unemployment rate.
Workers of all backgrounds, skills and professions contribute to the County's economy and the
community's well-being. On the eve of the Labor Day holiday, this proclamation shows
appreciation and recognition of Orange County's workers and recognizes the County's
commitment to the them, fair labor practices and to a Living Wage.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of this
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
• 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.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
LABOR DAY
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on June 28, 1894, the United States Congress passed an act making the first
Monday in September of each year the legal Labor Day holiday; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Labor Day holiday occurs on September 1St; and
WHEREAS,the federal holiday pays tribute to the achievements of workers in the United
States by recognizing their contributions to the country's strength, prosperity and well-
being; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has a labor force of 78,648 residents and an unemployment
rate of 3.6%; and
WHEREAS, while the Orange County median household income is $86,736, many
residents are still employed in jobs that do not pay the current living wage of$17.65 per
hour; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina remains one of just 16 states that have not adjusted their
$7.25 minimum wage, even for inflation, over the past fifteen years; and
WHEREAS, many workers in Orange County earn less than living wages and are living
in poverty and even experiencing homelessness despite full-time employment; and
WHEREAS, Orange County's Strategic Plan recognizes a diverse and vibrant economy
as one of its six Strategic Priorities; and
WHEREAS, this strategic priority's goal is to foster an environment that attracts and
retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, employment opportunities, and
diversifies our tax base; and
WHEREAS, Labor Day is an opportunity for Orange County to recognize the
contributions of all of our workers to the county's economy; and
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim September 1, 2025, Labor Day, as a day to honor the hard-working residents of
Orange County who contribute so much energy, skill and innovation to our broader
community and encourage all Orange County employers to ensure workers have a living
wage, as well as safe and supportive work environments.
This the 26th day of August, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners