HomeMy WebLinkAboutOUTBoard Minutes - February 17 and March 17 2025 ORANGE TRANSPORTATION
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
COUNTY
NoKm CALIQLLNA PUBLIC TRANSIT
OrangeCounty
AGENDA
ORANGE UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION BOARD
April 21, 2025, 6:30 pm
131 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278
OUTBoard meetings are held in person and open to the public.Any member of the general public
who wishes to make public comment should attend or email Orange County Transportation
Director Nishith Trivedi at ntrivedi@orangecountync.gov. All comments will be read to the
OUTBoard during the public comment portion of the meeting.
1. Call to Order
2. Consideration of Additions or Changes to Agenda
3. Public Comments
4. Minutes— February 17, 2025, and March 17, 2026
5. Regular OUTBoard Agenda
a. 2009 Farmland Protection Plan
i. Action: Provide comments
b. Policy and Procedure Update
i. Action: Recommend approval
c. Orange County Bike/Ped Plan Update
i. Action: Provide comments
d. DAC Memo V2.5
i. Action: Provide comments
6. Staff Report/Updates
a. MPO, RPO, and NCDOT
7. Adjournment -The next meeting— May 19, 2025
It is the policy of Orange County Transportation Services to ensure that no person shall, on the
ground of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be
denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity
as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987.
600 Hwy 86 N • Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Phone (919)245-2008 • Fax (919)732-2137
orangecountync.gov/transportation
ORANGE UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Monday February 171h, 2025, 6:30 pm
131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278
1 Attendance: Members Present
2 Micheal Hughes At Large
3 Jamie Crandell Eno Township
4 Art Menius Little River Township
5 Gregory Woloszczuk At Large
6 Gene Owen At Large
7 Sherry Appel At Large
8 Roy Schonberg Chapel Hill Township
9 Erik Legg At Large
10 Joshua Mayo At Large
11 Chloe Pankratz Youth Delegate
12 Darlene Weaver Orange County Staff
13 Nishith Trivedi Orange County Staff
14
15 AGENDA ITEM 1:CALL TO ORDER
16 The meeting was called to order and the roll was taken.
17
18 AGENDA ITEM 2: CONSIDERATIONS OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
19 No considerations to the agenda.
20
21 Micheal H. (Chair) apologized for missing the previous meeting due to a work-related crisis. He proposed a
22 20-minute briefing for the next meeting regarding updates to the 2009 Farmland Protection Plan that he has
23 been involved in.
24
25 AGENDA ITEM 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
26 No public comments
27
28 AGENDA ITEM 4. MINUTES—January 20th, 2025
29 Motion:Art M.with noted changes on attendance
30 Second: Gregory W.
31 Approval: Unanimously
32
33 AGENDA ITEM 5. OUTBOARD AGENDA
34
35 a. 2019 Efland—Buckhorn—Mebane Access Management Plan Update
36 Nishith T. presented a status update comparing projected traffic volumes from the 2019 plan with current
37 development impacts.To date, only 25,000 of the projected 175,000 trips/day are being generated.
38 Discussion included:
39 • Truck traffic increases due to warehouse/industrial development.
40 • The need to consider freight in transportation planning.
41 • Potential public engagement to reassess the plan.
42 • Correction of wording in action items and project dates to reflect the 2025 timeline.
43
44 Outcome: No action taken at this time; monitoring will continue. A follow-up presentation and potential
45 public engagement were discussed.
46
47 b. Orange County Safe Routes to School—Steering Committee
48 Nish T. presented a potential plan to begin implementing the adopted 2024 Safe Routes To School Plan,
49 focusing on the Steering Committee. He requested feedback on forming it addressing composition like
50 school staff, parents,youth,and other stakeholders.The importance of Parent Teacher Association(PTA)
51 involvement was highlighted; Nishith to reach out to each school's PTA. Concerns were raised about
52 managing committee size and expectations. Discussion acknowledged cultural barriers to
53 walking/biking to school and the need for public champions. Nish T. confirmed he will serve in a
54 facilitative role in creating the Steering Committee while seeking champions as recommended in the
55 plan. It was discussed that the best people to serve as "champion" would be a parent as school
56 administrators are already overwhelmed with their current job tasks.
57
58 Outcome: No motion required. Input will continue to be gathered and revisited in future meetings.
59
60 c. Non-STIP Project Updates
61 Nish T. shared a cleaned-up list of active non-STIP transportation projects. Discussion focused on
62 obligating IIJA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds amid federal funding uncertainties. Projects
63 prioritized for obligation include road maintenance, transit improvements, and spot safety upgrades.
64 Agencies are working to secure funds in contracts to protect them from potential rescissions.
65
66 AGENDA ITEM 6. STAFF REPORT/UPDATES
67 a. MPO, RPO, and NCDOT
68 Nish provided updates on key projects. Current DOT projects are proceeding as scheduled. Specific
69 bridge replacements and wildlife crossing accommodations were noted, particularly near the US 70
70 corridor.
71
72 AGENDA ITEM 8:ADJOURNMENT
73 OUTBoard meeting was adjourned.The next meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2025.
ORANGE UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Monday March 171h, 2025, 6:30 pm
131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278
1 Attendance: Members Present
2 Micheal Hughes At Large
3 Jamie Crandell Eno Township
4 Art Menius Little River Township
5 Gregory Woloszczuk At Large
6 Gene Owen At Large
7 Sherry Appel At Large
8 Roy Schonberg Chapel Hill Township
9 Erik Legg At Large
10 Joshua Mayo At Large
11 Heidi Perry At Large
12 Amy Cole At Large
13 Susan Gladin Hillsborough Township
14 Chloe Pankratz Youth Delegate
15 Darlene Weaver Orange County Staff
16 Nishith Trivedi Orange County Staff
17 Emmal-ea Ange Orange County Staff
18
19 AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER
20 The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm and the roll was taken.
21
22 AGENDA ITEM 2: CONSIDERATIONS OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
23 No considerations to the agenda.
24
25 AGENDA ITEM 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
26 No public comments- No members of the public were present. Discussion noted the need to increase
27 public engagement at future meetings.
28
29 AGENDA ITEM 4. MINUTES—February 17th,2025
30 Approval of the February 17th meeting minutes was deferred. Nish T. is still reviewing them and will present
31 them at the next meeting.
32
33 AGENDA ITEM 5. OUTBOARD AGENDA
34
35 a. Orange County Transportation Priorities for Spot 8.0
36 Nish T. provided an overview of the Strategic Prioritization of Transportation (SPOT 8) process and
37 reviewed the list of potential projects for OUTBoard consideration. He noted that there are currentlythree
38 State Transportation Improvement Programs (STIPs) in place: the existing approved STIP, which is
39 undergoing amendments;a new draft STIP anticipated for approval in June;and SPOT 8,which will initiate
40 the next STIP cycle. In light of recent developments regarding federal funding reductions and the
41 uncertainty surrounding future transportation authorization legislation, staff advised caution in
42 assuming that projects submitted through SPOT 8 will receive funding in the upcoming STIP.
43
44 OUTBoard members expressed support for the majority of staff and Transportation Advisory Services
45 recommendations,with the following modifications:
46 • The US 70 Improvements project should be revised from a widening with multimodal
47 accommodations to a modernization project with multimodal accommodations.
48 0 The NC 86 project should not be included in SPOT 8 at this time; instead, a comprehensive
49 multimodal corridor study should be conducted to identify appropriate improvements.
50 0 The NC 54 project should not be submitted for SPOT 8 consideration.
51
52 Nish T. stated that he will present the Department, TAS, and OUTBoard recommendations to the Board
53 of County Commissioners at their April meeting and will forward the Board's decision to the appropriate
54 regional partners for further action.
55
56 Motion:Joshua Mayo
57 Second: Sherry Apple
58 Unanimous
59
60 b. Transportation DAC Memo V 2.5
61 Nish T.presented the revised template and frameworkfor a multimodal assess memo to be used in future
62 development reviews.This tool:
63 9 Replaces traditional traffic impact analyses with comprehensive multimodal assessments.
64 9 Integrates data from crash records, travel demand models, census data, and local transportation
65 plans.
66 • Aims to improve developer accountability and coordinate improvements through DOT
67 encroachment agreements.
68 0 Staff may pursue adding a developer fee for these assessments in the future.
69
70 Feedback&Discussion:
71 0 Members supported the approach and emphasized the importance of public transparency.
72 0 Suggestions included adding example test cases and clearly identifying threshold criteria.
73 0 Sherry Appel recommended ensuring the analysis documents be publicly accessible and advised on
74 setting developer fees realistically.
75
76 Outcome: deferred until the April meeting when updated examples will be presented.
77
78 AGENDA ITEM 6. STAFF REPORT/UPDATES
79 a. MPO, RPO, and NCDOT
80 Nish provided updates on key projects. Draft STIP and TIP documents indicate increased project costs;
81 updated lists were shared for review.A request was made to include the correct name for CW Stanford Middle
82 School, now renamed to Orange Middle School. Request made for an update on the community engagement
83 process for the Bike & Pedestrian Plan to be included on the next agenda. Several board members noted
84 concern over federal funding uncertainty—suggested inviting DOT or MPO staff to speak on the issue at a
85 future meeting.
86
87 AGENDA ITEM 8:ADJOURNMENT
88 OUTBoard meeting was adjourned.The next meeting is scheduled for April 21 st, 2025.
� ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
ORA E L TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT No rH CARQLLNA Ora"g; �m utt
8,
Item 5.a.
Subject: Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan
Attachment: Draft Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan
PURPOSE: To provide comments on the Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan.
BACKGROUND:The Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan supports Orange County's
Strategic Priorities of Environmental Protection and Climate Action by promoting sustainable
agriculture and local food systems. It addresses key challenges such as farmland conversion,
economic pressures on farming, climate impacts, and an aging farmer population. Despite these
issues, Orange County has significant assets: fertile land, a strong community of passionate and
emerging farmers, and public support for local, sustainable food.
• The Plan outlines a vision for a thriving agricultural future through three main goals:
• Enhance farm viability and protect farmland through strategic land use planning and
supportive resources.
• Inform and engage the public and policymakers to strengthen support for local agriculture.
• Support farmers' livelihoods with education, infrastructure, and financial assistance.
By leveraging existing strengths and implementing targeted recommendations, Orange County aims
to preserve farmland, support its farming community, and build a resilient local food system.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact currently.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN:
• GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION
• OBJECTIVE 2. Increase community awareness of all modes of transportation including
transit, bike and pedestrian, vehicle, and all other modes.
• OBJECTIVE 3.Support road projects that address congestion and reduce commute time using
the County' s Complete Streets policy.
• OBJECTIVE 4. Coordinate transit investments with municipal and county land use planning
to reduce vehicle miles travelled and to provide more equitable access to shopping,
employment, medical centers, college campuses, etc.
ACTION:
Recommend comments on Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan (Attachment 1).
600 Hwy 86 N - Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Phone (919)245-2008 - Fax (919) 732-2137
orangecountync.gov/transportation
DRAFT/March 27, 2026
Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan
for Orange County, NC
2025-2029
DRAFT
Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB)
APB Farmland Stewardship Subcommittee
Orange County Cooperative Extension
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
Table of Contents
Executive Summary Page 3
1 . Overview Page 7
2. Importance of a Robust Local Agriculture Page 8
3. Challenges to Agriculture in Orange County Page 10
4. Opportunities for Agriculture in Orange County Page 16
5. Goals for Agriculture in Orange County Page 19
6. Recommendations and Priority Actions Page 22
7. Potential Sources of Funding Page 36
8. References Page 38
Appendix 1 . Summary of 2023 Orange County Farmer and Page 41
Landowner Survey
Appendix 2. Recommendations for Criteria for Identifying
Farmland for Protection in Orange County Page 48
Appendix 3. Recommendations for Framework for Revisions
and Additions to the Unified Development Ordinance
to Strengthen Farmland Protection Page 51
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
Executive Summary
Agricultural land use and farming practices are fundamental determinants of how
Orange County---and the rest of the world---meet the most pressing challenges of our
time: climate change, environmental degradation, and population-wide poor health
related to overreliance on food produced within a globalized, industrial system. Indeed,
the Orange County Strategic Plan 2025-2029 advances development and support of
sustainable agriculture and local food systems as important means of achieving the
County's top Strategic Priorities of Environmental Protection and Climate Action. This
Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan was developed to support the
County in achieving these Strategic Priorities. It describes recent trends in agriculture
and farmland loss, challenges to and opportunities for farming enterprises, vision and
goals for agriculture, and recommendations for enhancing agricultural viability and
stewarding farmland in Orange County.
The main challenges to agriculture in Orange County-farmland conversion to
development and poor economic viability of agriculture-are longstanding and have
intensified in recent years. They interrelate with additional challenges including the
impact of climate extremes on farming and the aging of the farming population. These
challenges are not insurmountable, particularly in the context of the opportunities:
• Orange County soils, climate, and water resources can support agriculture now
and into the future.
• Orange County has strong and growing communities of small, diversified farms
and new and beginning farmers.
• Established Orange County farmers are passionate about their work and want to
keep their land in farming.
• Orange County citizens value agriculture and recognize its benefits to the
County, and community members seek food grown sustainably and locally.
• Local food hubs have operational expertise and capacities to manage the
aggregation, distribution, and marketing of products from small-to-medium-size
farms to support them in reaching larger markets.
Building on its assets and strengths, Orange County can minimize continued farmland
loss and foster a thriving agricultural community that supports a robust local food
system. The following three Goals and associated Recommendations and Actions will
help the County to realize this vision. Implementation of the Recommendations will help
make Orange County a place where
• Farm viability is enhanced, and farmland is maintained and stewarded for
agricultural uses through judicious land use planning and educational, logistical,
and financial support.
• Citizens and decision-makers have the information and resources they need to
support local agriculture and the farming community.
• Farmers are supported in their livelihoods with educational, financial, and
infrastructural resources.
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
GOAL 1: Plan FOR Agriculture: Elevate farmland stewardship to being a central
consideration in land use planning and decisions. Continued farmland loss can be
mitigated through proven land use planning approaches such as compact
development, minimization of sprawl, strengthened development in areas where
development has already occurred, and permanent protection of farmland and open
space.
GOAL 1 RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) Assess, document, and communicate the status of agriculture in Orange County.
a) Assess farmland conversion trends in the County on a biennial basis through GIS
mapping.
b) Conduct a biennial County-wide agricultural census.
c) Complete an Economic Impact Assessment of agriculture in the County.
d) Complete a new Cost of Community Services study of agriculture in the County.
e) Communicate farmland conversion trends, County agricultural census results, and
economic data in the biennially updated Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship
Plan and on a County agriculture web page/website.
2) Elevate agriculture to a primary use in land use planning, regulations, and policy.
a) On the Planning Board, include an Agricultural Preservation Board member. On the
Agricultural Preservation Board, include a Planning Board member.
b) Adopt the Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan as a reference in or a
component of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
c) Adopt a Prioritization Method to identify and target farmland for conservation in
coordination with existing Lands Legacy prioritization criteria.
d) Adopt modifications and additions to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and to
County policies to elevate agriculture to a primary use in land use regulations and policy.
GOAL 2: Conserve Farmland Through Direct Measures: Promote the benefits of and
strengthen opportunities for farmers to use direct measures to conserve their farmland.
The most effective means of protecting farmland are direct measures: namely
permanent agricultural conservation easements and transition plans or estate plans
that provide for continuing operation of farms when owners retire or die.
GOAL 2 RECOMMENDATIONS:
3) Increase the rate at which Lands Legacy Program conservation easements are
granted.
a) Increase the funds available for County purchase of Lands Legacy Program
conservation easements.
b) Identify and implement additional frameworks for County collaboration with non-County
conservation organizations (e.g., Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Foundation) to
secure easements. Explore the possibility of reactivating the Orange County
Conservation Alliance.
4) Use the VAD/EVAD (Voluntary Agricultural District/Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural
District) program as a steppingstone to permanent Lands Legacy Program
conservation easements.
a) Intensify VAD/EVAD recruiting efforts through direct mail, County website, direct
outreach, and Agricultural Preservation Board member engagement.
4
DRAFT/March 27,2026
b) Encourage farmers in the VAD/EVAD program to participate in a conservation easement
workshop, and incentivize enrollment.
c) Fund complimentary easement-related legal and financial consulting for VAD/EVAD
landowners considering putting their land in a conservation easement.
5) Provide farmers with education and resources on transition planning and farmland
conservation.
a) Fund complimentary transition planning consulting to VAD/EVAD landowners and
farmer-landowners holding Lands Legacy Program conservation easements.
b) Convene an annual Transition Planning/Estate Planning summit for County farmer-
landowners.
c) Educate owners of forestland about the benefits to the environment and the climate of
conserving forestland and the financial benefits of managed forestland.
d) Conduct a County-wide outreach program to better understand farmer and landowner
perspectives on transition plans to support customized approaches to transition planning
and conservation.
6) Establish an Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship coordinator role in the
County.
a) Define the duties of the coordinator role.
b) Assign the position a place in the County organizational structure and allocate funding
for it.
GOAL 3: Enhance the Economic Viability of Agriculture by:
• Providing new business opportunities for farmers through market development,
education, diversification, and cooperation; and
• Increasing local demand for Orange County farm products by increasing
awareness of their value and benefits.
Enhancing the economic viability of agriculture in the County entails agricultural
development that facilitates productivity as well as market development that increases
demand for local agricultural products.
GOAL 3 RECOMMENDATIONS:
7) Expand educational opportunities in agriculture and agricultural business
development.
a) Offer both new- and established-farmer-targeted coursework and bootcamp with
curriculum to include business development, agritourism, crop production, livestock
management, marketing.
8) Support farmers in expanding and diversifying their businesses through agritourism.
a) Form a County Agritourism Networking Group for peer-to-peer agritourism education and
support.
b) Incorporate an agritourism module into the new and beginning farmer education
program (Priority Action 7a).
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
9) Support farmers in efforts to expand into wholesale markets.
a) Educate farmers about the benefits of, and provide funding for, their GAP certification.
b) Fund and implement a farm-to-school pilot program to get food from Orange County
farmers into Orange County Public Schools.
c) Provide opportunities for aggregation, sale, and distribution of Orange County farm
products to County and NC-wide markets through collaboration with a local food
aggregator/distributor. Food hubs can aggregate, store, and distribute products from
multiple farmers to achieve and distribute wholesale quantities that individual small
farmers cannot achieve on their own.
d) In collaboration with the NC Department of Agriculture and in consultation with Tri-COG
FEEDS (Food Ecosystem Economic Development Strategy), conduct a feasibility study for
a regional market and aggregation/distribution center in the vicinity of 1-40/I-85.
10)Provide citizens and decision-makers with information and education on agriculture
in Orange County and with opportunities to engage with the farming community.
a) Update the Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan biennially. Discuss the
biennial update at a Board of County Commissioners meeting dedicated to agricultural
viability in the County.
b) Publicize and communicate about Orange County agriculture through an Agriculture
web page or website, social media, and other electronic means.
c) Convene a periodic agricultural festival for the public.
d) Expand the County Farm-to-Table event to reach more children.
11)Offer financial incentives for agriculture and agricultural development in the County.
a) Broaden eligibility criteria for Agricultural Economic Development grants to include
agricultural support entities (e.g., NC FarmLink, Farmer Foodshare), and allow flexibility in
awarding grant funds across three categories of recipient (new farmers, established
farmers, agricultural support entities).
b) Fund new-farmer-startup grants and develop tax credits to assist qualified new farmers
with purchase of farmland.
c) Identify and establish property tax incentives to support farm sustainability.
d) Conduct a multi-County pilot program to reduce the acreage requirement of the
Present Use Value Program to 1 acre.
Potential funding sources include
• Deferred Taxes from Farmland Coming Out of the Present Use Value Program
Properties in the Present Use Value program coming out of agricultural use are subject to
deferred taxes with accrued interest, immediately due and payable, for the year of
disqualification and the three previous years. Revenue generated from these tax dollars
could be directed to an Agricultural Trust Fund. Similar successful programs are currently
operating in Cabarrus County, Chatham County, Lee County, and Wake County.
• Land Transfer Tax
North Carolina counties have the ability, granted by the North Carolina General
Assembly, to levy a tax on the sale of real property. For Orange County, the tax can
amount to 0.4% of the sale price of real estate levied in the year of the sale. To be
implemented, the tax must be approved by a majority vote of citizens.
• Grants from entities including the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation
Trust Fund, Golden Leaf, the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, and the Orange County
Farm Bureau.
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
1 . Overview
Orange County citizens and decision-makers recognize the economic,
environmental, and cultural benefits of sustainable agriculture and the necessity
of a robust local farming community. The goal of Promoting Sustainable
Agriculture is included in the Orange County Strategic Plan 2025-2029 as a
primary means of achieving the County's top Strategic Priorities of
Environmental Protection and Climate Action: The County will "incentivize and
promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems development through
supportive policy, funding, farmland protection, and educational outreach"
(Orange County, 2024).
This Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan was developed to
support the County in incentivizing and promoting sustainable agriculture and
local food systems development. The Plan describes recent trends in agriculture
and farmland loss, challenges to and opportunities for continued farming, vision
and goals for agriculture, and recommendations for maintaining farmland and
supporting a viable farming community in Orange County. The Plan meets
content guidelines outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes (§ 106-744) for
preferential eligibility for NC Agricultural Development and Farmland
Preservation Trust Fund monies supporting agricultural viability and conservation
projects (NC General Statutes, 2024).
This Plan updates the County's Agricultural Development and Farmland
Protection Plan issued in 2009. It is intended to be a dynamic plan that is
updated and reissued biennially to address the needs and challenges
associated with a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. Actions
recommended in the Plan are intended to be implemented over the next 5
years from 2025 to 2029 in keeping with the timeframe of the County's Strategic
Plan.
