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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-072-E-County Mgr-Urban Sustainability Solutions-High School Riparian BuffersClimate Action Grant Program Revised 04/23 Page 1 of 10 COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION GRANT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into the twenty fifth day of February 2026, (“Effective Date”) by and between the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of North Carolina, Post Office Box 8181, Hillsborough, North Carolina, 27278, ("County") and Urban Sustainability Solutions, a legal entity corporation, located at 1433 Major Hill Road, Snow Camp, NC 27349 (“Provider”). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, it is in the interests of the County that said program be assisted by the County and thereby enhance its availability to residents of the County, and said program addresses an important community human services need, as identified by the Board of Commissioners. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and the mutual covenants and conditions hereafter set forth, the County and Provider agree as follows: 1. Term of the Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall be two years beginning February 25, 2026 to February 25, 2028. 2. Scope of Services. a. Provider will provide services, as outlined in the attached Community Climate Action Grant Application and any amendments or revision thereto which is attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated by reference, to the residents of Orange County. The Scope of Services and the Program Budget may be different from the original application based on County appropriation; however, any revisions or amendments to this Agreement must be approved in writing by the County and attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B. b. The Provider shall be solely responsible for the means, methods, techniques, sequence, safety program and procedures necessary to properly and fully complete the work set forth in the Scope of Services. 3. Funding. a. The County agrees to appropriate for the provision of services described in Exhibit A, the Community Climate Action Grant Program Application, Exhibit b, the Revised Scope of Services and more particularly described in the Revised Program Budget, the maximum sum of $ 38,000. b. All funds appropriated shall be used for purposes described in Exhibit A. Any funds not used for the purposes stated shall be returned to the County. Any changes in the use of funds must be authorized in writing by the County prior to any expenditure of the funds by the Provider. If the funds are expended not in accordance with the Scope of Services, at the discretion of the County the Provider may be required to repay the funds to the County. c. The Provider shall be paid in installments in the amount of see Exhibit C. The first payment is contingent upon receipt of the agency’s performance agreement; the remaining payments are contingent upon receipt of the request for reimbursement and related supporting documentation. If the project described in Exhibit A requires funds to be provided on a different or more accelerated schedule, the Provider may request an alternative payment schedule, which, if approved, will be attached to this agreement as Exhibit C, Alternative Payment Schedule. Should an alternative payment schedule be approved, the Provider will Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 2 of 10 Rev.04/23 still be required to submit quarterly Progress Reports for the duration of the Term of the Agreement. d. The County’s obligation to make the quarterly payments is contingent upon receipt of Progress Reports, which show satisfactory progress toward completion of performance measures and an accounting of expenditures as detailed in the attached Exhibits B and C. e. Once Provider has satisfied its obligations as provided in (d) payment will be made 21 days after receipt of the Progress Report and Request for Reimbursement or 21 days after due date of Progress Report whichever is later. f. The County is not obligated to provide any other support to Provider in this or in succeeding fiscal years. 4. Agency Reporting. a. Provider will provide Orange County a Progress Report that includes a fiscal report and updates on performance measures as outlined in the Scope of Services. Progress Report dates are: January 1-March 31, April 1- June 30, July 1- September 30, October 1-December 31. Reports are due on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 15 of the program fiscal year. b. Provider agrees to allow the County to inspect its financial books and records, which document costs of those services, upon reasonable notice during normal working hours. 5. Termination. a. Termination for Cause. In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below (hereinafter referred to as “default”), the County may immediately terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part, and from time to time. Notice of termination must be in writing, state the reason or reasons for the termination, and specify the effective date of the termination: i. In the event that Provider shall cease to exist as an organization or shall enter bankruptcy proceedings, be declared insolvent, or liquidate all or substantially all of its assets, or significantly reduce its services or accessibility to Orange County residents during the term of this Agreement; or ii. In the event that Provider shall fail to render a satisfactory accounting as provided section 4 above, the County may terminate this Agreement and Provider shall return all payments already made to it by the County for services which have not been provided or for which no satisfactory accounting has been rendered; or iii. In the event of any fraudulent representation by the Provider in an invoice or other verification required to obtain payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on a material matter relating to the performance of services under this Agreement. iv. Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to satisfactorily perform any part of the work identified in the Scope of Services or to comply with any provision of this Agreement, as determined by the County in its sole discretion. v. Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws, regulations, or stated public policy. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 3 of 10 Rev.04/23 b. In the event of default by the Provider, the county may elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require the Provider to repay the funds within ten (10) business days from written notice of default. The County may (but shall not be required to) grant the Provider an opportunity to cure the default without termination of this Agreement. This clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County’s remedies in law or in equity. c. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate the agreement at any time without penalty; provided that written notice of such termination is furnished to the other party at least 30 days prior to termination. In the event of such termination, any payment due shall be prorated to the date of termination and any unused funds shall be returned to the County within 10 days of termination. d. Any termination of this Agreement for default under this section that is later deemed to be unjustified shall be deemed a termination for convenience. e. Waiver. The payment of any sums by the County under this Agreement or the failure of the County to require compliance by the Provider with any provisions of this Agreement or the waiver by the