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
2. Importance of a Robust Local Agriculture
Agricultural land use and farming practices are fundamental determinants of
how Orange County---and the rest of the world---meet the most pressing
challenges of our time: climate change, environmental degradation, and
population-wide poor health related to overreliance on food produced within a
globalized, industrial system (Walinga, 2009). Poorly managed farmland and
unsound agricultural practices can exacerbate these challenges. Conversely,
well stewarded farmland and sustainable farming practices can stabilize and
restore the environment, mitigate climate change, and support resilient local
and regional foodsheds (Pretty, 2008; Naresh, 2023). Sustainable agriculture
preserves and restores habitats, maintains wildlife corridors, protects watersheds,
enhances soil health, improves water quality, and sequesters carbon. Besides
conferring these environmental and climate benefits, sustainable agriculture is
the bedrock of local food systems development (Chao, 2024; MacFall, 2015)---
essential for addressing the threats to the global food supply posed by weather
extremes, political instability, and biological threats such as pandemics.
Partly because of their impact on natural resources, the environment, and
climate, agricultural land use and practices also underpin local, regional, and
global economies. There is no economy without a healthy environment and
people, a climate that supports life and good livelihood, and an accessible,
nutritious food supply.
"Agriculture is not crop production as popular belief holds-
it's the production of food and fiber from the world's land and
waters. Without agriculture, it is not possible to have a city,
stockmarket, banks, university, church, or army. Agriculture
is the foundation of civilization and any stable economy."
-Allan Savory
A comprehensive assessment of the economic impact of agriculture in Orange
County has not recently been undertaken. According to the 2022 US Census of
Agriculture, cash receipts for agricultural products sold in Orange County
exceeded $41 .9 million in 2022, and agriculture employed approximately 1% of
people (approximately 1500 people) in the County (USDA, 2023; Agricultural
Census, 2022). According to the North Carolina Forestry Service, Orange County
forest landowners took in an estimated stumpage harvest value of $1 .7 million in
2022 (North Carolina Forestry Service, 2022). The estimated economic
contribution of forestry output to the County's economy was $189 million, and
forestry employed 652 people. This Plan proposes an Economic Impact Study to
better quantify the current impact of agriculture in the County.
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
The economic impact of agriculture on the local economy exceeds that
suggested by the values quoted above because of the linkages of agricultural
production with other economic sectors (Walden, 2014; Agricultural Trade
Multipliers, 2024). For example, agriculture economically impacts local suppliers
as well as local consumer industries. In a study using 2017 data, each $1 of
output produced using North Carolina-grown inputs was estimated to generate
$1 .7 to $19.1 (depending on the input) of new spending in the state (NC State
University, 2019). A similar multiplier effect likely applies at the level of the
County.
In addition to contributing directly to the local economy, farmland compared
with developed land saves the County money in expenditures associated with
community services. Across numerous studies (WeConservePA, 2024), agriculture
costs less in services than it raises in revenue. In a 2006 study conducted by the
American Farmland Trust (Renkow, 2006), for every $1 of revenue raised by a
farm, forest, or open space, Orange County spent only 72 cents on services. In
contrast, for every $1 in revenue raised by residential development, Orange
County spent $1 .24 on services. To obtain updated Cost of Community Services
statistics, a new Cost of Community Services Study is proposed in this Plan.
Orange County decision-makers recognize the economic, environmental, and
cultural benefits of sustainable agriculture and the necessity of a robust local
farming community. The goal of Promoting Sustainable Agriculture is included in
the Orange County Strategic Plan 2025-2029 as a primary means of achieving
the County's top Strategic Priorities of Environmental Protection and Climate
Action (Orange County, 2024).
Orange County seeks to "incentivize and promote
sustainable agriculture and local food systems
development through supportive policy, funding,
farmland protection, and educational outreach"in
support of its top 2025-2029 Strategic Priorities of
Environmental Protection and Climate Action.
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
3. Challenges to Agriculture in Orange County
The necessity of maintaining a robust local agriculture notwithstanding,
agriculture in the County is imperiled. The main challenges to agriculture in
Orange County are farmland conversion to development and poor economic
viability of farming. These challenges, which Orange County shares with the
state and the nation (Freedgood, 2020), are longstanding and have intensified
in recent years (Orange County, 2009). They interrelate with additional
challenges including the impact of climate extremes on farming and the aging
of the farming population.
Challenge: Orange County is losing its farmland to development.
With excellent agricultural soils and gently rolling terrain, Orange County lies in
the heart of the Piedmont of North Carolina, an agricultural state with a
preponderance of Nationally Significant farmland, defined as that best suited
for long-term, intensive production of crops (Freedgood, 2020). Approximately
three-fourths of the County's land area comprises Prime Farmland or Farmland
of Statewide Importance (Orange County, 2009). Prime Farmland is defined by
the US Code of Federal Regulations as land that "has the best combination of
physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber,
and oilseed crops, and is also available for these uses" (US Code of Federal
Regulations, 2024). Farmland of Statewide Importance is defined as lands that
are generally "nearly prime farmland and that economically produce high
yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming
methods" (US Code of Federal Regulations, 2024).
From the 1750s through the 1950s, most of Orange County's land was in farms
(Orange County, 2009). With population growth and the addition of new
residents in the 1960s and 1970s, acreage in farms declined steadily and
dramatically---a trend that continues to this day. The significant, continued loss
of farmland constitutes a threat to food security and agricultural security in the
County.
• According to US Census of Agriculture data based on farmer/producer
self-reports, approximately 146,000 of the County's 255,000 total acres was
in farms in 1959. Acreage in farms decreased to 71 ,010 by 2002 and to
53,068 by 2022 coincident with accelerating population growth
(Agricultural Census, 2022).
• Consistent with the census data, a satellite-imagery-based study
undertaken by the Farmland Stewardship Subcommittee of the
Agricultural Preservation Board in collaboration with the Orange County
Planning Department demonstrates a dramatic decrease in County land
devoted to crops (excluding grassland and forestland) from 21 ,610 acres
10
DRAFT/March 27,2026
in 2017 to 8821 acres in 2022 (Figure 1 ). During this period, acres in
development increased from 33,526 to 40,812.
Figure 1. Land in crops in northern and southern Orange County, 2017-2022. The data are based
on land cover as assessed by satellite imagery and land categorizations delineated by the US
Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Cropland Data Layer.
Grassland and forestland are excluded.
Acres
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
5,299
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
■ North ■South
*Grassland and forestland excluded
The high rate of farmland loss reflected in the satellite-imagery data and the
Census aligns with Orange County farmer/landowner perceptions. In a 2023
Orange County Farmer and Landowner Survey conducted by the Farmland
Stewardship Subcommittee, respondents overwhelmingly considered the most
important threat to farming in Orange County to be farmland conversion to
development (Appendix 1 for summary). They described low-density residential
development, in particular, as a threat (Figure 2). Low-density residential
development is characterized by few dwelling units on a large land area (low
population density). Low-density residential development most often takes the
form of single-family suburban homes with large lots and large green spaces
between homes.
11
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Figure 2. Representative verbatim responses regarding what respondents considered the most
important threat to farming to the County in the 2023 Orange County Farmer and Landowner
Survey
"As farmers age out and are dying, "Encroaching urban areas, "Housing development.This...leads
their heirs are selling land to cash farmland/forest land being sold to to increased cost of land and
out on its purchase value to developers for multi-family homes decreased value of land for
developers.More housing and multi-family developments agricultural purposes.There's a lot
complexes are being built on instead of being kept in
farmland while we are losing our farm/forest" more money in selling the land for
resources for soil,foodshed,and 5-10 acre lots than keeping it as an
farms.This will create a crisis for "[D]evelopment,particularly intact farm.None of the land I see
both our environment and local sprawling development that
ecosystem as well as for food encourages large(ao acre) for sale around me is selling as
production and water retention and lots. The county development farmland.It's simply not worth it.
filtering.We need to stop policies should encourage It's subdivided into plots and houses
developing every square inch of the clusters of homes leaving a
county?It took me 20 years of large percent of open space are built.This leads to ecosystem
working two jobs and investing to rather than making it easy to deterioration which decreases the
scrape together a down payment for develop io acre lots,s acre quality of farmland as well.I'm in
my small little farm.It should not lots. The problems of sprawl
be like this.There needs to be more in our county are the far northern reaches of the
done to save our farmland and COMPLETELYpredictable county....This is not isolated
counteract incentives to sell to based on the policies in place towards the southern more urban
developers." currently." parts of the county."
American Farmland Trust projections show that, if historical trends in farmland
conversion from 2001 to 2016 hold true through 2040 in a Business as Usual
scenario, Orange County will lose an additional 14,300 acres of farmland to
development (Hunter, 2022; American Farmland Trust, 2022). In a Runaway
Sprawl scenario characterized by low-density development and poor planning,
Orange County is projected to lose an additional 19,900 acres to development
(Figure 3). Most of that farmland conversion---70% of it through 2040---is
predicted to occur on the County's most productive farmland.
Figure 3. Projected conversion of Orange County farmland to development through 2040
(Hunter, 2022; American Farmland Trust, 2022)
Business as Usual: 14,300 acres Runaway Sprawl:19,900
of farmland lost of farmland lost
.S
Y
Converted from
- Farmland*
_ to Development
54 S4
h � .
https:(/de�elopment204o.farmland.org/ 'Farmland=cropland+pasture woodland associated with farms
12
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Most of the farmland conversion in Orange County is projected to involve low-
density residential development as opposed to urban, commercial, or industrial
land uses (Figure 4).
Low-density residential development is especially harmful for farming because it
fragments agricultural land, thereby restricting its potential agricultural uses, and
negatively impacts operations of adjacent farms through effects including run-
off and beneficial habitat destruction (Box 1). Low-density residential
development also inflates the prices of adjacent farmland to make acquiring
farmland difficult or impossible for new and beginning farmers.
Low-density residential development also paves the way for further
development (Freedgood, 2020). In North Carolina areas where low-density
residential development is occurring, agricultural land is five times more likely to
be converted to urban and highly developed uses than agricultural land in
areas without it (Freedgood, 2020). Farmers in areas with development pressure
and high land values have been characterized as exhibiting impermanence
syndrome---a shortening of their planning horizon associated with uncertainty
and apprehension about the future (Adelaja et al., 201 1; Perrin et al., 2020). The
impermanence syndrome, in the context of the opportunity to profit from sale of
farmland, can make farmers reluctant to invest in the farming operation and
can impel them to sell their farmland for development.
Figure 4. Projected conversion of farmland in Orange County to 2040 (Hunter, 2022; American
Farmland Trust, 2022)
Business 14,300 acres
as Usual
of farmland lost
Runaway
Sprawl 19,900 acres
of farmland lost
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000
Acres converted
Urban and highly developed N Low-density residential
Urban and highly developed(UHD)land use includes commercial,industrial,and moderate-to-high density residential areas.
Low-density residential(LDR)land use includes scattered subdivislons and large-lot housing,which fragment the agricultural land base and limit production.
13
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Box 1.Totten Farm's Story
I have many concerns about the loss of farmland, farming culture and
community. I live in eastern Orange County, and the expansion of houses
and neighborhoods on both forested and agricultural land is
monumental. Last year/was gathering hay a quarter mile from my house.
In the span of nine months there are three houses being built there with a
fourth on the way. On property next to my driveway, there is a house that
went up this month and another on the way. So for me I have to find
another hay source, and deal with increased runoff on my land from
development, which cost me thousands of dollars in new driveway pipe
installation and loss of pasture due to erosion.
Choices have to be made by societies as to what is really important. The
loss of farmland and farmland impacted by development are a reality that
has become a nightmare for many who try to hold on to their land and way
of life. Once it's gone, it's not coming back....
Billy Totten, Orange County Farmer
We must learn to grow like a tree, not like a fire.
---Wendell Berry
Challenge: Agriculture is not an economically viable profession for most farmers.
Achieving farm profitability is challenging for farmers across the agricultural
spectrum from small farms selling directly to customers to large commodity farms
(Burchfield, 2022). Orange County farmers are no exception.
In the 2023 Orange County Farmer and Landowner Survey (Appendix 1 for
summary), the most frequently cited challenges to making a living farming were
small profit margins and high cost of land. Farming/forestry was the main source
of income for only 30% of respondents. Two in three respondents (67%)
employed 2 or fewer people including themselves in their agricultural operation.
USDA Census of Agriculture data show that, for Orange County farmers in 2022,
average gross income was $3655; average net income was -$2213 (negative
$2213) (Agricultural Census, 2022). Nearly 40% of farms (271 of 687) had <$2500 in
sales (Figure 5). Farming/forestry was the main source of income for only 30% of
respondents in the Census of Agriculture as in the 2023 Orange County Farmer
and Landowner Survey.
14
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Considered in aggregate, the results suggest that, for many Orange County
farm businesses, off-farm employment is necessary to support the continuance
of the farm. These data are consistent with national data showing that US
households operating small farms (those with gross cash farm income less than
$350,000) usually depend on off-farm sources for the majority of their household
income (USDA Economic Research Service, 2024).
Figure 5. Number of Orange County farms by value of sales, 2022
$100,000 or more 41
$50,000-$99,999 _40
$25,000-$29,999 ss
$10,000-$24,999 99
$5000-$9999 84
$2500-$4999 as
a$2500 271
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Number of Farms
2022 Census of Agriculture—Orange County Data
USDA,National Agricultural Statistics Service
The varied, diverse causes of lack of farm profitability include volatility in the
weather; high labor costs; high costs of land, infrastructure, and supplies; and
artificially low prices for farm products (Burchfield, 2022). These factors have
been attributed to inherent vulnerabilities in the industrial food system,
overproduction and associated government subsidies, vertical integration
(whereby single corporations control suppliers, distributors, and sales outlets to
consolidate the food supply chain), and prioritization of corporate profit over
animal husbandry, natural resource conservation, and soil health (Wallinga,
2009).
15
DRAFT/March 27,2026
4. Opportunities for Agriculture in Orange County
The challenges to agriculture in Orange County, while daunting, are not
insurmountable. Opportunities for agriculture in the County could catalyze
development of a strong agriculture that supports a robust local food system
and contributes to the food and agricultural security that many Orange County
residents seek.
Orange County soils, climate, and water resources can support agriculture now
and into the future.
Located in the Piedmont of North Carolina, Orange County has soils, climate,
and water resources that make it well suited for sustainable agriculture
supporting the County's 2025-2029 Strategic Priorities of Environmental
Protection and Climate Action (Orange County, 2009). Approximately three-
fourths of the County's land area consists of Prime Farmland or Farmland of
Statewide Importance. Prime Farmland is defined by the US Code of Federal
Regulations as land that "has the best combination of physical and chemical
characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and is
also available for these uses" (US Code of Federal Regulations, 2024). Farmland
of Statewide Importance is defined as lands that are generally "nearly prime
farmland and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and
managed according to acceptable farming methods" (US Code of Federal
Regulations, 2024). The long growing season runs from mid-April to mid-October
with the opportunity, with warmth-conserving measures, for extension to winter
and early spring months. The County receives approximately 45 inches of rain
annually. More than half of the County's 256,000 acres is forestland, which is an
important carbon sink (Hurteau, 2021).
Orange County has strong and growing communities of small, diversified farms
and new and beginning farmers.
Orange County in 2024 is home to a growing community of small, diversified
farms that are critical for supporting the County's 2025-2029 Strategic Priorities of
Environmental Protection and Climate Action and for developing local
foodshed resilience. Agriculture in the County has transitioned over the past
century from being dominated by traditional commodity farms growing
tobacco and producing Grade A cow's milk to small farms (49 or fewer acres)
producing a diversity of crops and livestock (Orange County, 2009). According
to the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census (Agricultural Census, 2022), the top three
crops in the County by sales are nursery/greenhouse/floriculture,
grains/oilseeds/dry beans/dry peas, and vegetables/melons/potatoes/sweet
potatoes. Poultry and eggs account for most livestock-related sales. One in five
farms sells directly to customers.
16
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Orange County is also home to an increasing number of new and beginning
farmers. Of the 1 199 producers in Orange County in the 2022 Agricultural Census
(data collected for up to four producers per farm), 474 (about 40%) were new
and beginning farmers, an increase from 353 in 2017.
The growing community of small, diversified farms
practicing sustainable agriculture in Orange
County is critical for supporting the County's
2025-2029 Strategic Priorities of Environmental
Protection and Climate Action and for developing
Local foodshed resilience.
Established Orange County farmers are passionate about their work and want to
keep their land in farming.
Established Orange County farmers across the spectrum of farm sizes and types
of crops produced are passionate about their roles as stewards of the land and
providers of essential goods and services. Many wish to keep their land in farm
use after they retire. The most common plan for the future of
farmland/forestland in the 2023 Orange County Farmer and Landowner Survey
was transfer to family member(s) for farm use.
Orange County citizens value agriculture and recognize its benefits to the
County, and community members seek food grown sustainably and locally.
Three of four (75%) of Orange County citizens surveyed for input to the County's
2050 Land Use Plan indicated that local farms and agritourism should be the
foundation of the County's regional identity in 2050 (Land Use Plan Feedback,
2024). They also identified farmland stewardship as a core need for the future.
Protecting agricultural/working lands and healthy soils was identified as a most
important environmental need, second only to ensure water sources are clean.
Asked about the type of development/growth desired in the County, 47% cited
family farms. Orange County local farm customer Amy Thomas' views on the
importance of local agriculture and farmland (Box 2) typify those of many of her
fellow citizens.
17
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Box 2. Orange County Citizen Amy Thomas
on the Importance of Local Farms and Food
"Local farming is S000 important for many reasons. Here
are just a few that resonate with me;
1)Food grown by trusted local farmers is much fresher,
flavorful,packed with nutrition, and free of potential
contaminants as compared with food that is grown at and
transported over a distance(sometimes a GREAT
distance)to end up in 'supermarkets.
2)Food grown locally helps reduce environmental
impacts by reducing the carbon footprint associated
with airplane, truck, and train fuels, (as well as traffic!)
during transportation of products.
3)Local farming equals support of local economies. Period.
In keeping with residents' view of the importance of local agriculture, direct-to-
consumer sales from Orange County farms have increased steadily over the
past decade coincident with growth in market opportunities including farmers
markets, CSAs (community supported agriculture programs), grocery store
cooperatives, intermediated sales, and restaurants (Kelmenson, 2016;
Agricultural Census, 2022).
Orange County citizens surveyed for input to the
County's 2050 Land Use Plan identified protecting
agricultural/working lands and healthy soils as a
most important environmental need.
Local food hubs have operational expertise and capacities in food aggregation
and distribution to support Orange County farmers in expanding their markets.
Local food hubs such as Farmer Foodshare and Happy Dirt house aggregation
and distribution centers within short drives of Orange County farmers, and they
have systems in place for marketing and sales to local and regional institutional
and individual buyers. They offer the potential to expand wholesale market
opportunities for farmers and farmer cooperatives. Food hubs can aggregate,
store, and distribute products from multiple farmers to achieve and distribute
wholesale quantities that individual small farmers cannot achieve on their own.
18
DRAFT/March 27,2026
5. Goals for Agriculture in Orange County
Building on its assets and strengths, Orange County can minimize continued
farmland loss and foster a thriving agricultural community in which
• Farm viability is enhanced, and farmland is maintained and stewarded for
agricultural uses through judicious land use planning and educational,
logistical, and financial support.
• Citizens and decision-makers have the information and resources they
need to support local agriculture and the farming community.
• Farmers are supported in their livelihoods with educational, financial, and
infrastructural resources.
Studies and experiences of other locales show that Planning FOR Agriculture,
Conserving Farmland through Direct Measures, and Enhancing the Economic
Viability of Agriculture are essential to helping the County realize this vision.
Goal 1: Plan FOR Agriculture
A robust local food and farming community cannot be developed or sustained
if County farmland continues to be lost at the rate described in Section 3 of this
document. Continued farmland loss can be mitigated through proven land use
planning approaches such as smart growth, which emphasizes compact
development, minimization of sprawl, strengthened development in areas
where development has already occurred, and permanent protection of
farmland and open space (Gazillo, 2020; Hunter, 2022). The American Farmland
Trust projects that, in a Better Built Cities scenario employing measures such as
these, farmland loss in Orange County through 2040 can be limited to 6100
acres compared with 14,300 acres with the Business As Usual scenario and
19,900 acres with Runaway Sprawl as described above (Figure 6) (Hunter, 2022).
Figure 6. Projected conversion of Orange County farmland to development through 2040
(Hunter, 2022; American Farmland Trust, 2022)
Business as Usual: Runaway Sprawl: Better Built Cities:
14,300 acres of farmland lost 19,900 acres of farmland lost 6,100 acres of farmland lost
G
j ` # ; AIN
•.
Si
hn'llde loPm t2040.fa Im d.a,g(
19
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Land use planning efforts in Orange County---like other counties experiencing
rapid population growth---have historically deprioritized agriculture over other
community needs such as housing and transportation. Further, in land use
planning, farmland has often been conflated with other categories of open
space such as parkland, natural areas, and wildlife habitats. The County can
elevate the importance of agriculture in its land use planning by prioritizing it in
the 2050 Land Use Plan, which is being developed at the time of this writing. If
agriculture is to remain viable---and if the County is to sustain agriculture's
economic, environmental, and cultural benefits and to support a resilient local
food system---the County must plan for agriculture in the same way it does for
other community needs. Planning efforts should be informed by the perspective
that, while farmland can be considered a category of open space, its material,
environmental, and economic contributions distinguish it from other categories
of open space. Thus, farmland protection not only protects open space, it also
facilitates continuance of the material, environmental, and economic benefits
that farmland provides. Accordingly, Goal #1 of this Plan is to Plan FOR
Agriculture: Elevate farmland stewardship to being a central consideration in
land use planning and decisions.
Goal 2: Conserve Farmland Through Direct Measures
The most effective means of protecting farmland are direct measures: namely
permanent agricultural conservation easements (Freedgood, 2020). Orange
County's Lands Legacy program grants and administers conservation
easements in the County as do nonprofit entities such as Triangle Land
Conservancy, Eno River Association, and Working Lands Trust. The County also
administers the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Sciences Voluntary Agricultural District/Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District
(VAD/EVAD) program, in which farmer/landowners voluntarily protect their land
from non-farm development for a period of at least 10 years. As of 2024, these
programs have permanently conserved 3004 acres of farmland in the County
and enrolled 155 farms comprising 14,864 acres in nonbinding conservation
agreements. These numbers, while encouraging, can be improved. While a
small minority (16%) of respondents to the 2023 Orange County Farmer and
Landowner Survey had their land in a conservation easement, the topic of most
interest for an informational or training session was preserving my land through a
conservation easement (Appendix 1 for summary).
Like agricultural conservation easements, farm transition or estate plans that
provide for continuing operation of farms when owners retire or die are
important tools for farm viability. Most farmers lack such plans (Upendram, 2021).
The majority of Orange County farmers responding to the 2023 Orange County
Farmer and Landowner Survey indicated an intention to keep their land in
agriculture after they retire (Appendix 1 for summary). The most common plan
for the future of farmland upon retirement was transfer to a family member for
20
DRAFT/March 27,2026
farm use. However, 7 of 10 respondents lacked a documented transition plan or
estate plan.
These findings and considerations highlight the needs to strengthen and expand
County conservation programs and to assist farmers with transition planning.
Accordingly, Goal #2 of this Plan is to Conserve Farmland Through Direct
Measures: Promote the benefits of and strengthen opportunities for farmers to
use direct measures to conserve their farmland.
Goal 3: Enhance the Economic Viability of Agriculture
Viable farm businesses are the foundation of a resilient local food system. Data
from the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture and the 2023 Orange County Farmer
and Landowner Survey (Appendix 1 for summary) show that farming is not
profitable for the majority of farmers in the County, a finding mirrored in counties
across the state and nationally. Increasing agricultural revenue can set the
stage for continuing to attract new farmers and new capital. New capital in turn
can increase the value of agriculture and contribute to increasing agricultural
revenue (Triangle Farms for Food, 2016).
Enhancing the economic viability of agriculture in the County entails agricultural
development that increases agricultural productivity as well as market
development that increases demand for local agricultural products. Given
these considerations, Goal #3 of this Plan is to Enhance the Economic Viability of
Agriculture through both farmer- and citizen-targeted approaches:
• Provide new business opportunities for farmers through market
development, education, diversification, and cooperation; and
• Increase local demand for Orange County farm products by increasing
awareness of their value and benefits.
21
DRAFT/March 27,2026
6. Recommendations and Priority Actions
This section details Recommendations and associated Priority Actions supporting
each of the three Goals outlined in Section 5 of this document.
GOAL #1: Plan FOR Agriculture
Recommendation 1: Assess, document, and communicate the status of
agriculture in Orange County. To effectively Plan FOR Agriculture, decision-
makers require data on farmland conversion and agricultural trends including
those related to economic and extra-economic costs and contributions of
agriculture to the County. Priority Actions 1 a through 1 e provide for the
collection and communication of these data.
• Priority Action 1 a: Assess farmland conversion trends in the County on a
biennial basis through GIS mapping.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
Land cover assessment and map of 0 County staff including new
farmland conversion completed proposed Ag Viability and
biennially Farmland Stewardship position
• Planning Department
• Priority Action 1 b: Conduct a biennial County-wide agricultural census.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
County agricultural census distributed Funding required
and summarized every two years
• Priority Action 1 c: Complete an Economic Impact Assessment of agriculture
in the County.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Partners identified and recruited Funding required
• Funding secured
• Assessment completed
• Findings summarized and
communicated
• Priority Action Id: Complete anew Cost of Community Services study of
agriculture in the County.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Partners identified and recruited Funding required
• Funding secured
• Assessment completed
• Findings summarized and
communicated
22
DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 1 e: Communicate farmland conversion trends, County
agricultural census results, and economic data in the biennially updated
Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan and on a County
agriculture web page/website.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• County agriculture website or web County staff including new proposed
page published Ag Viability and Farmland
• Website updated monthly Stewardship position
• County agriculture presence on
social media sites established
• Number of followers on social
media
Recommendation 2: Elevate agriculture to a primary use in land use planning,
regulations, and policy. Priority Actions 2a and 2b provide mechanisms for
ensuring that agriculture is represented among the key County functions and
priorities in land use planning. Priority Actions 2c and 2d provide for
development of policy, guidelines, and regulations that can help mitigate
farmland loss and preserve the County's most productive land for agriculture.
The Prioritization Method of Priority Action 2c (Appendix 2), used in conjunction
with Lands Legacy Program prioritization criteria when appropriate, can help the
County to identify the land best suited for continued agricultural use, prioritize
farms for conservation and other programs, and target farmland stewardship
efforts for best results. For the modifications and additions to County land use
policies and ordinances in Priority Action 2d, a stepwise approach (Appendix 3)
and a reliance on the Avoid-Minimize-Mitigate framework (Figure 7 below) are
recommended. Ample precedents and examples from other locales are
available for modeling agriculture-supportive policy and regulatory
modifications (California Council of Land Trusts, 2014; CALAFCO, 2018; New
England Access Policy Project, 2016).
• Priority Action 2a: On the Planning Board, include an Agricultural Preservation
Board member. On the Agricultural Preservation Board, include a Planning
Board member.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
Establishment of permanent seats on No funding required
the APB by a Planning Board member
and on the Planning Board by an APB
member
23
DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 2b: Adopt the Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship
Plan as a reference in or a component of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
Agricultural Viability and Farmland No funding required
Stewardship Plan is referenced and/or
included in the 2050 Comprehensive
Plan
• Priority Action 2c: Adopt a Prioritization Method to identify and target
farmland for conservation to be used in conjunction with Lands Legacy
Program prioritization criteria when appropriate. Draft recommendations for
such a Prioritization Method are summarized in Appendix 2.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Prioritization Method drafted No funding required
• Prioritization Method adopted
• Priority Action 2d: Adopt modifications and additions to the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO) and to County policies to elevate
agriculture to a primary use in land use regulations and policy. Appendix 3
summarizes recommendations for a framework for these modifications and
additions.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Stage 1: Identify and include prime No funding required
farmland areas in the
development concept application
processes that fall under the
umbrella of the LIDO.
• Stage 2: Adopt amendments and
modifications to the existing UDO.
• Stage 3: Adopt policy additions
and new ordinances that support
conservation of farmland.
• Stage 4: Adopt agriculture-and
farmland-supportive revisions and
amendments in County policy
areas that impact or are impacted
by agriculture or agricultural policy
(e.g., tax policy, climate policy,
economic development, health
policy).
24
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Figure 7. Avoidance-Minimization-Mitigation Framework for Farmland Stewardship (CALAFCO,
2018)
y
Refers to steering growth away from agricultural tan'
using options such as an alternative project location
� a smaller KoIt project in order to avoid Conversion of
uJ IL agricultural lands_This is the hest strategy when there
Wy 0 isava€la bi lity of vacant or underutilized lands within
Avoid d existing boundaries and there is no demonstrated
need for expanding boundaries based on more
Impacts efficient development patterns_
Refers to considering alternatives in the location,
siting and scale of a project;uOlzing design Features
such as agricultural buffers,and for adopting
regulations such as Right to Farm ordinances,in order
to minimize conversion and impacts an/conflicts
Minimize with,agricultural operatlans or uses.This strategy is
used to rnaKirnIte preservation when there are
Impacts signif cant ccnstraints to entirely avoiding impacts.
4;WF* Refers to measures meant to compensate for the
conversion of agricultural lends,such as dedication of
i agricultural ronservation easements,payrnant of in-
9 lieu fees,or purchase and transfer of agficultural
L lands,to an agricultural conservation entity,This
uJ Mitigate strategy is used as a last resort and only when all
y W Impactsefforts to avoid and minimize conversion of
(n R agricultural hands have been enhausted.
�7 N
J J
GOAL #2: Conserve Farmland Through Direct Measures
Recommendation 3: Increase the rate at which Lands Legacy Program
conservation easements are granted. The Lands Legacy Program maintains a list
of landowners seeking to put their land in a conservation easement. Priority
Actions 3a and 3b are intended to mitigate the impact of two (of the several)
factors that contribute to the length of time to complete easement agreements:
insufficient or uncertain funding and County bureaucratic requirements.
25
DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 3a: Increase the funds available for County purchase of Lands
Legacy Program conservation easements.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Source of funding agreed Funding required
• Funding secured
• Increase in annual number of
agricultural working lands
easements granted
• Priority Action 3b: Identify and implement new/additional frameworks for
County collaboration with non-County conservation organizations (e.g.,
Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Foundation) to secure easements.
Explore the possibility of reactivating the Orange County Conservation
Alliance, which provided a forum for collaboration to develop joint projects
or partnerships.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Increase in annual number of Funding required
collaborative agricultural working
lands easements granted
• Orange County Conservation
Alliance reactivated
Recommendation 4: Use the VAD/EVAD (Voluntary Agricultural
District/Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District) program as a steppingstone to
permanent Lands Legacy Program conservation easements.
Farmers/landowners enrolled in the VAD/EVAD program have made a
voluntary, nonbinding commitment to keep their land in farming and out of
development for a period of at least 10 years. Respondents to a 2022 Orange
County VAD/EVAD Farmer and Landowner Survey expressed interest in
permanent protection of their land through a conservation easement, but to
date, few VAD/EVAD farmers/landowners have conservation easements in
place. Having demonstrated commitment to protecting their farmland,
VAD/EVAD farmers are particularly good candidates for easement-related
outreach and education. Priority Actions 4a through 4c are intended to
educate County farmers/landowners about conservation options and to reward
and incentivize VAD/EVAD farmers/landowners seeking to learn about and/or
pursue permanent conservation easements.
26
DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 4a: Intensify VAD/EVAD recruiting efforts through direct mail,
County website, direct outreach, and Agricultural Preservation Board
member engagement.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Increase in annual number of County staff including new proposed
VAD/EVAD enrollees Ag Viability and Farmland
• Increase in VAD/EVAD acreage Stewardship position
(annual)
• Priority Action 4b: Encourage farmers in the VAD/EVAD program to
participate in a conservation easement workshop, and incentivize
enrollment.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Conservation easement workshop Funding required
held annually
• Number of VAD/EVAD farmer-
participants in workshop
• Priority Action 4c: Fund complimentary easement-related legal and financial
consulting for VAD/EVAD landowners considering putting their land in a
conservation easement.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Number of VAD/EVAD farmers Funding required
taking advantage of legal
consulting
• Number of VAD/EVAD farmers
entering into conservation
easements
Recommendation 5: Provide farmers with education and resources on transition
planning and farmland conservation. The majority of Orange County
respondents to the 2023 Orange County Farmer and Landowner Survey indicate
a desire to keep their land in farming and an interest in learning about measures
to conserve their farmland (Appendix 1 for summary). However, 7 in 10 lack a
documented transition plan, and very few farms have land in conservation
easements. Priority Actions 5a through 5c provide mechanisms for facilitating
transition planning and conservation of farmland including forestland.
Priority Action 5c provides a mechanism for encouraging conservation and
management of forestland, an important carbon sink (Hurteau, 2021). More
than half of the County's 256,000 acres is forested. The more forestland is
preserved, the more the County's potential to sequester carbon in the interest of
mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
Priority Action 5d provides a framework for County-facilitated education and
assistance customized to individual farmers' goals and plans. Farmers'
willingness to sell their land varies depending on factors such as financial need
and personal values. Each Orange County farm/farmer is unique with respect to
these factors. Some farmers are unwilling to sell their land for development at
any price. For others, financial considerations can outweigh the desire to keep
their land in farming---particularly in the context of the high land prices in the
County. An understanding of where each farm in the County stands with
respect to stewardship goals and transition planning will help the County to
customize approaches to conserving farmland and to keeping it actively
farmed.
• Priority Action 5a: Fund complimentary transition planning consulting to
VAD/EVAD landowners and farmer-landowners holding Lands Legacy
Program conservation easements.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Number of farmers/landowners Funding required
taking advantage of transition
planning consulting
• Number of farmers/landowners
with transition plans (a) initiated;
b completed
• Priority Action 5b: Convene an annual Transition Planning/Estate Planning
summit for County farmer-landowners.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Transition Planning/Estate Planning Funding required
summit convened annually
• Annual increase in number of
farmers/landowners with transition
plans (a) initiated (b) completed
• Priority Action 5c: Educate owners of forestland about the benefits to the
environment and the climate of conserving forestland and the financial
benefits of managed forestland.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Annual increase in number of County staff including new
farmers/landowners with forest proposed Ag Viability and
management plans Farmland Stewardship position
• Annual increase in number of Agricultural Preservation Board
farmers in forestry PUV members
• Annual increase in number of Orange County Extension agents
acres of forestland permanently
conserved
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 5d: Conduct a County-wide outreach program to better
understand farmer and landowner perspectives on transition planning to
support customized approaches to transition planning and conservation.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Number of farmers/landowners County staff including new
contacted for inclusion in the proposed Ag Viability and
database Farmland Stewardship position
• Number of farmers/landowners Agricultural Preservation Board
with data represented in the members
database Orange County Extension agents
• Number of farmers/landowners
initiating transition or conservation
tans as a result of outreach
Recommendation 6: Establish an Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship
coordinator role in the County. Currently in Orange County, the duties and
responsibilities related to agricultural viability and farmland stewardship are
divided among several staff members, all of whom have other primary job
responsibilities. As illustrated by the Priority Actions outlined in this Plan, the needs
related to agriculture in the County are sufficiently numerous and wide-ranging
to justify a County staff position dedicated to agricultural viability and farmland
stewardship. Other North Carolina counties, including Chatham County and
Wake County, have a staff member dedicated solely to agricultural
development and farmland protection.
• Priority Action 6a: Define the duties of the coordinator role with attention to
complementing and synergizing with the duties of the County's Land
Conservation Manager position.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
Job description completed and 0 County staff
approved 0 County Extension agent
• Priority Action 6b: Assign the position a place in the County organizational
structure and allocate funding for it.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Funding secured Funding required
• Job posted
• Position filled
29
DRAFT/March 27,2026
GOAL #3: Enhance the Economic Viability of Agriculture
Recommendation 7: Expand educational opportunities in agriculture and
agricultural business development. The changing nature of agriculture in the
County from traditional commodity farms to small, diversified farms and the
increasing population of beginning farmers in the County necessitate provision
of education and training to help both new and established farmers thrive.
Priority Action 7a provides a mechanism for education and training in a
program that emulates and expands the successful PLANT at Breeze program
previously offered by Orange County.
• Priority Action 7a: Offer both new- and established-farmer-targeted
coursework and bootcamp with curriculum to include business development,
agritourism, crop production, livestock management, marketing.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Program developed and launched • County staff including new
• Number of participants enrolled proposed Ag Viability and
• Number of participants Farmland Stewardship position
completing the program 0 County Extension agents
• Number of participants
completing the program and
going on to farm
• Participant ratings of program
Recommendation 8: Support farmers in expanding and diversifying their
businesses through agritourism. Agritourism, or welcoming visitors to the farm for
recreation, education, and/or purchasing farm products, is a means of
diversification and potentially significant income generation (UC Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education Program, 2017). In the 2023 Orange County
Farmer and Landowner Survey (Appendix 1 for summary), agritourism was cited
nearly two times more often than any other measure as a way respondents
would consider to enhance their farm business. Besides being a source of direct
financial gain for farms, agritourism benefits farms by fostering customer
relationships and enhancing customers' understanding of agriculture---non-
material impacts that can lead to sustained financial support. In the 2023
Orange County Farmer and Landowner Survey, only one of three respondents
indicated that they practice any form of agritourism on their farm. Priority
Actions 8a and 8b are intended to introduce farmers to agritourism in its various
forms and to support them in exploring agritourism initiatives.
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 8a: Form a County Agritourism Networking Group for peer-to-
peer agritourism education and support.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Agritourism Networking Group County Extension agent
formed
• Number of participants
• Participant ratings
• Priority Action 8b: Incorporate an agritourism module into the new and
beginning farmer education program (Priority Action 7a).
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
Module completed and launched 0 County Extension agent
• County staff including new
proposed Ag Viability and
Farmland Stewardship position
Recommendation 9: Support farmers in efforts to expand into wholesale markets.
Agriculture in Orange County is evolving toward a preponderance of small,
diversified farms selling directly to the customer. Although Orange County has a
sizable customer base buying directly from farmers through outlets such as
farmers markets and CSAs, direct-to-customer sales alone are insufficient to
support profitability of many of these farms. Wholesale selling to institutional
buyers such as schools and hospitals can help increase profitability. However,
most small farms do not sell wholesale because of factors including wholesale
buyers' reluctance to contract directly with small farms, insufficient volume of
product, and lack of food safety certification (Good Agricultural Practices, or
GAP certification) required by most wholesale buyers. Priority Actions 9a through
9d provide mechanisms for addressing these challenges. Local food
aggregators/distributors such as Farmer Foodshare have the expertise, systems,
and infrastructure to support Priority Actions 9b and 9c. A local-hub-supported
farm-to-school program (Priority Action 9b) is being run successfully in Durham
County.
• Priority Action 9a: Educate farmers about the benefits of, and provide
funding for, their GAP certification.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Number of GAP educational 0 County staff including new
sessions conducted proposed Ag Viability and
• Number of farmers completing Farmland Stewardship position
GAP certification training 0 County Extension agent, Carolina
Farm Stewardship Association
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DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 9b: Fund and implement a farm-to-school pilot program to get
food from Orange County farmers into Orange County Public Schools.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Partners identified and recruited 0 County staff including new
• Pilot funding secured proposed Ag Viability and
• Pounds of County-sourced fresh Farmland Stewardship position
food going to the program 0 County Extension agent
• $paid to Orange County farmers 0 US Department of Agriculture
through pilot program
• School and student survey ratings
of pilot program
• Priority Action 9c: Provide opportunities for aggregation, sale, and distribution
of Orange County farm products to County and NC-wide markets through
collaboration with a local food aggregator/distributor.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Parameters of program agreed County staff including new
with local food proposed Ag Viability and
aggregator/distributor Farmland Stewardship position
• Number of Orange County farmer County Extension agent
participants
• Pounds of County-sourced food
sold through program
• $paid to Orange County farmers
through program
• Priority Action 9d: In collaboration with the NC Department of Agriculture
and in consultation with Tri-COG FEEDS (Food Ecosystem Economic
Development Strategy), conduct a feasibility study for a regional market and
aggregation/distribution center in the vicinity of 1-40/1-85.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Collaborators identified and 0 County staff including new
recruited proposed Ag Viability and
• Funding secured Farmland Stewardship position
• Study completed 0 County extension agent
• Results summarized and 0 NC Department of Agriculture,Tri-
communicated COG FEEDS
Recommendation 10: Provide citizens and decision-makers with information and
education on agriculture in Orange County and with opportunities to engage
with the farming community. While a segment of Orange County community
members and decision-makers advocate and support local farms and food,
Orange County is not exempt from the larger societal trends of disconnection of
citizens from the sources of their food and a decline in understanding of farming
and food production. Community members and decision-makers who are
knowledgeable about the need for and benefits of farmland and local food
32
DRAFT/March 27,2026
production are likely to buy local farm products and to support stewardship of
local farmland. Priority Actions 1 Oa through 1 Od provide mechanisms for
enhancing community members' and decision-makers' awareness and
understanding of the contributions of agriculture in Orange County.
• Priority Action 10a: Update the Agricultural Viability and Farmland
Stewardship Plan biennially, and present and discuss the update at a Board
of County Commissioners meeting dedicated to agricultural viability in the
County.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Plan update issued biennially No funding required
• BOCC meeting conducted
biennial)
• Priority Action 10b: Publicize and communicate about Orange County
agriculture through an Agriculture web page or website, social media, and
other electronic means.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• County agriculture website or web County staff including new proposed
page published Ag Viability and Farmland
• Website updated at least monthly Stewardship position
• County agriculture presence on
social media sites established
• Number of followers on social
media
• County agriculture electronic
newsletter circulated monthly
• Number of subscribers to
newsletter
• Priority action 10c: Convene a periodic agricultural festival for the public.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Festival held County staff including new proposed
• Number of attendees Ag Viability and Farmland
• Attendee ratings or feedback Stewardship position
• Priority action 10d: Expand the County Farm-to-Table event for fourth graders
to reach more children.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Event held County staff including new proposed
• Number of attendees Ag Viability and Farmland
• Attendee ratings or feedback Stewardship position
In current DEAPR budget
33
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Recommendation 11: Offer financial incentives for agriculture and agricultural
development in the County. Skyrocketing land prices and high infrastructure
costs in Orange County discourage and prevent new farmers from farming and
impel established farmers to sell farmland for development. Direct financial
incentives for agriculture are necessary to help counteract these deterrents.
County programs in place include a) the Present-Use Value Property Tax
Program with reduced tax rates for land in agriculture and related uses; b)
economic development programs such as Agricultural Economic Development
grants; and c) the Breeze Farm Incubator, which provides new and aspiring
farmers with access to land, tools, infrastructure, and services in an arrangement
that minimizes the start-up capital need to start a small farm. Priority Actions 11 a
through 1 1 d provide mechanisms for enhancing and expanding these
opportunities.
The Priority Actions below are restricted to those that can be implemented at
the County level (although the PUV pilot program described in 1 1 d would
require State approval). Additional financial incentives requiring State approval
and/or financial support should be explored in parallel with these County-level
efforts.
• Priority Action 11 a: Broaden eligibility criteria for Agricultural Economic
Development grants to include agricultural support entities (e.g., NC
FarmLink, Farmer Foodshare), and allow flexibility in awarding grant funds
across three categories of recipient (new farmers, established farmers,
agricultural support entities).
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Grant criteria revised and Funding required
publicized
• Number of applicants per year in
each recipient category
• $awarded per year to each
recipient category
• Priority Action 11 b: Fund new-farmer-startup grants and develop tax credits
to assist qualified new farmers with purchase of farmland.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Funds secured 0 County staff including new
• Criteria for grant award proposed Ag Viability and
established Farmland Stewardship position
• Grant awarded 0 County Extension agent
• Funding required
34
DRAFT/March 27,2026
• Priority Action 11 c: Identify and establish property tax incentives to support
farm sustainability.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Tax incentives identified Funding required
• Criteria for qualifying farms
established
• County agreement to offer tax
exemption obtained
• Number of farms applying for
exemption
• Number of farms granted
exemption
• Priority Action 11 d: Conduct a multi-County pilot program to reduce the
acreage requirement of the Present Use Value Program to 1 acre.
BENCHMARK/PROGRESS INDICATORS FUNDING/RESOURCES
• Assessment of farmer interest 0 County Extension agent
completed 0 County staff including new
• Collaborating counties recruited proposed Ag Viability and
• State permission to conduct pilot Farmland Stewardship position
granted 0 Collaborating counties
• Number of farms enrolling in PUV
as result of meeting new criteria
35
DRAFT/March 27,2026
7. Potential Sources of Funding
This section describes the potential funding sources associated with Priority
Action Steps outlined in Section 6 of this document. This list is not exhaustive.
7. 1. Taxes
Deferred Taxes from Farmland Coming Out of the Present Use Value Program
Properties in the Present Use Value program coming out of agricultural use are
subject to deferred taxes with accrued interest, immediately due and payable,
for the year of disqualification and the three previous years. Revenue generated
from these tax dollars could be directed to an Agricultural Trust Fund. Similar
successful programs are currently operating in Cabarrus County, Chatham
County, and Wake County.
Land Transfer Tax
North Carolina counties have the ability, granted by the North Carolina General
Assembly, to levy a tax on the sale of real property. For Orange County, the tax
can amount to 0.4% of the sale price of real estate levied in the year of the sale.
To be implemented, the tax must be approved by a majority vote of citizens.
7.2. Grants
Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.
The material below is quoted from httl2s://www.resilienceexchange.nc.gov/find-
funding/funding-database/agricultural-development-farmland-preservation-
trust-fund
The NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFP),
administered by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NC
DA&CS) Division of Farmland Preservation, provides funding for preservation of
farming, forestry, and horticulture industries in North Carolina. ADFP promotes
sustainable farming through the purchase of agricultural conservation
easements, conservation agreements and the funding of public and private
enterprise programs that assist farmers in developing plans to maintain
sustainable and profitable food production and marketing activities.
Golden Leaf
The material below is quoted or paraphrased directly from
https://aoldenleaf.org: The Golden LEAF Foundation, a North Carolina grant-
making organization, helps eligible state, regional and local economic
development entities with job creation projects in tobacco-dependent or
economically distressed areas of the state. Golden LEAF offers three grant
programs that can address infrastructure needs.
36
DRAFT/March 27,2026
NC Tobacco Trust Fund
The material below is quoted directly from https://tobaccotrustfund.org/: The
NC Tobacco Trust Fund funds projects that address one or more of the following
goals:
• Alleviating and avoiding unemployment in the tobacco-related sector of
the state's agricultural economy
• Preserving and increasing the local tax base in agricultural areas
• Encouraging the economic stability of participants in the state's
agricultural economy
• Optimally using natural resources in the tobacco-related segment of the
state's agricultural economy
• Supporting and fostering the vitality and solvency of a tobacco-related
sector.
Orange County Farm Bureau
The Orange County office of the North Carolina Farm Bureau has indicated its
willingness to allocate funds to assist with agricultural viability and farmland
stewardship projects undertaken by the County's Agricultural Preservation
Board.
37
DRAFT/March 27,2026
8. References
Adelaja A, et al. Endogenizing the planning horizon in urban fringe agriculture. Land Use
Policy 201 1;28:66-75.
Agricultural Census, 2022. USDA census of agriculture. US Department of Agriculture,
National Agricultural Statistics Service. Available at:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/FuII Report/Volume 1, Chapt
er 2 County Level/North Carolina/
Agricultural Trade Multipliers, 2024. USDA Economic Research Service. Available at:
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/agricultural-trade-multipliers/.
American Farmland Trust, 2022. Farms under threat mapping tool and state summaries.
2022. Available at: https://development2040.farmIand.orq. /
Burchfield EK, et al. The state of US farm operator livelihoods. Front Sustain Food Syst
2022;5: article 795901 .
CALAFCO. State of the Art on Agricultural Preservation. CALAFCO White Paper.
February 2018. Available at:
mendolafco.org/files/485edbca3/CALAFCO_AFT+White+Paper+on+Ag+Preservation_F
e b+2018%28R EV%29.pdf
California Council of Land Trusts. Conserving California's harvest: a model mitigation
program and ordinance for local governments. 2014. Sacramento, CA. Available at:
https://calandtrusts.org/resources/conserving-californias-harvest/
Chao K. Family farming in climate change: Strategies for resilient and sustainable food
systems. Heliyon 2024;1 O:e28599.
Freedgood JM, et al. Farms under threat: The state of the states. Washington, DC:
American Farmland Trust, 2020. Available at: https://farmlandinfo.org/wp-
content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/AFT FUT StateoftheStates rev.pdf
Gazillo C, et al. Planning for agriculture: a guide for Connecticut municipalities. 2020
edition. A publication of American Farmland Trust and Connecticut Department of
Agriculture. Available at: https://communityfoodstrategies.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/cfa-report_final.pdf
Hunter MA, et al. Farms under threat 2040: choosing an abundant future. Washington,
DC: American Farmland Trust, 2022.
Hurteau MD. Chapter 27---The role of forests in the carbon cycle and in climate
change. Climate Change, 3rd edition. Elsevier, 2021 .
Kelmenson S, et al. Orange County baseline community food assessment. 2016.
Available at: https://communityfoodstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/cfa-
report_final.pdf
38
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Land Use Plan Feedback. Orange County Land Use Plan 2050. Community
engagement window #1 : confirming community aspirations. 2024. Available at:
https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com/resources
Naresh RK, 2023. Re: What is sustainable agriculture how it can help in environmental
protection to ensure food security in climate resilient agriculture?. From:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What is sustainable agriculture how it can help i
n environmental protection to ensure food security in climate resilient agriculture/6
512d2cd4b43fcb3270419ba/citation/download.
New England Access Policy Project, 2016. Policy options for strengthening farmland
mitigation in Massachusetts and other New England States. Available at:
https://Iandforgood.org/wp-content/uploads/LAPP-Policy-Options-For-Strengthening-
Farmland-Mitigation-in-Massachusetts-and-other-New-England-states.pdf.
North Carolina Forest Service. 2022 forestry contributions, Orange County, NC. Available
at:
North Carolina General Statutes. Article 62. Agricultural Development and Preservation
of Farmland. Available at:
https://www.ncleg.aov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter 106/Article
61 .pdf.
NC State University, 2019. NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Economic contribution of North Carolina agriculture and agribusiness. Available at:
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VaIue-of-N.C.-Agricultu re-Boo klet_CALS-NC-State-Extension.pdf?fwd=no
MacFall J, et al. Toward resilient food systems through increased agricultural diversity
and local sourcing in the Carolinas. J Environ Stat Sci 2015;5:608-622.
Orange County, 2009. Orange County Agricultural Development and Farmland
Protection Plan. Adopted November 17, 2009.
Orange County, 2024. Orange County North Carolina Strategic Plan FY2025-2029.
Available at:
https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26972/Orange-County-
Strategic-Plan?bidld=
Perrin C, et al, 2020. Preserving farmland on the urban fringe: a literature review on land
policies in developed countries. Land 2020, 9(7), 223;
https://doi.org/10.3390/land9O7O223
Pretty J. Agricultural sustainability: concepts, principles and evidence. Phil Trans R Soc B
2008;363: 447-465.
Renkow M. The cost of community services in Orange County. January 2006. Available
at: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Economic-Contribution-
Value-of-N.C.-Agriculture-Booklet CALS-NC-State-Extension.pdf?fwd=no
39
DRAFT/March 27,2026
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. 2017. Agritourism. What is
Sustainable Agriculture? UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Available at:
https://sarep.ucdavis.edu/sustainable-ag/agritourism
Triangle Farms for Food. Triangle Farms for Food Strategy + Action Plan. November 2016.
Conservation Trust for North Carolina and Community Food Lab. Available at:
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Upendram S, et al. Chapter 1: why succession planning? University of Tennessee
Extension Institute of Agriculture. 2021 . Available at:
https://utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-
content/uploads/sites/269/2023/10/SP822A.pdf
US Code of Federal Regulations, 2024. Part 657. Prime and unique farmlands. Available
at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-VI/subchapter-F/part-657
USDA, 2023. US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. 2023
North Carolina agricultural statistics. Available at:
https://www.nass.usda.aov/Statistics by State/North Carolina/Publications/Annual Sta
tistical Bulletin/AgStat/NCAgStatBook.pdf
USDA Economic Research Service, 2024. Farming and farm income. Available at:
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-
essentials/farming-and-farm-income/.
Walden ML. Economy-wide impacts of agricultural sectors in North Carolina. May 2014.
Available at: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-resource-economics/wp-
content/uploads/sites/46/2017/07/Economy-Wide-Impacts-of-Agricultural-Sectors-in-
North.pdf
Walinga D. Today's food system: how healthy is it? J Hunger Environ Nutrition 2009*251-
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WeConservePA, 2024. Cost of community service studies. Available at:
https://library.weconservepa.org/guides/15-cost-of-community-services-studies.
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Appendix 1. Summary of 2023 Orange County Farmer/Landowner Survey
41
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Appendix 2. Recommendations for Criteria for Identifying Farmland for
Protection in Orange County
Overview
The foregoing Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) Farmland
Stewardship Subcommittee recommendations for criteria for identifying
farmland for protection in Orange County are intended to inform land use
planning decisions in the County. The recommended criteria constitute a simple,
objective, easily applied framework for identifying the resource to be protected.
The framework lends itself to supplementation, when needed, with secondary
farm-unit-based criteria that can guide development of specific land use
policies and administration of farmland stewardship programs.
Background
In formulating its recommendations, the Subcommittee reviewed various
county, state, and national frameworks for identifying and prioritizing agricultural
land for protection. Two approaches to framing agricultural land protection
were identified: resource based and farm based. The resource-based approach
centers on protecting the land that is best for farming (i.e., the soil resource). In
the resource-based approach, agricultural lands are designated for protection
based on measures or assessments of the suitability of the soil for agriculture---for
example, the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) "Prime Farmland"
and "Farmland of Statewide Importance," the NRCS Land Capability Classes,
and the American Farmland Trust's Productivity/Versatility/Resilience index
(PVR). The farm-based approach centers on protecting the total (individual)
farm unit, which in addition to its association with the soil resource has
geographic, historic, ecological, and cultural characteristics that affect its
conservation value. In the farm-based approach, agricultural lands are
designated for protection based on the suitability of the soil for agriculture as
well as additional measures or assessments such as tract size, development
pressure, adjacency to developed areas, presence of or adjacency to critical
environmental areas or unique natural resources, adjacency to other protected
land including wildlife habitat, adjacency to other farmland, and potential for
climate-change mitigation.
The APB recommends adopting a resource-based approach based on
agricultural suitability of the soil to guiding County land use decisions and
policies involving farmland. A resource-based approach delineates highly
productive farmland more effectively than a farm-based approach: The
agricultural productive capacity of rural landscapes varies depending on
geology, soils, and topography. Each farm is a unique combination of these
characteristics with landscape units that can range from highly productive to
nonproductive farmland. Furthermore, the resource-based approach lends itself
to objective, durable land use decisions that are less easily supported by a farm-
42
DRAFT/March 27,2026
based approach that considers cultural criteria such as ownership, farm size and
type, and location.
While the APB favors a resource-based approach over a farm-based approach
as a framework for guiding land use decisions and policies, a farm-based
approach that considers secondary criteria in addition to soil quality might be
most appropriate for guiding administration of farmland protection programs.
Recommendations
The APB recommends that County land meeting the following criteria be
designated as most important to protect for agriculture through policies and
practices including avoidance, minimization, and mitigation:
• The land is Prime Farmland* as defined by the US Department of
Agriculture (USDA). Agricultural lands are designated for protection based
on soil type and slope determined from soil map units in the Orange
County Soil Survey (which may be further verified by field determination).
A soil map unit in the Orange County Soil Survey comprises a specific soil
type and a slope modifier (e.g., Georgeville soil on slopes of 2-6%). The
following map units indicate Prime Farmland conditions:
o HrB Herndon
o CfB Cecil
o CrB Creedmoor
o EnB Enon
o HeB Helena
o VaB Vance
o ApB Appling
o GeB Georgeville
o HwB Hiwassee
o Aa Altavista
o HhA Helena-Sedgefield
• The land has <8% slope.
• The land is not developed (as specified in the definition of Prime Farmland)
and is outside the municipalities and the Extraterritorial Jurisdictions.
Prime Farmland is a widely recognized and understood designation with
extensive historic and current precedent as a primary criterion for delineating
agricultural land for protection. It is among the criteria in the Orange County
Lands Legacy Program ranking matrix for prioritizing farmland for conservation.
Further, Prime Farmland lends itself to simple, objective, site-specific
identification and mapping of lands designated for protection. While Prime
Farmland is arguably the most suitable criterion for identifying County farmland
for protection, it should be applied with the understanding that it is based on
map units in the 1977 Orange County Soil Survey, which has limitations
associated with mapping scale, methods used at the time, dated aerial
43
DRAFT/March 27,2026
photographic base, and challenges with digital cartographic data
transference.
*The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) describes Prime Farmland as of major
importance in meeting the Nation's short- and long-range needs for food and fiber. Because the
supply of high-quality farmland is limited, the USDA recognizes that responsible levels of
government, as well as individuals, should encourage and facilitate the wise use of our Nation's
prime farmland. . .. Prime farmland, as defined by the USDA, is land that has the best
combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber,
and oilseed crops and is available for these uses. It could be cultivated land, pastureland,
forestland, or other land, but it is not urban or built-up land or water areas. The soil quality,
growing season, and moisture supply are those needed for the soil to economically produce
sustained high yields of crops when proper management, including water management, and
acceptable farming methods are applied. In general, prime farmland has an adequate and
dependable supply of moisture from precipitation or irrigation, a favorable temperature and
growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, an acceptable salt and sodium content, and
few or no rocks. The water supply is dependable and of adequate quality. Prime farmland is
permeable to water and air. It is not excessively erodible or saturated with water for long
periods, and it either is not frequently flooded during the growing season or is protected from
flooding. Slope ranges mainly from 0 to 6 percent.
44
DRAFT/March 27,2026
Appendix 3. Recommendations for Framework for Revisions and Additions to
Protection the Unified Development Ordinance to Strengthen Farmland
Protection
Sections of the Unified Development Ordinance that present opportunity for
amendment to strengthen farmland protection include (but are not limited to)
7. 12 Flexible Developments, 1.6 Planning Board, 2.4 Zoning Compliance Review,
2.5 Site Plan Review, 2. 13 Exempt Subdivisions, 2. 1412. 15 Minor/Major
Subdivisions, 4 Overlay Districts, 5 Uses, 5. 13 Standards for Agricultural Uses, 6
Development Standards, 6.6 Additional Standards for Overly Districts, 7. 13
Specifications for Plat Drawings, and a Use Authorization Certificate for
conserved farmland.
Definition of the Resource: The resource targeted for conservation is Prime
Farmland* rather than the farm itself as a cultural element defined by ownership,
property boundary, and land use. Prime Farmland in Orange County is mapped
in the 1977 Orange County Soil Survey. Eleven (1 1) map units are identified as
prime farmland: HrB, CfB, CrB, EnB, HeB, VaB, ApB, GeB, HwB, Aa, HhA. For these
soil map units, the first one or two letters indicate the soil series (soil type), and
the last letter indicates the slope range. These Prime Farmland units represent
123,730 acres of the 256,640 acres in Orange County (48.2%) per the 1977
Orange County Soil Survey.
Identification: Field identification of Prime Farmland represented on a map layer
is required as part of any site development application package (plat
drawings).
Statement of Resource Avoidance and Minimization: The applicant must address
how the plan avoids and minimizes impact to Prime Farmland. Impact is defined
as any non-agricultural disturbance of the natural soil profile (i.e., the naturally
occurring soil layers). Such activities include grading (cut or fill).
Mitigation may be considered as an additional measure to reduce loss of Prime
Farmland. That is, once the resource has been identified and the applicant has
demonstrated satisfactory avoidance and minimization of impacts to prime
farmland, mitigation of those impacts may include protective easements on
remaining Prime Farmland on site, acquisition of protective easements on
comparable off-site farmland resource, in-lieu fee payment to the Orange
County Lands Legacy program or similar land conservancy, fee purchase of off-
site farmland resources.
Best Management Practices: Standards for best management practices may be
developed for agricultural areas that are retained as common space in any
development.
45
DRAFT/March 27,2026
*The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) describes Prime Farmland as of major
importance in meeting the Nation's short- and long-range needs for food and fiber. Because the
supply of high-quality farmland is limited, the USDA recognizes that responsible levels of
government, as well as individuals, should encourage and facilitate the wise use of our Nation's
prime farmland. . .. Prime farmland, as defined by the USDA, is land that has the best
combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber,
and oilseed crops and is available for these uses. It could be cultivated land, pastureland,
forestland, or other land, but it is not urban or built-up land or water areas. The soil quality,
growing season, and moisture supply are those needed for the soil to economically produce
sustained high yields of crops when proper management, including water management, and
acceptable farming methods are applied. In general, prime farmland has an adequate and
dependable supply of moisture from precipitation or irrigation, a favorable temperature and
growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, an acceptable salt and sodium content, and
few or no rocks. The water supply is dependable and of adequate quality. Prime farmland is
permeable to water and air. It is not excessively erodible or saturated with water for long
periods, and it either is not frequently flooded during the growing season or is protected from
flooding. Slope ranges mainly from 0 to 6 percent.
46
ORANGE TRANSPORTATION
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
COUNTY
NoKm CALIQLLNA PUBLIC TRANSIT
OrangeCounty
Item 5.b.
Subject: OUTBoard Policies and Procedures Update
Attachment: Orange County Advisory Board Policy
OUTBoard Policies and Procedures with Track Changes
PURPOSE: To discuss and recommend approval of updates to OUTBoard Policies and Procedures.
BACKGROUND: On March 18, 2025, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved
updates to the Advisory Board Policy. Attachment 1 includes a track-changes version of the revised
guidelines applicable to all County Advisory Boards. Notable updates include:
• Public access to meeting notices and agendas at least seven days in advance
• Revised roles and responsibilities for Board Chairs and Secretaries
In light of these updates—and following a review of the Orange Unified Transportation Board's
(OUTBoard) achievements over the past two years—the Orange County Transportation Services
Director recommends further enhancements to the OUTBoard Policies and Procedures(Attachment
2), as follows:
• Addition of Section I.C.3—OUTBoard to maintain and update the Stakeholder List
• Revision to Section III.B.—Modify Board composition to include 11 voting members and 2 youth
delegates
• Addition of Section III.C.—Attendance notice requirements aligned with County policy
• Addition of Section IV— Policy-aligned improvements, including:
o Enhanced agenda review procedures
o Packet distribution at least seven days before meetings
o Guidance for special meetings, subcommittees, and voting practices
• Improved orientation process in accordance with updated County policy
These proposed revisions aim to align OUTBoard's operations with current County standards and
strengthen board governance and engagement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact currently.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN:
• GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION
• OBJECTIVE 2. Increase community awareness of all modes of transportation including
transit, bike and pedestrian, vehicle, and all other modes.
• OBJECTIVE 3.Support road projects that address congestion and reduce commute time using
the County' s Complete Streets policy.
• OBJECTIVE 4. Coordinate transit investments with municipal and county land use planning
to reduce vehicle miles travelled and to provide more equitable access to shopping,
employment, medical centers, college campuses, etc.
600 Hwy 86 N - Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Phone (919)245-2008 • Fax (919)732-2137
orangecountync.gov/transportation
ACTION:
Recommend BOCC approves the OUTBoard Policy and Procedure Update (Attachment 2).
17
Attachment 2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ADVISORY BOARD POLICY
SECTION I: SCOPE
A. Purpose
1. To establish a policy and procedures whereby the Orange County Board of
Commissioners will make appointments to Orange County advisory boards,
committees, commissions, and councils (hereinafter "advisory boards").
B. Authority
1. North Carolina General Statute 153A-76 grants boards of county commissioners the
authority to establish advisory boards.
2. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may establish rules and regulations in
reference to managing the interest and business of the County.
3. The Orange County Board of Commissioners has the responsibility to appoint
residents to serve as members of advisory boards established by the Commissioners.
4. Orange County department directors and staff are responsible for providing support
to the advisory boards.
C. Policy and Periodic Review
1. This Advisory Board Policy establishes some parameters for:
a. Appointments to state-mandated, regional, and/or county-developed
advisory boards.
b. Removals from such advisory boards.
c. Quorum and voting standards.
d. A code of general conduct for advisory board members.
e. Other aspects of advisory board service the Orange County Board of
Commissioners wishes to address.
2. Periodic Review
a. Periodic review of this Advisory Board Policy will be conducted every two (2)
years by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
b. This Advisory Board Policy may be changed or adjusted as deemed necessary
by the Orange County Board of Commissioners regardless of whether it is
scheduled for a review.
D. Applicability
1. To the extent it does not conflict with the statute or ordinance creating a specific
advisory board, where applicable, this Advisory Board Policy applies to the following
Orange County advisory boards, pelieies, ee;RFAiSS ensued EeHIRIc-+Is:
a. Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
b. Advisory Board on Aging
c. Affordable Housing Advisory Board
d. Agricultural Preservation Board
e. Animal Services Advisory Board
f. Arts Commission
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
g. Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
h. Commission for the Environment
i. Economic Development Advisory Board
j. Historic Preservation Commission
k. Human Relations Commission
m. Opioid Advisory Committee
n. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
o. Orange County Planning Board
p. Orange Unified Transportation Board
2. This Advisory Board Policy shall also apply to any new boards, commissions, councils,
committees, or taskforces with At-Large positions upon creation by the Orange
County Board of Commissioners.
3. Except as otherwise provided herein or through a specific advisory board policies and
procedures document,y this Advisory Board Policy shall control the appointment,
reporting, operation, and other requirements of the advisory boards listed above
except to the extent the same are controlled by a specific statute or ordinance. In
those cases, as noted above,where a statute or ordinance controls the requirements
of the advisory board and the terms of this Advisory Board Policy conflict with the
terms of the statute or ordinance the statute or ordinance shall prevail.
4. Although not advisory boards the Board of Adjustment, Board of Equalization and
Review, and Animal Services Hearing Panel shall comply with the terms of this
Advisory Board Policy to the extent those boards are specifically addressed herein.
SECTION II: DUTIES
A. Community Contact
1. Advisory boards, through their membership and subcommittees, shall maintain
contact with stakeholder groups. In this manner,the advisory board is kept apprised
of current information related to matters under the jurisdiction of Orange County.
B. Primary Responsibilities
1. Individual advisory boards shall maintain awareness of their goals and objectives as
those goals are related to the Orange County Board of Commissioners' adopted
overall goals and objectives for Orange County.
2. All actions or recommendations of the advisory board shall be communicated to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners as provided herein.
SECTION III: MEMBERSHIP
A. Authority and Appointment Eligibility
1. North Carolina General Statute 153A-76 grants boards of county commissioners the
authority to establish advisory boards and to appoint members to and remove
members from those advisory boards. In acting on this authority the Orange County
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
Board of Commissioners hereby establishes certain general conditions to which
applicants and members of advisory boards should conform.
a. All members of standing, statutory boards must meet the qualifications for
the specific statutory requirements for an appointed position.
b. All boards members must be eighteen (18) years of age or older unless
applying for a youth-designated position.
c. Except as otherwise provided in a specific advisory board policies and
procedures document, Aall board members shall be residents of Orange
County and shall maintain their demmdle residence in Orange County unless
they a n deF eighteen (1 8)yeaFs of age and applying fee a., �nth_designated
pesitien. The Clerk shall confirm applicants are residents of Orange County.
T Bemicile is refined- as ene's ieffna rent esta-blFshed herneas
distinguished fre.m. ene's temperaFy aftheugfa—caetuul place 9f
i. Residence is defined as the place, especially the house, in which a
person lives or resides; dwelling; home
d. All board members shall have good reputations for integrity and an interest
in community service.
e. No nominee to a board shall be currently employed by Orange County
government and serve on a board that directly affects their work.
f. No nominee may currently be a party to or be the actual legal representative
in litigation against Orange County. The Clerk shall confirm nominees are not
involved in such litigation.
g. Each nominee must be prepared and committed to participate in advisory
board work in a manner that enhances relationships between the county and
the community.
h. All board members are representatives of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners and shall conduct themselves, both in their official actions
and personal actions so as to be above reproach in their conduct and shall
not bring disrepute to either the County or the Commissioners.
i. No person appointed to an advisory board may concurrently serve in any
publicly elected office. *(Does not apply where the appointment is required
by law, intergovernmental agreement, or approved Orange County board
specific policy—applies to all boards, committees, and quasi-judicial boards)
J. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may waive any of the conditions
within this section, with the exception of statutorily imposed conditions.
B. Composition
1. The Orange County Board of Commissioners shall appoint all voting and nonvoting
ex-officio members to advisory boards. The Orange County Board of Commissioners
shall endeavor to appoint members who represent the ethnic, racial, cultural,
demographic, and geographic diversity of the community.
C. Selection Criteria
1. Appointed members, except for ex-officio members, shall be qualified by the Clerk to
the Board of County Commissioners.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
3
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Attachment 2
2. Members shall be appointed from applicants whose who have properly filed and
submitted applications were submit to the Clerk to the Board of Qfat-ge
CountyCountV Commissioners.
D. Application L ^ppountrr ent Nomination, and Appointment Process Procedures
1. All members of advisory boards serve at the pleasure of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners.
2. Appointments to advisory boards will be initiated with a public application process.
3. All appointments to advisory boards will be made by the Orange County Board of
Commissioners.
a. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may elect to interview applicants
to certain advisory boards.
b. In the event the Orange County Board of Commissioners conducts such
interviews the advisory board to which the applicant seeks appointment may
identify and suggest interview questions to the Orange County Board of
Commissioners.
4. Applicant nominations and appointment recommendations from advisory boards to
the Orange County Board of Commissioners are welcome, but are not guaranteed to
result in appointment.
a. Advisory boards may elect to interview applicants prior to making a
nomination or recommendation.
b. In the event an advisory board conducts such interviews the Orange County
Board of Commissioners may identify and suggest interview questions to the
advisory board.
S. The QFange County Beard of r direct the Clerk to the Board e
Athprrn hAArraT
E. Term
1. No person appointed to an Orange County advisory board shall serve on that board
for more than two consecutive terms of three years each. Any appointment to a
vacant position for less than a full three year term shall be considered a full term if
the time of membership is 24 months or greater.
2. Extension of a member's term may be approved by the Orange County Board of
Commissioners if it is determined that it is in the best interest of Orange County to
allow an individual to continue to serve.
3. In order to establish staggered terms the original voting members of the advisory
board shall be appointed as follows:
a. One-third for a one year term.
b. One-third for a two year term.
c. One-third for a three year term.
d. Thereafter, each newly appointed voting member shall serve for a three year
term.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
4
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Attachment 2
4. Advisory board members whose terms are due to expire may request they be
appointed to a second term or be asked to accept a second term appointment to the
position.
5. The membership of any advisory board member whom the Orange County Board of
Commissioners decline to appoint to a second term shall immediately terminate upon
the expiration of their term.
6. Advisory board members may not serve concurrently on more than two (2) Orange
County advisory boards. This restriction does not impact an individual's service on
boards and commissions that are not Orange County advisory boards or short term
task forces or work groups.
F. Resignation
1. If a member wishes to resign,the member shall submit their resignation in writing to
the Chair of the advisory board on which the member serves and the Clerk to the
Board of Orange County Commissioners, noting the effective date of the resignation.
2. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may recognize the individual's service
via a letter or certificate.
3. An announcement of the open seat will be made ;# ;t- timeafter the resignation
becomes effective.
G. Vacancies
1. Upon the expiration of the term of service of members or should a vacancy otherwise
occur, the Orange County Board of Commissioners shall have the responsibility of
selecting and appointing new members to the advisory board.
2. Should any vacancy for which there is a board specific requirement that such
vacancy be filled by a nominee of a municipal corporation or a resident of a specific
Orange County township remain unfilled for six(6) consecutive months the board
specific requirements may be set aside and the Orange County Board of
Commissioners may fill the vacancy with any applicant otherwise qualified to serve.
H. Removal
1. Members of Orange County's advisory boards serve at the pleasure of the Orange
County Board of Commissioners and may be removed for any reason or no reason,
with or without cause, upon a majority vote.
2. Members of Orange County's advisory boards are expected to abide by the highest
ethical and professional standards.
3. In addition to Section III(H)(1) above, the Orange County Board of Commissioners
shall may remove any member of an advisory board for neglect of duty,- or
nonparticipation that becomes problematic to the advisory board's functioning and
purpose. Neglect of duty and non participation are defined as follows:
a. Missing three (3) consecutive meetings; or
b. Missing twenty-five percent(25%) of meetings within any twelve (12) month
period.
4. The advisory board Chair or staff liaison shall notify a member if the member is at risk
of being removed pursuant to section III(H)(3).
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
5. The advisory board Chair or staff liaison shall notify the Clerk to the Board of
Orange County Commissioners if a member has violated section III(H)(3).
I. Release from Service
1. When it is deemed necessary by the Orange County Board of Commissioners to
release a member from his eF he their term of appointment on an advisory board,
the affected individual shall be notified by the Clerk to the Board of County
Commissioners by letter and/or electronic mail.
2. When an advisory board has completed its function, the members shall be informed
of the completion of their service and the termination of the advisory board by letter
and/or electronic mail.
SECTION IV. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HA
a meeting, We
-.A.Advisory Board
1. The Orange County Board of Commissioners will consider all advisory board
recommendations and/or concerns.
a. Should any concerns remain unresolved after a response has been received
from the advisory board, the Orange County Board of Commissioners may
request that the matter be referred to the County Manager.
2. To enhance trust between Orange County Government and the community, Orange
County advisory boards shall:
b. Assist the staff of Orange County in achieving a greater understanding of the
nature and causes of community issues, with an emphasis on improving
relations between the department and the residents.
c. Recommend methods to encourage and develop the advisory board's ability
to accomplish their work.
d. Work throughout the community to gain relevant information about advisory
board issues and communicate these to the staff of Orange County and the
Orange County Board of Commissioners.
e. Promote public awareness of contemporary issues Orange County must
address to achieve the Orange County Board of Commissioners' goals and
priorities.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
B. Members
1. Members shall attend meetings of the advisory board serve on subcommittees, and
perform other functions as assigned by the advisory board chair with the approval of
the advisory board.
2. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, the member shall contact the Chair or
designated staff as soon as possible. and at least forty-eight (48) hours before the
scheduled meeting.
3. Ex officio members may be appointed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners
for the purpose of meeting subject matter expertise needs. Ex officio members are
nonvoting members of the advisory board.
—Upon review of the above matters. the Orange County advisory board shall address
recommendations and concerns, if any, to the Orange County Board of
Commissioners in writing.
C. Chair,Vice Chair, Secretary
1. Selection
i. Election
1. Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary shall be elected by the advisory
board unless otherwise specified by the Board of Commissioners.
2. Chair,Vice--Chair,and Secretary shall be elected to one-year terms.
3. Chair, Vice--Chair, and Secretary shall serve no more than three
consecutive one-year terms.
4. Chair, Vice--Chair, and Secretary shall assume office on the date of
their election. At the first advisory board meeting upon assuming
office the advisory board Chair or department staff shall present
members with a copy of the advisory board's charge, scope of
authority, membership responsibilities, and code of conduct.
4 5.The Clerk's Office shall be notified of the results of each election.
2. Responsibilities
i. The advisory board Chair:
1. Calls all meetings.
2. Serves as the presiding officer and conducts advisory board meetings.
3. Acts as the authorized spokesperson for the advisory board.
4. Assists staff in developing the advisory board meeting agenda.
5. Appoints and dissolves subcommittees, and the Chair and members
thereof,of the body in consultation and with approval of the advisory
board.
6. Sets goals for the advisory board in consultation with the Orange
County Board of Commissioners.
7. Carries out advisory board assignments as required by the Orange
County Board of Commissioners.
8. Reviews all advisory board minutes and proposeset recommendations
or assigns another member of the advisory board to do so.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
9. Assists staff in preparing the annual report and work plan of the
advisory board each year.
10. Signs correspondence and represents the board before the Board of
County Commissioners with the formal approval of the advisory
board by motion and vote.
11. The Chair or a quorum of the commission may call a special meeting.
The Chair may also cancel a regular meeting.
12. Performs other duties necessary or customary to the office.
ii. The advisory board Vice--Chair:
1. Serves as the presiding officer and conducts advisory board meetings
in the absence of the Chair.
2. Has all the responsibilities of the Chair in the Chair's absence.
iii. The advisory board Secretary:
1. Takes (or oversees the taking of) minutes for all advisory board
meetings.
4�2.Keeps attendance records.
-2-3.Submits minutes to the Chair and staff liaison to be distributed to
advisory board members in advance of meetings.
84.Submits approved advisory board minutes to the Clerk to the Orange
County Board of Commissioners for retention and distribution to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners.
45.Assures that other records of the advisory board are kept as directed
by the Chair or the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
iv. Removal
1. The Chair, Vice--Chair and/or Secretary may be replaced at any time
by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
SECTION V. ORGANIZATION
A. Orientation and Training
1. Orange County will make available for advisory board members and department staff
per+edie-training on state and/or county goals and priorities as well as relevant
statutes and policies, including open meetings, public records, conflicts of interest
and ethics.
2. Each member shall a d-COMplete an orientation to familiarize the advisory board
members with the operation of County government, applicable department rules,
and the operating procedures of the advisory board.
a. The r=ha4F and Viee Chair, of newly elected, shall t+er.a:
3. Each voting member will be encouraged to complete the orientation within the time
frame established by the policy of the specific advisory board to which they have been
appointed.
4. Advisory board members will be issued a manual and should become familiar with its
contents.
B. Operating Expenses
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
1. Members, when in service on the board, are not employees of Orange County.
2. Members serve in a voluntary capacity and shall receive monetary compensation or
reimbursement only per standard county policy and with Orange County Board of
Commissioners approval.
3. Members shall receive no financial or employee benefits from the County unless
authorized by another section of this policy and specifically approved by the Orange
County Board of Commissioners.
4. The County will provide office supplies and assume responsibility for other reasonable
expenses necessary for the operation of the board.
C. Confidentiality
1. No member of the advisory board shall make any written or oral statement of any
confidential county matter to any individual, business, or agency. A violation of this
section will result in that member's immediate removal from the advisory board. This
prohibition does not apply to communications with county staff, officials, or their
agents conducting official county investigations.
2. Members of the advisory board may receive information regarding personnel matters
and other information of a sensitive or confidential nature. It shall be the duty and
responsibility of each member to respect and maintain the confidentiality of county
issues presented before the board. Neither the advisory board nor any individual
member shall disseminate confidential information received during advisory board
meetings.
3. Advisory board members may be required to sign confidentiality statements as
necessary and will be removed from the advisory board upon violation of the
confidentiality agreement.
SECTION VI. MEETINGS
A. Regular Meetings
1. All meetings are to be open to the public as required by the applicable North Carolina
General Statutes.
2. Unless otherwise specified, public meetings will follow the standard rules of
procedure defined by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
3. The Board of Commissioners of Orange County or the Orange County Manager may
authorize any or all advisory boards to meet remotely, as needed, pursuant to the
remote meeting rules set out herein.
4. The advisory board members shall determine the date, time, and place for each
meeting, consistent with the guidelines below.
a. Regular advisory board and subcommittee meetings.
i. The advisory board convenes upon call of the Chair and meets on
schedule as established by the specific advisory board policy.
ii. Subcommittee meeting dates shall be set by the subcommittee
Chairs and shall be scheduled in conjunction with advisory board
meetings.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
iii. A schedule of all meeting dates, times, and places shall be properly
posted in accordance with North Carolina Law and delivered to the
Clerk to the Board.
B. Special Meetings
1. A majority of advisory board members or the Chair may call special meetings at any
time for any specific business. Special meetings shall be convened at a location
selected by the Chair.
2. All called special meetings shall be noticed in accord with North Carolina Law and
delivered to the Clerk to the Board.
C. Emergency Meetings
1. A majority of advisory board members or the Chair may call a meeting in emergency
circumstances by providing telephone notice to media outlets at least one hour prior
to the meeting.
2. An emergency situation includes a disaster that severely impairs the public's health
or safety. In the event telephone services are not working, notice that the meetings
occurred must be given as soon as possible after the meeting in accord with North
Carolina Law and by delivery to the Clerk to the Board.
D. Remote meetings
1. Advisory boards subject to this policy may meet remotely as authorized by the County
Manager, except the Orange County Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Board of
Equalization and Review, and Animal Services Hearing Panel.
2. A remote meeting is an official meeting, or any part thereof, with a majority or all of
the members of the advisory board participating by simultaneous communication.
a. Simultaneous communication is any communication by conference
telephone, conference video, or other electronic means.
3. Advisory Boards shall coordinate with the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners to
notify the public of the means by which the public may access the remote meetings.
4. If at any time during a remote meeting the number of members needed for a quorum
is disrupted by a loss of simultaneous communication, the meeting will not continue
until simultaneous communication is restored and if simultaneous communication
cannot be restored, the meeting will be adjourned without further action.
E. Notice of Meetings Generally
1. Notice of advisory board meetings,including public hearings and appeals if applicable,
and agendas shall be made available to all members and interested parties, and to
any person who requests such notice, at least seven 7 9} days in advance of
the meeting by e-mail and by posting on the Orange County government website.
2. All applicable notice requirements established by North Carolina law shall be
followed.
3. Prior to January 51" of each calendar year advisory boards shall post—submit their
meeting schedules in a readly &—wCh se ied- le Shall be
delmveFed—to the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for posting to a readily
accessible location. the QFaRg^ County ^"sit^
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
F. Agendas
1. Board members and/or staff members shall submit agenda items to the Chair and
staff for consideration at least fifteen (15) days prior to a scheduled meeting.
2. The agenda must provide a description of each item of business to be transacted or
discussed so that interested members of the public will be capable of understanding
the nature of each agenda item.
3. As a general rule,only those items appearing on the agenda will be discussed or voted
on. However, if an item is raised by a member of the public,the advisory board may
accept public comment and discuss the item so long as no action is taken until a
subsequent meeting.
4. With the Chair's agreement, the designated staff will develop and distribute to each
member an agenda listing the matters to be considered at upcoming advisory board
meetings. Also, so far as practicable, copies of all written reports that are to be
presented to the advisory board for members' review will be included in this package
at least ten (10) days before the meeting.
5. All recommendations and reports of the advisory board, approved in the form of
motions,shall be conveyed exclusively to the Orange County Board of Commissioners
for consideration, approval or denial. Outcomes are reported back to the advisory
board.
G. Minutes
1. Minutes shall be taken of all advisory board meetings and submitted to the Clerk to
the Board of Orange County Commissioners for retention and distribution to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners.
SECTION VII. SUBCOMMITTEES
A. Purpose and Formation
1. Subcommittees may be formed by the advisory board to research and make special
recommendations on special issues or areas in order to carry out the duties of the
advisory board.
2. All subcommittees shall be reviewed by the appointing body on an annual basis to
determine continued need and realignment with the priorities of the advisory board.
3. Approved subcommittees must have documented goals,deliverables, and a timeline.
The subcommittee will cease to meet when these are satisfied.
4. The advisory board Chair may request that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners change the structure and/or operating procedures of the advisory
board if he or she deems it essential for improving the board's productivity and
effectiveness.
5. A subcommittee can be formed with the approval of the advisory board chair and
majority vote of the advisory board.
6. Subcommittees shall operate as directed by the advisory board.
B. Procedure and Membership
1. A member of the subcommittee shall take responsibility for taking minutes of
subcommittee meetings and shall report to the advisory board the subcommittee's
progress toward its stated objectives, including dissenting viewpoints.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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28
Attachment 2
2. Subcommittees shall operate by majority vote.
3. Subcommittees may request a technical representative be approved by the County
Manager.
4. Subcommittees shall operate openly as defined by applicable North Carolina State
law and local ordinances and policies.
5. Membership on subcommittees shall be voluntary unless the specific advisory board
policy dictates otherwise.
SECTION VIII. QUORUM AND VOTING
A. Quorum
1. A quorum for a meeting of an advisory board and any subcommittee thereof shall
consist of a majority of the number of appointed members. Vacant positions are not
counted when determining if a quorum is present.
2. Members who remotely attend a meeting may be counted present for purposes of a
quorum.
B. Voting
1. Unless otherwise required by law, all decisions shall be reached by a simple majority
vote.
2. All voting will be conducted in open meetings, except when in closed session where
such closed session is permitted by North Carolina law.
3. No issues can be voted upon unless a quorum is present.
4. Only appointed members can vote at advisory board meetings.
5. Appointed members shall not delegate their vote to another member.
6. The Chair of the advisory board may participate and vote on all issues.
7. Voting by proxy is not authorized and shall not be allowed.
8. Members may not abstain from voting but where a member has a conflict of interest
the member may be excused by majority vote of the advisory board.
9. Members of advisory boards must be present to vote. Presence may be accomplished
through remote attendance or physical attendance.
10. Individuals appointed as ex officio members of the advisory board are not authorized
to vote on any issue before the advisory board.
SECTION IX. ETHICS
A. This section also applies to the Board of Adjustment, Board of Equalization and Review, and
Animal Services Hearing Panel.
B. Conflict of Interest
1. During advisory board meetings, a member shall immediately disclose any potential
conflict of interest and request to be excused from voting when he or she has a
conflict of interest.
2. During appeal proceedings,the applicant has the right to question the interest of any
voting member. The advisory board chair should consult with the County Attorney or
staff attorney on any potential conflict of interest in appeal matters.
3. In determining from existing facts and circumstances whether a conflict of interest
exists the determining party shall consider the facts and circumstances as would an
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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29
Attachment 2
ordinary and reasonable person exercising prudence,discretion, intelligence,and due
care.
C. Gifts
1. An advisory board member shall not directly or indirectly ask, accept, demand, exact,
solicit, seek, assign, receive, or agree to receive any gift or honorarium for the
advisory board member, or for another person, in return for being influenced in the
discharge of the advisory board member's official responsibilities.
2. This section shall not apply to gifts or awards authorized by Orange County Policies,
Resolutions, or Ordinances.
D. Code of Ethics
1. Advisory board members should act with integrity and with independence from
improper influence as they exercise the functions of their offices. Characteristics and
behaviors that are consistent with this standard are:
a. Adhering firmly to a code of sound values.
b. Behaving consistently and with respect towards everyone with whom they
interact.
c. Exhibiting trustworthiness.
d. Living as if they are on duty as appointed officials regardless of where they
are or what they are doing.
e. Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they
see it, presenting their opinions to all in a reasonable, forthright, consistent
manner.
f. Remaining incorruptible, self-governing, and not subject to improper
influence, while at the same time being able to consider the opinions and
ideas of others.
g. Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of
public meetings, and refraining from seeking or receiving information about
quasi-judicial matters outside of the quasi-judicial proceedings themselves.
h. Treating other advisory boards and advisory board members and the public
with respect, and honoring the opinions of others even when they disagree.
i. Being careful not to reach conclusions on issues until all sides have been
heard.
j. Showing respect for their appointed office and not behaving in ways that
reflect badly on the office,the advisory board, Orange County, or the Orange
County Board of Commissioners.
k. Recognizing that they are part of a larger group and acting accordingly.
I. Recognizing that individual board members are not generally allowed to act
on behalf of the board, but may only do so if the board specifically so
authorizes, and that the board must take official action as a body.
m. Being faithful in the performance of the duties of their offices.
n. Acting as especially responsible residents whom others can trust and respect.
o. Faithfully attending and preparing for meetings.
p. Carefully analyzing all credible information that is properly submitted to
them, and when applicable, being mindful of the need not to engage in
communications outside the meeting in quasi-judicial matters.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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30
Attachment 2
q. Being willing to bear their fair share of the board's workload.
r. To the extent appropriate,they should be willing to put the board's interests
ahead of their own and shall avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest
and shall, under no circumstances, use their position on any board for
personal gain or profit.
2. Members of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Economic Development
Commission, and Board of Equalization and Review shall upon initial appointment,
and prior to December 31 annually thereafter, disclose:
a. Any interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in real
property situated in whole or in part in Orange County and the general
description of that property.
b. Any legal, equitable, beneficial or contractual interest he or she or his or her
spouse or domestic partner has in any business,firm or corporation,which is
currently doing business with Orange County pursuant to contracts awarded
by Orange County, or which is attempting, or has attempted in the past
calendar year, to secure the award of a bid from Orange County or the
approval of any Board or Agency of Orange County.
c. Failure to file a disclosure statement setting out the above required
information shall result in immediate removal of the member from the
applicable board.
SECTION X. COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
A. Compensation
1. As a general rule advisory board service is voluntary and appointed members shall
receive no form of compensation for their services.
2. However, should the Orange County Board of Commissioners determine, in its sole
discretion, that an advisory board's members should be compensated, such
compensation shall be addressed in that advisory board's specific policy and rules of
procedure as adopted by the Commissioners.
B. Travel Expense Reimbursement
1. The Chair shall, to the extent practicable, schedule all hearings and advisory board
meetings to minimize travel and per diem costs.
2. Payment of expenses to advisory board members shall occur only when travel has
been approved by the County Manager prior to the time the expenses are incurred.
3. Orange County shall reimburse reasonable and necessary travel and incidental
business expenses from pre-approved travel to advisory board members
4. Advisory board members shall be reimbursed in accordance with current local and/or
state rules and regulations. Expense claims shall be submitted as required pursuant
to the Orange County travel policy.
5. Transportation expense claims shall include charges essential for transportation to
and from the meeting place. Reimbursement shall be made only for the local
government's standard mileage allowance. Travel should be via the shortest, most
commonly traveled route.
6. Travel expense does not include hotel/motel expenses.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
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Attachment 2
SECTION XI. LIMITATION OF POWER AND AUTHORITY
A. Nothing contained in this Advisory Board Policy shall be construed to conflict with any North
Carolina law or Orange County ordinance. Should there be an appearance of conflict, the
appropriate North Carolina law or Orange County ordinance shall prevail.
B. The activities of the advisory board shall, at all times, be conducted in accord with applicable
Federal law, North Carolina law, and Orange County ordinances.
C. Advisory Boards, the Board of Adjustment, Board of Equalization and Review, and Animal
Services Hearing Panel, and any members thereof shall not(and shall not have the express or
implied authority to):
1. Incur expense or obligate Orange County in any manner.
a. Any expense incurred must have been pre-approved either through the
department director overseeing the advisory board's budget, the Orange
County Board of Commissioners, or the County Manager.
b. It is specifically acknowledged that no member of an advisory board has the
authority, express or implied, to, contractually or otherwise, bind Orange
County.
2. Identify or release any draft document that has not been approved for release by the
Orange County Board of Commissioners or County Manager.
3. Take positions, in their capacity as an advisory board member, on any political issue
or support or oppose any candidate for public office.
4. Independently investigate resident complaints against Orange County, any
department or any employee of a department.
5. Conduct any activity that might constitute or be construed as an official governmental
review of departmental or employee actions.
6. Conduct any activity that might constitute or be construed as establishment of
Orange County or departmental policy.
7. Violate the confidentiality of any information related to matters involving pending or
forthcoming civil or criminal litigation.
8. Engage in any act to impose or attempt to impose discipline on any advisory board
member, department, or employee.
9. Interfere, attempt to interfere or involve themselves in any way in staff personnel
matters regardless of the nature of the matter.
Adopted 2-21 12;Dates of Amendment 8-21-12;11-8-12;3-3-15;6-18-19;6-2-20;10-6-20;4-5-22;6-21-22;12-5-22;3-18-25
15
Amended January 16, 2024
Orange Unified Transportation (OUT) BOARD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SECTION I: SCOPE
A. Purpose
1. To establish a policy and procedures whereby the Orange County Board
of Commissioners will establish the specific policies and procedures
governing the Orange Unified Transportation (OUT) Board.
2. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may appoint an advisory
board whose duty is to serve in an advisory capacity in regards to
planning and programming transportation infrastructure improvements
and other County transportation planning initiatives, as determined by
the Board of Commissioners.
B. Authority
1. North Carolina General Statute 153A-76 grants boards of county
commissioners the authority to establish advisory boards.
2. The Orange County Advisory Board Policy serves as the underlying
policy document to which the OUT Board, in addition to this policy and
procedure document, is subject. The Orange County Advisory Board
Policy is attached hereto as "Exhibit A".
3. In the event that there is a conflict between the Orange County Advisory
Board Policy and this Policies and Procedures document this Policies
and Procedures document shall control.
C. Charge
1. The OUT Board is charged with advising the Board of County
Commissioners on the planning and programming of transportation
infrastructure improvements and other County transportation planning
initiatives, as directed by the Board.
2. Upon request, OUT Board may advise other boards regarding
transportation.
-2-.3. Maintain a current list of stakeholder groups and ensure ongoing
communication to keep them informed about developments in
multimodal transportation.
SECTION II: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A. Goals
The Transportation Element of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes the
County's goals for transportation planning and provides guidance for the OUT
Board, Planning Board, Board of County Commissioners, and staff.
B. Objectives
The OUT Board shall:
Amended January 16, 2024
1. Identify and provide prioritization recommendations on the County's
roadway, transit, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian needs.
2. Assist in development and review of updates to the Transportation
Element of the County's Comprehensives Land Use, and other Plans as
requested.
3. Provide recommendations to the Board regarding Federal and State
legislation affecting transportation in Orange County.
4. Provide recommendations on innovative techniques and methods to
improve the efficiency and capacity of existing and future multimodal
transportation systems.
5. Carry out special projects as assigned by the Board of County
Commissioners.
6. Serve as an advisory body to the Administrative Staff of the Orange
Public Transit (OPT) System. The roles of assistance may include but
are not limited to being:
a. A forum to discuss relevant issues related to public transportation;
b. An advocate in promoting new or expanded transit services;
c. Sounding board on program operations, goal setting and
monitoring;
d. As a guardian of passenger rights for the general public and special
targeted populations; and
e. When directed by the BOCC, recommends NCDOT grants,
contracts, and studies that affect the current or future service levels
of public transportation in Orange County.
SECTION III: MEMBERSHIP
A. Authority
1. North Carolina General Statute 153A-76 grants boards of county
commissioners the authority to establish advisory boards and to appoint
members to and remove members from those advisory boards. In acting
on this authority the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby
establishes certain general conditions to which applicants and members
of advisory boards should conform.
B. Composition
1. The OUT Board is composed of twelve eleven (4-211) voting members,
including one from each township, if possible.
—Each voting member shall serve a three-year term and may serve a
maximum of two consecutive terms. A member appointed to fill a
vacancy shall be considered to have completed a full term if the period
served is 24 months or more.
2. 944e-Two non-voting youth delegate between the ages 13 and 17 will be
appointed to serve annually.
3. Members shall represent diverse demographic, geographic, cultural and
professional characteristics
Amended January 16, 2024
C. Attendance
1. Meeting attendance will be in accordance with Section III, H of the
County Commissioners Advisory Board Policy.
2. Members are encouraged to attend in-person. Remote options will be
available to voting members upon request.
2-3. If a member can't attend a meeting, they should notify the Chair or
staff at least 48 hours in advance.
SECTION IV.MEETINGS
A. Staffing
1. Orange County Transportation Services staff may serves as support
function to the OUT-Board upon the approval of the Orange County
Manager.
B. Agendas
1. Items for agendas shall be approved by the OUT-Board Chair and
Orange County staf l-ransportation Services Director and Deputy
Director.
2. OUTBoard Agenda Review will be conducted between Chair, Vice-
Chair, OCTS Director and Deputy Director.
C. Date, Time, and Location of Regular Meetings
1. Regular meetings of the OUT Board shall be held as needed to address
items that require Board action consistent with its Charge and Duties
identified herein.
2. Notice of advisory board meetings, along with agendas, shall be
provided at least seven (7) days in advance via hard copy, email and the
Orange County website to all members, interested parties, and anyone
who requests it.
-2-3. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. The
meeting will be held the second Monday of the month, in the event of
Holiday. The start time and location of the meeting shall be included on
the agenda and shall typically be at:
West Campus Office Building
131 West Margaret lane
Hillsborough, NC 27278
4. The OUTBoard Chair, in consultation with staff, shall have the authority
to change the start time and location of a regular meeting to meet any
Amended January 16, 2024
special circumstances, provided the information is included on the
distributed agenda.
�— Special meetings may be called at any time by the Chair or a majority
of advisory board members to address specific matters. Such meetings
will be held at a location designated by the Chair and will be publicly
noticed in accordance with North Carolina law, with notice provided to
the County Clerk to the Board.
D. Subcommittee
1. Established to research and make special recommendations on special
issues or areas in order to carry out the duties of the advisory board and
must have documented goals, deliverables, and a timeline. The
subcommittee will cease to meet when these are satisfied.
E. Voting
1. All decisions require a simple majority vote, provided a quorum is
Present. Only appointed members may vote, and proxy or delegated
voting is not allowed. The Chair may vote on all matters. Voting must
occur in open meetings, unless a closed session is permitted by North
Carolina law. Members must be present—either in person or remotely—
to vote. Abstentions are not permitted unless a member is excused due
to a conflict of interest by a majority vote of the board.
SECTION V. ORIENTATION
A. Each member shall attend an orientation presented by the Orange County
Transportation Services Department to familiarize the advisory board members
with the operation of County government,
Each voting member will be encouraged to complete the orientation within six
weeks of his or her appointment. They will also receive a manual outlining the
key principles, policies, and programs related to multimodal transportation
planning.
SECTION VI.BY-LAWS
A. By-Laws
1. Any Bylaws adopted by the OUT Board are void and no further bylaws
shall be adopted. Procedure shall be governed solely by this policy
document and the General Orange County Board of County
Commissioners Advisory Board Policy DO ; .
2. Should the OUT Board determine modifications to policies and
procedures are necessary, the OUT Board may recommend the
Board of County Commissioners for such modifications.
ORANGE TRANSPORTATION
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
COUNTY
NoKm CALIQLLNA PUBLIC TRANSIT
OrangeCounty
Item 5.c.
Subject: Orange County Bike Ped Plan Update
PURPOSE: Provide comments on the Orange County Bicycle and Pedestrian planning process.
BACKGROUND: In the winter of 2024, Orange County initiated its first-ever Comprehensive
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan in collaboration with planning and engineering firm Stantec. This
ambitious undertaking is currently in the Listening and Testing phases, with the Refinement and
Final Plan stages anticipated in late 2025. The project is tentatively scheduled for completion in
the fall of 2025.
Progress to Date:
Several key milestones have been achieved as part of the planning process:
• A project website has been launched, featuring public surveys and interactive mapping tools
to gather community input.
• The team has successfully conducted one pop-up event and four focus group meetings with
a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Public Workshop #1 has taken place, providing an opportunity for broader community
engagement.
• A thorough review of existing plans, policies, and programs has been initiated, alongside an
ongoing analysis of existing conditions.
IS Two meetings with the Core Technical Team have been held to guide the project and ensure
alignment with key transportation goals.
Highlights of Public Engagement and Technical Review:
The input gathered and analysis conducted so far have generated several important insights:
• The interactive map has grown from an initial 37 user-submitted points to over 170 entries,
reflecting strong community interest, along with more than 20 complete surveys.
• A detailed inventory has been completed of the county's roadway network, including:
o 920 miles of state roads and 801 miles of town or private roads
o Data collected includes functional classification, speed limits, traffic volumes, crash
history, and more.
• The team assesses transit accessibility, analyzing the Transportation Disadvantage Index
(TDI), and aligning all efforts with the plan's Guiding Principles.
• Efforts are currently underway to build a realistic bicycle and pedestrian network while also
establishing a prioritization workgroup to ensure future investments are effectively targeted.
As part of the ongoing process, the Orange County Transportation Director will provide a brief
presentation summarizing the work completed to date and outlining the next steps. All feedback
received will be compiled and shared with the consulting team for consideration as the project
moves forward.
600 Hwy 86 N • Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Phone (919)245-2008 • Fax (919)732-2137
orangecountync.gov/transportation
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact currently.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN:
• GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION
• OBJECTIVE 2. Increase community awareness of all modes of transportation including
transit, bike and pedestrian, vehicle, and all other modes.
• OBJECTIVE 3. Support road projects that address congestion and reduce commute time
using the County' s Complete Streets policy.
• OBJECTIVE 4. Coordinate transit investments with municipal and county land use planning
to reduce vehicle miles travelled and to provide more equitable access to shopping,
employment, medical centers, college campuses, etc.
• OBJECTIVE 6. Update transportation related plans to provide more multi-modal options
including rural Orange County.
ACTION:
Provide comments on the Orange County Bicycle and Pedestrian planning process.
���E ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
ORANGE ORL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
,�
No rH CARQLLNA Ora"g;„8�,�,u„5nt
Item 5.c.
Subject: Transportation - Development Advisory Committee (DAC) Memo V2.5
Attachment: OCTS DAC Memo Example
PURPOSE: Provide comments on the new Transportation DAC Memo Example.
BACKGROUND: The Director of Orange County Transportation Services (OCTS) has completed a
comprehensive Multimodal Assessment utilizing the newly developed assessment template, as
previously introduced. This initial assessment, included as Attachment 1, serves as a model for
how OCTS staff will conduct all future development application reviews—particularly following
the formal approval and adoption of the new Multimodal Assessment Program by all relevant
stakeholders.
The completed assessment has been submitted to the Planning and Inspections Department for
preliminary review and feedback. It will also be presented to the Planning Board for additional
evaluation and consideration as part of the broader implementation process.
To further formalize and enhance the new Multimodal Assessment practice, the OCTS Director
has initiated the following key actions:
• Collaboration with WSP to refine the assessment template and incorporate the best
national practices into the final work product
• Ongoing research into fee structures currently in use across North Carolina and
throughout the United States to inform a sustainable and equitable funding model
Is Review of potential updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to ensure
alignment with emerging multimodal transportation policies and objectives
The finalized Orange County-specific Multimodal Assessment framework is expected to be
completed and ready for implementation by Fall/Winter 2025.
TRANPORTATION ADVISORY SERVICE (TAS):
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact currently.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN:
• GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION
• OBJECTIVE 2. Increase community awareness of all modes of transportation including
transit, bike and pedestrian, vehicle, and all other modes.
• OBJECTIVE 3. Support road projects that address congestion and reduce commute time
using the County' s Complete Streets policy.
• OBJECTIVE 4. Coordinate transit investments with municipal and county land use planning
to reduce vehicle miles travelled and to provide more equitable access to shopping,
employment, medical centers, college campuses, etc.
600 Hwy 86 N - Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Phone (919)245-2008 • Fax (919)732-2137
orangecountync.gov/transportation
• OBJECTIVE 6. Update transportation related plans to provide more multi-modal options
including rural Orange County.
ACTION:
Provide comments on the new Transportation DAC Memo Example (Attachment 1).
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTYORANGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
OrangeCounty
NORrH GLROLLNA PULICTRANSIT
OCTS DAC Memo V2.2
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Taylor Perschau, Current Planning and Zoning Manager
FROM: Nishith Trivedi,Transportation Director
DATE: April 7, 2025
SUBJECT: DAC Transportation Review: HOA22-0001
The following memo provides Orange County Planning Department and the applicant a Multimodal
Impact Assessment (MIA) for the proposed application HOA22-0001
SITE REVIEW
Immediate
Orange*Single family home in southern rural
Private, • ••
*10.2 acres, including small portion
Surrounding
eSouthern connection to Jones Ferry Road in Chatham County-State maintained
*Northern connection - .-.. end
Ridge*Large lot Single Family Homes along Uwharie •...
*PartFacilities
-- Subdivision, in Chatham County
Property is end . -.
This single-family home is located in southern rural Orange County on a quiet 10.2-acre lot that partly extends into
Chatham County. It's at the end of Uwharie Ridge Road, a private road with a 50-foot right-of-way. The road ends to
the north and connects south to state-maintained Jones Ferry Road. Surrounded by large-lot homes in the Deer
Mountain Subdivision,the property sits at the edge of the Haw River Protected Watershed,offering a peaceful,natural
setting.
This home occupation permit application proposes the construction of a 594 sq. ft. accessory building for office use,
approximately 400 feet from the private road. Field observations, surrounding conditions, aerial imagery, and other
site assessments indicate no significant impact on the transportation network. The entire area is privately owned and
maintained. While the project may result in a slight increase in vehicle ownership on the property, no changes are
anticipated along Uwharie Ridge Road.
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTYORANGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
OrangeCounty
NOKIM C.AROLINA RUBLICTRRNSIT
Transportation Modes Overview
+ ti �' J f — — • Bike& Pedestrian
i J I r i� o Data Availability:
I Currently,there is no data
-r I I # available regarding existing bike
y i + or pedestrian infrastructure
I 1 I 1 within the area.
o Planned Projects:
There are no bike or pedestrian
J improvement projects currently
planned or proposed.
r I a 41 }' + o Funding Status:
I + r There are no improvements for
bike or pedestrian facilities that
have received funding currently.
[f • Transit& Rail
+ o Data Availability:
I ti R ' No current data is available on
existing transit or rail services or
infrastructure specific to the
area.
o Planned Projects:
There are no planned transit or
�.�. rail projects identified in the
pipeline.
o Existing Services:
"^ The area is currently served by
I Demand Response (DR) and
iiaube Class FuncUonal Class
+ . ' 0""ONrhm=ftFrwm%- Mobility on Demand (MOD)
r—�Nmx — —�+�a transit services, which provide
Awkzbmb 250 saa — ovWtx flexible transportation options
INEEZZZI Feel L without fixed routes.
• Highway
o Road Classification:
The primary access road within this area is classified as a Private Road, which typically means it is maintained
by a private entity rather than a public agency.
o Data Availability:
There is no existing traffic, condition, or infrastructure data available for the highway network in this area.
o Planned Projects:
No highway improvements or expansion projects are currently planned.
o Funding Status:
There are no funded highway infrastructure improvements
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTYORANGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
OrangeCounty
NORrH GLROLLNA PULICTRANSIT
DATA Functional class- Private - Uwharie Ridge Road
Current AADT- N/A Build out AADT-+2
Note: Crashes (by type) - N/A
New office may
generate traffic Current ROW-50' Build out ROW-50'
Current LOS- A Build out LOS-A
Trip Gen -+2 (Home Office)
PLANS
• • State/Federal• TMP - No projects • CTP - No projects • STIP - No projects
• SRTP - DR and MOD • MTP- No projects • HMIP- No projects
• SRTS - No projects • Freight- No projects • SPOT Safety/
• Transit - DR and MOD • CMP- No projects Mobiliy/HSIP - No
• LIDO - N/A • EJ - not COC projects
• Strategic Plan - N/A
Current:
• No County recommended project identified in any locally adopted plan
• No multimodal project identified in regionally approved plans including CPRPO and TWTPO, area is
outside BG MPO
• Not a Community of Concern as determined by Environmental Justice Report
• No state funded project committed or programmed in the immediate or surrounding area
Future:
• Transit—County Strategic Plan and Short-Range Transit Plan recommend increase access to transit in
rural Orange County.
o Uwharie Ridge Road serves as access for County's Demand Response and Mobility-on-Demand
• There are no NCDOT administrative—HMIP, SPOT Safety/Mobility/HSIP—projects programmed or
planned for the surrounding area
o Uwharie Ridge Road would have to be built to state standards and dedicated to NCDOT in order
for them to add it to state maintenance system.
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
ORL ORANGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
NoKrK CAROLLNA OrangeCouPULICTRAnty
RESIDENTIAL/NON-RESIDENTIAL
Performance Performance
Measure - Non- Measure Highway Climate Action Plan Strategic Plan
Highway
Bike/Ped Mobility EV Multimodal
Accomodations
Transit Access Modernization Mitigation Public
Performance
• There is no significant impact anticipated on the transportation network across any mode:
• Bicycle/Pedestrian:The project may encourage increased walking and biking activity along the private
road.
• Transit:There may be an increased demand for Demand Response and Mobility on Demand (MOD)
services.
• Highway Mobility: A slight increase in vehicle traffic to and from the proposed office is expected.
• Highway Modernization: The private road will need to be upgraded to meet current state standards.
Climate Action
• Future trips to and from the proposed office may or may not involve electric vehicles.
• No mitigation measures are recommended at this time.
Strategic Plan Alignment
• The proposed application does not conflict with the County's Strategic Plan or its performance measures.
• It may result in a greater need for public transit access along Uwharie Ridge Road.
Project Prioritization
• The proposed application does not adversely affect the County's prioritization process and does not
contribute to identifying potential future projects for prioritization.
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
ORAWY
NORrK CAROLLNA OrangeCouPULICTRAnty
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
County TMP
1) Protect Human and Natural Environment and minimize Climate Change
a) Reduce emissions, GHG, and energy consumption
b) Reduce negative impacts on natural and cultural environment
2) Promote Safety, Health and Well-Being
a) Increase safety of travelers and residents Promote public health through transportation choices
3) Stimulate Economic Vitality and Opportunity
a) Coordinate land use and transportation.
4) Provide a safe,secure, comprehensive,and effective transportation
a) Enhance mobility and accessibility and manage congestion across the transportation system and
across modes of transportation
SAFETY
Complete Streets
The proposed development does not currently align with any planned or programmed Complete Streets projects in
the immediate or surrounding area. However, a review of potential multimodal impacts has been conducted:
• Project Scope:There are no existing or proposed Complete Streets projects in the vicinity of the
development. As such, no immediate integration or coordination with such projects is anticipated.
• Highway Considerations: Any additional vehicular traffic resulting from the proposed development will utilize
a private road.This limits the impact on public roadways and associated Complete Streets initiatives.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian: Similarly, any increase in bike or pedestrian activity is expected to occur along the
same private road, not affecting existing public infrastructure or planned improvements.
• Transit Access: While no transit infrastructure projects are currently planned in the area,the development
may increase the need for Demand Response and Mobility on Demand (MOD) services to support access to
the proposed office space.This should be monitored as the project evolves to ensure adequate transit
service availability.
Vision Zero
The area surrounding the proposed development site has not experienced any fatal or serious injury crashes based
on available safety data:
• Crash History: A review of recent traffic safety records shows no fatality or serious injury accidents in the
vicinity of the project area.This indicates that current conditions are generally consistent with Vision Zero
goals.
• Mitigation Measures: Given the absence of crash history and the limited impact on public roadways, no
specific safety mitigation measures are recommended at this time. However, continued monitoring of traffic
patterns and safety data is encouraged to maintain a safe environment as development proceeds.
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTYORANGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
OrangeCounty
NORrH GLROLLNA PULICTRANSIT
ASSESSMENT
Safety (5-year period)
LMLW
No NCDOT crash data available along Uwharie Ridge Road
ECONOMY
New Jobs Created - unknown from home based office
Employers within 1/2 mile - unknown,this includes Chatham County
Economic Develeopment District- Not Applicable
The number of new jobs associated with the proposed home-based office is currently unknown. Employment data
within a %-mile radius is unavailable, though it may include Chatham County facilities. The site is not located within
a designated Economic Development District.
ORANGE ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENTri
ORANGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT Co
OmMeW
`[-K I I I ,,,,r1 17, vueuc r^xens�r
ACCESS & EQUITY
Mode Split
Based on the current land use context,infrastructure availability,and transportation access,the anticipated mode
split for the proposed development is as follows:
• 100% Vehicle: All trips to and from the proposed office development are currently expected to occur via
personal or passenger vehicles.This is primarily due to the lack of nearby transit access, pedestrian facilities,
and bike infrastructure.
• 0%Transit: There is currently no direct access to fixed-route public transit within the immediate vicinity of
the development site, resulting in no anticipated transit use under current conditions.
• 0% Bicycle/Pedestrian: With no sidewalks, greenways, or designated bike lanes in the area, pedestrian and
bicycle travel is not currently feasible or anticipated.
• 0%Freight:The proposed use does not support or attract freight activity,and there is no expected commercial
freight movement associated with the site.
First& Last Mile Connectivity
Connectivity to other modes of transportation remains limited, though some opportunities may exist for future
improvement:
• To/From Transit:The nearest transit service is located approximately% mile away on Jones Ferry Road.While
not directly accessible from the development site, this proximity suggests potential for future Demand
Response, Mobility on Demand (MOD), or first-mile/last-mile service solutions to bridge the gap.
• To/From Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities: There are no existing bike lanes, sidewalks, or pedestrian pathways
within a %-mile radius of the site.This lack of non-motorized infrastructure significantly limits access for bike
and pedestrian users.
• Bike Racks: There are currently no bike racks proposed on-site or in the surrounding area, reducing the
feasibility of encouraging active transportation as a viable mode.
• Bus Stops: No bus stops are currently located within or adjacent to the site. If future demand for transit
increases,the installation of a nearby stop or shelter may be considered in coordination with transit providers.
CONCLUSION
OCTS Comments:
A 594 sq. ft. home-based office is proposed on a quiet, 10.2-acre rural lot in southern Orange County. Located 400
feet off a private road, the project has minimal impact on transportation infrastructure. All access will be by private
vehicle due to a lack of transit, bike, or pedestrian facilities. No safety, equity, or environmental justice concerns are
identified,though future transit demand may grow.The site aligns with county Transportation Multimodal Plan goals
but does not influence current multimodal planning or project prioritization.
Developer requested to:
o Recommendation 1 - ensure adequate access is provided along Uwharie Ridge Road for County transit services.
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
ORA�Y TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ri
OrangeCounty
NORrH GLROLLNA PULICTRANSIT
SUMMARY
SITE REVIEW
The proposed project is for a home occupation permit on a 10.2-acre rural lot in southern Orange County, partially
extending into Chatham County. The property is at the terminus of Uwharie Ridge Road, a privately maintained
road with a 50-foot right-of-way connecting south to state-maintained Jones Ferry Road.
The applicant seeks approval to construct a 594 sq. ft. accessory office building approximately 400 feet from the
private road. Field observations and site assessments (including aerial imagery and on-site conditions) indicate
that this development will not significantly impact the transportation network. While there may be a minor
increase in vehicle traffic associated with the office, no modifications to Uwharie Ridge Road are proposed or
expected.
PLANS
Current Planning Context:
• No County-recommended transportation projects in any adopted plan.
• No multimodal projects identified in CPRPO,TWTPO, or within the BG MPO area.
• Not designated as a Community of Concern in the Environmental Justice Report.
• No state-funded transportation projects planned or committed nearby.
Future Considerations:
• The County Strategic Plan recommends improving transit access in rural areas.
• Uwharie Ridge Road currently supports County Demand Response and Mobility-on-Demand (MOD).
• Uwharie Ridge Road must be upgraded to state standards to be added to state system
Note: The proposed office may contribute to slight traffic generation.
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT
Performance (All Modes):
• Bicycle/Pedestrian: Potential for modest increase in activity along the private road.
• Transit: Potential rise in MOD service demand.
• Highway Mobility: Minor increase in vehicle trips expected.
• Modernization: Road upgrades required for any NCDOT assumption.
Climate Action:
• Trips may involve EVs in the future.
• No mitigation measures required currently.
Strategic Plan Alignment:
• No conflicts with County Strategic Plan.
• May enhance the case for transit services along Uwharie Ridge Road.
Project Prioritization:
0 No influence on current County prioritization or future project identification.
ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENTri
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT OmMeComt
vue ucrxnnsr y
COUNTY TRANSPORTATION MULTIMODAL PLAN ALIGNMENT
Key Goals& Objectives:
• Protect the natural environment and reduce GHG emissions.
• Promote safety and health through multimodal options.
• Enhance economic opportunity by aligning transportation with land use.
• Provide a secure, efficient, and equitable transportation network.
SAFETY
Complete Streets Review:
• No existing or proposed Complete Streets projects in the vicinity.
• No public infrastructure will be directly affected due to the private road.
• Potential for future MOD transit need should be monitored.
Vision Zero Review:
• No reported fatal or serious injury crashes nearby(5-year review).
• No mitigation needed, but ongoing monitoring is encouraged.
ECONOMY
• The number of jobs created by the home-based office is undetermined.
• No employment data available within a %-mile radius.
• The site is not within a designated Economic Development District.
ACCESS& EQUITY
Mode Split Estimates:
• 100%Vehicle: All trips by personal vehicles.
• 0%Transit/Bike/Pedestrian/Freight: No current infrastructure to support these modes.
First/Last Mile Connectivity:
• Closest transit access is—Y2 mile away on Jones Ferry Road.
• No sidewalks, bike lanes, or bus stops in the area.
• No bike racks are proposed on-site.
CONCLUSION
The proposed 594 sq. ft. home-based office will have minimal impact on existing transportation infrastructure.
Given the absence of nearby multimodal facilities, all site access will remain automobile-dependent. No concerns
related to safety, environmental justice,or equity have been identified.While future transit needs could arise,the
current application aligns with the County's transportation goals but does not influence project prioritization.
Recommendation:
The applicant should ensure that access on Uwharie Ridge Road remains adequate to support County transit
operations.
OF NORTH C
i.P 2
NCDOTPD 9
qT a,�v
�iFNT OF TR N11
NCDCIT Transportation • Newsletter April 2025
NCDOT Updates "Connecting people,
The below and next pages contain NCDOT press releases, local products and places
CTP Status Updates, USDOT NOFO, FHWA Newsletter Issue, safely and efficiently
plan links and more. with customer focus,
Impressive NCDOT Efforts Continue 6 Months After He- accountability and
lene (3/28/2025) environmental sensi-
ASHEVILLE — N.C. Department of Transportation employees first provided tivity to enhance the
access to citizens impacted by Hurricane Helene by cutting their way economy and vitality
through forests of downed trees. of North Carolina...."
Six months after the most destructive storm in state history, NCDOT em- - NCDOT Mission
ployees and dedicated industry partners continue working for the resi- Statement
dents, businesses and visitors of western North Carolina.
The emergency has passed. But not the urgency.
NCDOT has reopened 90 percent of the roads damaged by the hurricane. Crews have repaired or re-
placed 270 bridges and 870 culverts and reopened Interstate 40 connecting North Carolina and Ten-
nessee.
"Lives were forever changed by this storm," NCDOT Division 13 Engineer Tim Anderson said. "Local
NCDOT staff, NCDOT staff from other divisions and our contract partners have completed a great
deal of emergency repairs and we will not stop."
Crews worked through the winter, with limited daylight and in freezing temperatures. On some days,
NCDOT crews worked on Helene repairs in the morning then worked snow and ice operations later in
the same day.
"We knew right away when this storm hit that we needed to do all we could to get these roads ready
for winter. Our crews did a great job in the fall, and the winter was indeed a challenge," NCDOT Divi-
sion 11 Engineer Michael Poe said. "With spring now coming, we're really excited about the next six
months and what we'll accomplish in that timeframe."
Reopening 1-40 to one lane in each direction provides area residents with a critical connection to
both states and long-range drivers a better route to transport cargo. Although slight delays are com-
mon as traffic merges into one lane, a drive through the Pigeon River Gorge shows the devastating
damage, the incredible efforts of NCDOT and its partners to date, and the immense task ahead.
"We are happy to have 1-40 open and operating in a limited capacity, and we also know that tons —
literally thousands of tons — of work remains to restore 1-40 completely," NCDOT Division 14 Engi-
neer Wesley Grindstaff said. "Our employees and our contractors are up to the challenge for the
benefits of our residents and interstate commerce."
For full article, visit this NCDOT webpage: Impressive NCDOT Efforts Continue 6 Months After Helene
Page 1
North Carolina Litter Sweep: April 12-26
The 2025 Spring Litter Sweep is taking place April 12-26.
Traditionally scheduled for the last two weeks of April and September, Litter Sweep is the N.C. Depart-
ment of Transportation's biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative. Residents throughout the
state participate in local efforts to help clean up North Carolina's roadways.
In addition to volunteers, NCDOT maintenance crews devote one week of their time to pick up litter and
collect orange bags placed on the roadsides by volunteer pickups.
Volunteers are provided cleanup supplies, such as reversible orange/blue trash bags, gloves and orange
safety vests, from their local NCDOT County Maintenance Yard office.
Ready to Get Involved? You Found...What?
If you or your team needs supplies, or if you have any questions, con- If you find anything unusual
tact your local NCDOT litter program coordinator. Coordinators work or interesting during your
with volunteers to select an available stretch of state-maintained high- litter sweep cleanup, use the
way and can answer questions about the program. Contact infor- hashtag, #StrangeLitter
mation can be found here. on social media.
Webpage: Litter Sweep Volunteer Resources
For full article including Frequently Asked Questions, visit this NCDOT webpage: NCDOT: Litter Sweep
. . / CTP Status Updates
Chatham County& Pittsboro - Status— Siler City, Chatham County, and Pittsboro agreed to do a uni-
TPD Contacts:Julie Bogle fied CTP plan; a CTP update should begin around Summer 2025.
Lead & Phil Geary ° Next Steps— Model development is continuing. Started Future Year
pageary@ncdot.gov model development and currently scheduling a meeting with local
(919) 707-0930 staff to develop SE data.
DCHC MPO
Status— A new CTP study has started in coordination with the devel-
TPD Contact:Julie Bogle opment of the MPO's 2055 MTP called Destination 2055.
jebogle@ncdot.gov ° Next Committee Meeting— Monday, April 14, 2025 @Central Pines RC
(919) 707-0945
° Status— The Orange County Transportation Multimodal Plan has been
Orange County approved by County Commissioners. The plan consolidates all ap-
TPD Contact:Julie Bogle proved transportation related plans, projects and programs into a sin-
gle document.
No status change for the following CTPs:
Moore County ° Status— In the process of scheduling meetings with local entities to
TPD "Interim"Contact: discuss preliminary plan of action.
Dominique Boyd ° Next Steps— Model development is continuing. The Base Year model
dlboydl@ncdot.gov is close to complete and development of Future Year projections will
(919) 707-0932 begin afterwards to inform the CTP and MTP processes.
o Status—Working on data verification. Finished Future Year projections
Lee County and reviewing new draft Capacity Deficiency maps at staff level before
TPD Contact:Julie Bogle bringing for Committee review.
Next Steps—Continue developing multi-modal analysis and hold
Steering Committee meeting.
Page 2
FY25 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) NOFO Now Follow Us
Live! (Email notice from USDOT dated 3/31/2025)
Facebook
The Department of Transportation has released the fiscal year (FY) 2025 X (formerly Twitter)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Safe Streets and Roads for
All SS4A program. YouTube
Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Safe
Streets and Roads for All grant program funds regional, local, and Tribal
initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
Over$982 million is made available by this NOFO, and a similar amount is
expected to be available next year in a future funding round.
Two Available Grant Types March/April 2025
The SS4A program provides funding for two main types of grants: Innovator News-
Planning and Demonstration Grants are used to develop, complete, or letter (From email
supplement an Action Plan, as well as carry out demonstration activi-
ties that inform an Action Plan. dated 3/31/2025, by
Implementation Grants are used to implement strategies or projects FHWA)
• that are consistent with an existingAction Plan and may also bundle
Y From Simulation to Real-
funding requests for supplemental planning and demonstration activi- ity: Puerto Rico's First
ties that inform the Action Plan. Diverging Diamond In-
Applications and Deadline terchange
The NOFO is posted on Grants.gov. The deadline for applications is June 26, The Puerto Rico Highway
2025, at 5:00 p.m. (EDT). and Transportation Au-
Applications must be submitted via Valid Eval, an online application portal thority used a driving
used by USDOT. simulation tool to sup-
Implementation Grant Application: https://usg.valideval.com/teams/ port design and commu-
• usdot ss4a 2025 implementation/signup nity outreach for the is-
land'sfirst diverging dia-
• Planning and Demonstration Grant Application: htt s: mond interchange.
usg.valideval.com/teams/usdot ss4a 2025 planning demo/signup
Customer support for Valid Eval is available at support@valideval.com. Find out more in the lat-
est Innovator.
Webinar Dates
USDOT will host a series of webinars to review pertinent components of Also in this issue:
this year's NOFO. Visit the SS4A Webinar Series page for details on the . Concrete Innovation:
webinar and webinar schedule. ODOT's Strategic Ap-
Please visit the updated SS4A website for additional information on how to proach to Internal
apply, frequently asked questions, and resources for filling out your appli- Curing
cation. EDC Legacy: Collabo-
g
About Safe Streets and Roads for All rating to Solve Road
Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Safe Streets Data Challenges
and Roads for All (SS4A) competitive grant program will provide $5 billion Systemic Safety Anal-
in grant funding over five years. Funding supports regional, local, and Tribal ysis:The Power of
initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Prevention
Read about how SS4A is impacting communities here.
Page 3
NCDOT Statewide Plans: USDOT/FHWA
To learn more, click on the following links or go to ncdot.gov and search Helpful Links:
using names in blue unless otherwise noted:
NC Moves 2050 Plan To learn more, click on
the following links or go
NCDOT Strategic Transportation Corridors (or go to ncdot.gov and to transportation.gov and
search: Strategic Transportation Corridors) search for key words.
NCDOT Comprehensive State Rail Plan (25-Year Vision) FHWA's Bipartisan Infra-
0 2023 NC Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan structure Law (BIL) web-
Great Trails State Plan (2022) site serves as a one-stop
Connecting North Carolinians to Opportunities (Public Transportation shop for FHWA's imple-
• Strategic Plan-2018) mentation of the law,
including information
• NCDOT Resilience Strategy Report (2021) on funding, assistance,
• Statewide Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan (2013) education, and guid-
Other Plans: ance.
• N.C. Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan by Department of U.S. DOT's Equity web-
Environmental Quality (or Google search: 2020-Climate-Risk- site provides plans and
Assessment-and-Resilience-Plan.pdf) resources for delivering
• NC FIRST Commission a more equitable trans-
portation system.
Helpful Links: • DOT Navigator helps
To learn more, click on the following links or go to ncdot.gov and search communities under-
using names in blue unless otherwise noted: stand the best ways to
apply for grants, and
• NCDOT home page— ncdot.gov plan for and deliver
• Real-Time Traffic— transformative infra-
drivenc.gov I North Carolina Traffic &Travel Information structure projects and
• Report a pothole— NCDOT Contact Us Form (ncdot.gov & search services.
"Report a pothole")
• NCDOT: State Transportation Improvement Program— ncdot.gov/sti
• Interactive Bicycle Routes Map Contact Us
-
https://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/ncbikeways/defauIt.aspx
• Links to all traffic count data information—
Traffic Survey Group (connect.ncdot.gov &then search)
• NCDOT Interactive Traffic Volume Map CPRPO Coordinator
-
Traffic Volume Maps (ncdot.gov) 09'
• Traffic Safety Data & Engineering— -••• - •• • •
NCDOT: Traffic Safety Data & Engineering
• Federal Functional Classification Map— NCDOTTPD
NCDOT Functional Class Map (ncdot.maps.arcgis.com) 1 S. Wilmington Street
• Climate Change & Clean Transportation Raleigh, INIC
-
NCDOT: Climate Change & Clean Energy Visit us on the web at
• Transportation Emission Reduction Projects— NCDOT: N.C. Clean www.ncdot.go
Transportation Plan -Transportation Emission Reduction Projects
Page 4
NCDOT DIV 7 PROJECTS LOCATED IN CPRPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS # Description Let/Start Date Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date
SS-6207T Portions of Twenty-One (21 ) Routes. Curve Warning Sign 9/20/23 9/30/25 $200,000 Planning and design activities underway. Dawn McPherson
51112 Installation. Construction underway.
BP7-R009 Replace Bridge #11 on SR 1336 (Halls Mill Road) 9/17/26 FY2028 $2,900,000 Planning and design activities underway Daniel Dagenhart
BP7.R009.1 ROW has been certified.
B P7.R009.2
B P7.R009.3
1-5958 Pavement rehabilitation on 1-40 / 1-85 from west of SR 1114 11/17/26 FY 2028 $8,690,000 Planning activities pending Trung Nguyen
45910.1 .1 (Buckhorn Road) to west of SR 1006 (Orange Grove Road).
45910.3.1
BP7-R017 Replace Bridge #14 on SR 1548 (Schley Road) 9/7/28 FY2030 $1 ,500,000 Planning and design activities underway Daniel Dagenhart
BP7.R017.1
BP7.R017.2
BP7.R017.3
R-5821A Construct operational improvements including 1/1/40 post years $3,194,000 PE funding approved 10/10/17, design Suzana Matta
47093.1 .2 Bicycle/Pedestrian accommodations on NC 54 from SR 1006 activities currently suspended, Coordinating
47093.2.2 (Orange Grove Road) to SR 1107 /SR 1937 (Old Fayetteville with NC54 West Corridor Study
47093.3.2 Road).
TARPO-Orange Co April 2025
Page 1
North Carolina Department of Transportation 3/31/2025
Active Projects Under Construction - Orange Co.
Contract TIP Location Description Contractor Name Resident Contract Bid Availability Completion Work Start Estimated Progress Completion
Number Number Engineer Amount Date Date Date Completion Schedule Percent
Date Percent
C204632 1-3306A WIDENING 1-40 FROM 1-85 IN ORANGE COUNTY TO THE DURHAM THE LANE Crews, PE, Jacob $236,457,869.00 9/27/2021 9/1/2025 10/28/2021 6/17/2026 67 56.47
COUNTY LINE AND 1-40 WESTBOUND IN DURHAM COUNTY NEAR CONSTRUCTION T
US-15/501 . CORPORATION
C204905 10 SECTIONS OF SECONDARY ROADS CAROLINA SUNROCK Howell, Bobby J $3,783,925.02 4/1/2024 10/1/2025 7/2/2024 10/1/2025 36.6 53.42
LLC
D000595 FIFTY ONE SECONDARY ROADS RILEY PAVING INC Howell, Bobby J $2,494,634.93 4/8/2024 10/8/2025 3/17/2025
DG00626 TWENTY THREE SECONDARY ROADS IN ORANGE COUNTY67 SUNROCK Howell, Bobby J $2,190,853.75 4/17/2024 10/17/2025
INDUSTRIES LLC DBA
CAROLINA SUNROCK
LLC
DG00631 R-5787FA INTERSECTIONS OF VARIOUS US, NC AND SR ROUTES. EASTERN Howell, Bobby J $919,609.00 3/18/2024 3/18/2026 5/21/2024 3/18/2026 65 63.92
UPGRADING OF NON-COMPLIANT ADA CURB RAMPS EARTHSCAPRES AND
CONSTRUCTION LLC
DG00639 FIFTEEN SECONDARY ROADS IN ORANGE COUNTY SUNROCK Howell, Bobby J $1 ,616,170.70 9/11/2024 3/11/2026
INDUSTRIES LLC DBA
CAROLINA SUNROCK
LLC
DG00652 HS-2007J ADD MID-BLOCK PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON NC 86 AND CRITZ ATLANTIC Howell, Bobby J $437,772.00 3/5/2025 3/23/2026 5/5/2025
DRIVE IN CHAPEL HILL CONTRACTING
COMPANY INC
Page 1 of 1
NCDOT DIV 7 PROJECTS LOCATED IN TWTPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS # Description LET/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
SS-6207T Portions of Twenty-One (21) Routes. Curve Warning Sign 9/20/2023 9/30/25 $200,000 Planning and design activities underway. Dawn McPherson
51112 Installation. Construction started.
SS-6207A NC 54 Pedestrian improvements between SR 1902 (Manning 2/15/2024 6/1/2025 $171 ,000 Planning and design activities underway. Dawn McPherson
50337 Drive) and SR 1937 (Old Fayetteville Road) in Chapel Hill and Materials have arrived and work has
Carrboro. Improvements will include refuge islands, begun. 4 of the 5 locations have been
crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Improvements to be completed.
completed by state forces.
BL-0044 NC 54 from Westbrook Drive in Carrboro to west of US 6/19/2025 12/31/2025 $1 ,311 ,000 Construction funding to be requested once Trung Nguyen
49998.1 .1 15/501/NC 86 (South Columbia Street) interchange in Chapel municipal agreements are executed.
Hill. Construct sidewalk and install pedestrian signals, Chapel Hill MA executed, Carrboro MA has
crosswalks, and refuge islands at selected locations. also been executed. Utility Relocations
complete.
P-5701 B Construct Platform, Passenger Rail Station Building at 6/30/2025 FY2026 $7,200,000 PE funding scheduled 7/1/2020. Planning Matthew Simmons
46395.1 .1 Milepost 41 .7 Norfolk Southern H-line in Hillsborough and deisgn activities underway
46395.3.3
HL-0045 Repair Bridge #241 on Exchange Park Lane over Eno River 7/31/2025 FY2028 $153,800 Agreement executed, Hillsborough to Alex Stankovic
from South Churton Street to Faribult Lane in Hillsborough prepare environmental documents and
plans. Review of final plans complete. CE
submitted.
HS-2007H SR 1009 (Old NC 86) at SR 1727 (Eubanks Road) near 8/7/2025 FY2027 $153,000 Planning and deisgn activities underway Trung Nguyen
49317.1 .9 Chapel Hill. Right Turn Lane Modifications.
49317.2.9
49317.2.10
49317.3.9
BR-0092 Replace Bridge #37 on NC 86 over New Hope Creek 8/19/2025 FY2028 $6,400,000 Planning and design activities underway Alexander Foster
EB-5721 Upgrade existing off-road path and construct new section of 9/25/2025 FY2026 $2,700,000 Bids opened 7/17/23 - Bids rejected. Alex Stankovic
path of Bicycle Route #1 from Cleland Drive to Willow Drive in Project on Hold. Chapel Hill has secured
Chapel Hill additional funding and relet at a future date.
Page 1 TWTPO April 2025
NCDOT DIV 7 PROJECTS LOCATED IN TWTPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS # Description LET/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
HO-0013 Chapel Hill from Franklin Street and Rosemary Street, and 2/26/2026 FY28 $2,100,000 Project approved by BOT and assigned. Alex Stankovic
51177.1.1 the streets in between from Merritt Mill Road to Henderson Municipal agreement executed.
51177.2.1 Street in downtown Chapel Hill. Install new mast arm and
51177.2.2
51177. .1 curb and sidewalk improvements.
C-5650 Construct sidewalk on one side of SR 1919 (Smith Level 4/9/2026 FY2028 $2,749,000 Carrboro approved to incorporate water line Alex Stankovic
Road/S. Greensboro St.) from Public Works Drive to the work into design. Env doc returned w
northern end of Old Pittsboro Road in Carrboro comments on 12/10/21 . Document to be
updated to include additional limits for
resurfacing. NCDOT waiting on revised
1-3306AC 1-40 at NC 86 - Upgrade to superstreet from Northwood Drive 5/19/2026 FY2029 $10,970,000 Planning and design activities underway Radha Attaluri
to Ramp C/D at 1-40 interchange
BP7-R009 Replace Bridge #11 on SR 1336 (Halls Mill Road) 9/17/2026 FY2029 $2,900,000 Planning and design activities underway Daniel Dagenhart
ROW acquisisition complete.
EB-5886B Construct sidewalk/MUP/bike lanes on Estes Drive from south 10/1/2026 FY2028 $3,968,000 Municipal agreement executed and project Alex Stankovic
of Norfolk Southern Railroad to NC 86 (MLK Jr. Blvd.) in development underway.
Chapel Hill
1-5958 Pavement Rehabilitation on 1-40/1-85 from West of SR 1114 11/17/2026 FY2028 $9,500,000 Planning and design activities pending Trung Nguyen
45910.1 .1 (Buckhorn Road) to West of SR 1006 (Orange Grove Road)
45910.3.1
B-6037 Replace Bridge #49 over Norfolk Southern Railway on NC 86 4/20/2027 FY2031 $14,080,000 Planning and design activities underway. Brandon Green
25% Plans complete.
BP7-R013 Replace Bridge #90 on SR 1940 (Damascus Church Road) 9/16/2027 FY2030 $2,220,000 Planning and design activities underway Daniel Dagenhart
Plans at 25%
Page 2 TWTPO April 2025
NCDOT DIV 7 PROJECTS LOCATED IN TWTPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS # Description LET/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
EB-5880 Construct sidewalk on the north side of SR 1005 (Jones Ferry 9/30/2027 FY2029 $950,000 Municipal agreement needs to be Alex Stankovic
Road) from Davie Road to SR 1010 (West Main St.) in requested and executed to begin work.
Carrboro
EB-5890 Construct sidewalk on Barnes Street from King Street to SR 9/30/2027 FY2029 $740,000 Municipal agreement needs to be Alex Stankovic
1005 (Jones Ferry Road) in Carrboro requested and executed to begin work.
BR-0247 Replace Bridge #29 on US 70 Business/NC 86 over Cates 11/16/2027 FY2029 Pending Preliminary activities pending Bryan Key
Creek
EB-5998 Construct MUP on US 15/501 from Willow Drive to SR 12/16/2027 FY29 $8,780,000 Municipal agreement needs to be Alex Stankovic
1741/SR 1838 (Old Durham Chapel Hill Road) in Chapel Hill requested and executed to begin work.
EB-5886A Construct sidewalk/MUP/bike lanes on Estes Drive from SR 9/21/2028 FY2031 $13,980,000 Municipal agreement needs to be Alex Stankovic
1772 (North Greensboro Street) to south of Norfolk Southern requested and executed to begin work.
Railroad Tracks in the Town of Carrboro
BR-0091 Replace Bridge #32 on US 70 over the Eno River 10/17/2028 FY2032 $11 ,000,000 Planning and design activities underway Jon Gaillard
BP7-R015 Replace Bridge #86 on SR 1942 (Jones Ferry Road) 9/6/2029 FY2031 $1 ,730,000 Planning and design activities underway. Daniel Dagenhart
Detour needs improvements so will need to
see if resurfacing funds available or switch
to TIP project. TBD
U-5845 Widen SR 1009 (South Churton Street) to multi-lanes from 1- 7/16/2030 FY2033 $77,400,000 PE funding approved 5/14/15, Planning Radha Attaluri
50235.1 .1 40 to Eno River in Hillsborough and Design activities underway, Coordinate
50235.2.1 with 1-0305B which was formerly 1-5967.
50235.3.1
Page 3 TWTPO April 2025
NCDOT DIV 7 PROJECTS LOCATED IN TWTPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS # Description LET/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
BP7-R007 Replace Bridge #63 on Pleasant Green Road 9/5/2030 FY2033 $2,550,000 Planning and design activities underway Daniel Dagenhart
1-0305B Interchange improvements at 1-85 and SR 1009 (South 10/15/2030 FY2033 $102,200,000 PE funding approved 9/8/17, Planning and Colin Mellor
34142.1.5 Churton Street) in Hillsborough Design activities underway, Coordinate with
34142.3.3
I-0305 and U-5845. (I-0305B was formerly
34142.3.4
34142.2.4 5967)
R-5821A Construct operational improvements including 1/1/2040 post years $21 ,650,000 PE funding approved 10/10/17, design Suzana Matta
47093.1 .2 Bicycle/Pedestrian accommodations on NC 54 from SR 1006 activities currently suspended,
47093.2.2 (Orange Grove Road) to SR 1107 /SR 1937 (Old Fayetteville Coordinating with NC54 West Corridor
47093.3.2 Road). Study
1-0305(A) Widening of 1-85 from west of SR1006 (Orange Grove Road) 1/1/2040 post years $132,000,000 PE funding approved 6/5/18, Planning and Colin Mellor
34142.1 .2 in Orange Co. to west of SR 1400 (Sparger Road) in Orange design activities underway, Project
34142.2.2 Co. reinstated per 2020-2029 STIP (funded
34142.3.2 project) and delete project 1-5983
1-0305C Interchange improvements at 1-85 and NC 86 in 1/1/2040 post years $20,900,000 PE funding approved 10/10/17, Planning Colin Mellor
34142.1 .6 Hillsborough and Design activities underway, 1-0305C
was formerly 1-5984.
C-5181 Jones Creek Greenway Project - Fill Gap between the TBD TBD $910,000 Environmental document approved Alex Stankovic
Carrboro Upper Bolin Trail and Twin Creeks Greenway and 8/14/23. NCDOT reviewing 90% plans.
also implement program to support on-vehicle trips to Morris
Grove Elementary School
EL-4828A Construct Morgan Creek Greenway Phase 1 in Carrboro TBD TBD $1 ,568,000 Review comments provided to Carrboro in Alex Stankovic
June 2023 for revisions and resubmittal.
Resubmittal under review. CE under
review.
Page 4 TWTPO April 2025
North Carolina Department of Transportation 3/31/2025
Active Projects Under Construction - Orange Co.
Contract TIP Location Description Contractor Name Resident Contract Bid Availability Completion Work Start Estimated Progress Completion
Number Number Engineer Amount Date Date Date Completion Schedule Percent
Date Percent
C204632 1-3306A WIDENING 1-40 FROM 1-85 IN ORANGE COUNTY TO THE DURHAM THE LANE Crews, PE, Jacob $236,457,869.00 9/27/2021 9/1/2025 10/28/2021 6/17/2026 67 56.47
COUNTY LINE AND 1-40 WESTBOUND IN DURHAM COUNTY NEAR CONSTRUCTION T
US-15/501 . CORPORATION
C204905 10 SECTIONS OF SECONDARY ROADS CAROLINA SUNROCK Howell, Bobby J $3,783,925.02 4/1/2024 10/1/2025 7/2/2024 10/1/2025 36.6 53.42
LLC
D000595 FIFTY ONE SECONDARY ROADS RILEY PAVING INC Howell, Bobby J $2,494,634.93 4/8/2024 10/8/2025 3/17/2025
DG00626 TWENTY THREE SECONDARY ROADS IN ORANGE COUNTY67 SUNROCK Howell, Bobby J $2,190,853.75 4/17/2024 10/17/2025
INDUSTRIES LLC DBA
CAROLINA SUNROCK
LLC
DG00631 R-5787FA INTERSECTIONS OF VARIOUS US, NC AND SR ROUTES. EASTERN Howell, Bobby J $919,609.00 3/18/2024 3/18/2026 5/21/2024 3/18/2026 65 63.92
UPGRADING OF NON-COMPLIANT ADA CURB RAMPS EARTHSCAPRES AND
CONSTRUCTION LLC
DG00639 FIFTEEN SECONDARY ROADS IN ORANGE COUNTY SUNROCK Howell, Bobby J $1 ,616,170.70 9/11/2024 3/11/2026
INDUSTRIES LLC DBA
CAROLINA SUNROCK
LLC
DG00652 HS-2007J ADD MID-BLOCK PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON NC 86 AND CRITZ ATLANTIC Howell, Bobby J $437,772.00 3/5/2025 3/23/2026 5/5/2025
DRIVE IN CHAPEL HILL CONTRACTING
COMPANY INC
Page 1 of 1
NCDOT PROJECTS LOCATED IN BGMPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS# Description Let/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
1-6059 Interchange improvements at 1-40/1-85 and SR 1981 2/20/25 FY2027 $48,000,000 Planning and design activities Brian Ketner
48689.1.1 (Trollingwood-Hawfields Road)in Mebane underway.CMGC delivery.
48689.2.1
48689.3.1
BR-0060 Replace Bridge#14 on NC 14 over Cane Creek 9/16/25 FY2026 $11,050,000 Planning and design activities David Stutts
underway
EB-5885 Construct sidewalk on US 70(N.Church St.)from Beaumont 9/25/25 FY 2027 $1,470,000 Municipal Agreement required to City of
Avenue to SR 1716(Graham Hopedale Road) begin work Burlington/Stephen
Robinson
EB-5879 Construct sidewalk on US 70(N.Church St.)from SR 1716 9/25/25 FY2027 $5,180,000 Municipal Agreement required to City of
(Graham Hopedale Road)to SR 1719(Sellars Mill Road) begin work Burlington/Stephen
Robinson
U-6131 Install dual left turn lanes in westbound direction at NC 54(W. 1/15/26 FY2028 $8,800,000 Planning and design activities Brandon Green
Harden Street)at NC 49(Maple Ave.)in Burlington pending
48916 Shift NC 61 and NC 100 intersection in Gibsonville to improve 1/15/26 TBD $650,000 Planning and design activities Trung Nguyen
turning radii for trucks underway -ROW underway
50547 NC 49 at Green Level Church Road/James Boswell Road- 4/16/26 FY2027 $650,000 Planning and design activities Trung Nguyen
Realign Intersection underway.65%plans complete. CFI
meeting held.
U-6014 Widen SR 1716(Graham-Hopedale Rd)to multi-lanes with 8/18/26 FY2028 $21,800,000 Planning and design activities Suzana Matta
47159.1.1 Bicycle/Pedestrian accommodations from SR 1720(West underway, Includes EB-5882. ROW
47159.2.1 Hanover Rd)to Morningside Drive in Burlington Acquisition 90%
47159.3.1
BGMPO Mar 2025
Page 1
NCDOT PROJECTS LOCATED IN BGMPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS# Description Let/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
1-6059 Interchange improvements at 1-40/1-85 and SR 1981 2/20/25 FY2027 $48,000,000 Planning and design activities Brian Ketner
48689.1.1 (Trollingwood-Hawfields Road)in Mebane underway.CMGC delivery.
48689.2.1
48689.3.1
EB-5988 Construct sidewalk on Lee Ave./W. Lebanon Ave.to SR 1454 12/10/26 FY2028 $630,000 Municipal Agreement required to Town of
(W. Haggard Ave.)in Elon begin work Elon/Stephen
Robinson
AV-5851 Construct 100'paved overrun and make safety 1/22/27 FY29 $2,080,000 Planning and design activities Caleb Whitby
enhancements at the Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport underway
U-5844 Construct multi-lanes on NC62 from SR 1430(Ramada Road) 3/16/27 FY2030 $36,900,000 Planning and design activities Brandon Green
50234.1.1 to US 70(South Church Street)in Burlington underway-Field Inspection held.
50234.2.1 ROW acquisitions 75%complete.
50234.3.1
B-6052 Replace bridge 68 over NCRR/Norfolk Southern Railroad on 1/18/28 FY2029 $3,000,000 PE funding approved 5/6/19. Sami Jasim
48709.1.1 SR 1928(Trollingwood Road)in Haw River Planning and design activities
48709.2.1 underway.
48709.3.1
15BPR.134.3 Rehab on Structure#197 in Guilford County on SR 1117(S. 1/18/28 FY2031 $3,312,100 Planning and design activities Kristy Alford
Holden Street)over 1-85 Business and on Structure 4148 on I- underway
40 over Haw River in Alamance County
U-6013 Widen NC 119 to multi-lanes from SR 1981 (Trollingwood- 5/16/28 FY2031 $16,400,000 Planning and design activities Suzana Matta
47158.1.4 Hawfields Rd)/SR 2126(Old Hillsborough Rd)to Lowes Blvd underway, ROW certified and
47158.2.4 (non-system)in Mebane. utilities underay.
47158.3.4
BP7-R016 Replace Bridge#113 on SR 1003(Lindley Mill Road) 8/7/28 FY2030 $1,240,000 Planning and design activities Daniel Dagenhart
underway-Plans at 65%
BGMPO Mar 2025
Page 2
NCDOT PROJECTS LOCATED IN BGMPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS# Description Let/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
1-6059 Interchange improvements at 1-40/1-85 and SR 1981 2/20/25 FY2027 $48,000,000 Planning and design activities Brian Ketner
48689.1.1 (Trollingwood-Hawfields Road)in Mebane underway.CMGC delivery.
48689.2.1
48689.3.1
U-6009 Widen and construct center turn lane on US70(West Church 1/15/30 FY2032 $52,000,000 Planning and design activities Suzana Matta
47144.1.1 St)from Tarleton Ave.to Fifth Street in Burlington underway
47144.2.1
47144.3.1
BP7-R023 Replace Bridge#238 on SR 2128(Old Hillsborough Road) 9/18/31 FY2033 $720,000 Planning and design activities Daniel Dagenhart
underway
BP7-R018 Replace Bridge#254 on SR 2104(Mandate Road) 10/7/32 FY2034 $710,000 Planning and design activities Daniel Dagenhart
underway
BP7-R019 Replace Bridge#103 on SR 2182(Perry Road) 10/21/32 FY2034 $710,000 Planning and design activities Daniel Dagenhart
underway
U-6114 Install traffic signal and add turn lanes at NC 62(Alamance 1/1/40 post years $2,210,000 Planning and design activities Brandon Green
Road)at SR 1155(Hatchery Road)/Bonnie Lane intersection pending.(Funded for Prelim.
in Burlington Engineering only)
1-6009 Interchange improvements at 1-40/1-85 and SR 1158(Huffman 1/1/40 post years $1,800,000 Planning and design activities Brandon Green
47962.1.1 Mill Road). Construct additional right turn lane on 1-40 WB pending.(Funded for Prelim.
47962.2.1 Ramp and improve operations at SR 1308(Garden Road) Engineering only)
47962.3.1 intersection in Burlington
SS-6207AA NC 62 at SR 1002(Jeffries Cross Road),north of Green TBD TBD $25,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51338 Level.Convert intersection to all way stop control. underway
BGMPO Mar 2025
Page 3
NCDOT PROJECTS LOCATED IN BGMPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS# Description Let/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
1-6059 Interchange improvements at 1-40/1-85 and SR 1981 2/20/25 FY2027 $48,000,000 Planning and design activities Brian Ketner
48689.1.1 (Trollingwood-Hawfields Road)in Mebane underway.CMGC delivery.
48689.2.1
48689.3.1
SS-6207AB SR 1500(Gibsonville Ossipee Road)at SR 1553(Midway TBD TBD $25,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51339 Church Road/Guilford County Farm Road),southwest of underway
Ossipee.Convert intersection to all way stop control.
SS-6207AE SR 1003(Lindley Mill Road)at SR 2172(Moores Chapel 9/12/24 TBD $52,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51426 Cemetery Road)near Graham.Convert intersection from two underway
way stop to all-way stop with overhead flasher.
SS-6207AG NC 87 at SR 2172(Moores Chapel Cemetery Road)near 9/11/24 TBD $49,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51428 Graham.Convert intersection from two way stop to all-way underway
stop with overhead flasher.
SS-6207AH SR 2424(S.Maple Street)at W.Gilbreath Street in Mebane. TBD TBD $25,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51471 Convert intersection to all way stop operation. underway
SS-6207AI SR 1003(Lindley Mill Road)at SR 1005(Greensboro Chapel TBD TBD $25,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51472 Hill Road),south of Saxapahaw.Convert intersection to all underway
way stop traffic control.Change existing overhead flasher to
all red displays.
SS-6207AJ SR 1581 (Stony Creek Church Road)at SR 1587(Pagetown TBD TBD $25,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51429 Road),north of Burlington.Convert intersection to all way stop underway
control.
SS-6207Y SR 1001 (Union Ridge Road)at SR 1002(Jeffries Cross TBD TBD $33,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51342 Road),north of Burlington.Convert intersection to all way stop underway
control. Revise existing overhead flasher to all red displays.
Signal Inv#07-0002.
BGMPO Mar 2025
Page 4
NCDOT PROJECTS LOCATED IN BGMPO - UNDER DEVELOPMENT
TIP/WBS# Description Let/Start Completion Cost Status Project Lead
Date Date
1-6059 Interchange improvements at 1-40/1-85 and SR 1981 2/20/25 FY2027 $48,000,000 Planning and design activities Brian Ketner
48689.1.1 (Trollingwood-Hawfields Road)in Mebane underway.CMGC delivery.
48689.2.1
48689.3.1
SS-6207AP SR 1754(McCray Road)at SR 1729(Fleming Graham Road/ TBD TBD $35,000 Planning and design activities Dawn McPherson
51642 Deep Creek Church Road)near Burlington. Convert two-way underway
stop to all-way stop.
SM-6107J Eastlawn Elementary School located at 502 N Graham TBD TBD $375,000 Planning and design activities Matthew Whitley
51622 Hopedale Road(SR 1716)in Burlington. Internal campus underway
improvements as identified in Traffic Operations Study SCH-
2021-023 to contain school-related traffic queues on campus
with 2460 feet of double-stacked queue. U-6014(2025 let)will
improve SR 1716 and provide bike-pedestrian
accommodations.This project is not expected to conflict with
U-6011 Intersection improvements at US 70(South Church Street) TBD TBD $4,900,000 Planning and design activities Chris Smitherman
47146.1.1 and SR 1158(Huffman Mill Rd)in Burlington underway-ROW Certified. Utilities
47146.2.1 underway. Bids rejected. Moved to
47146.3.1 central for re-let.
BGMPO Mar 2025
Page 5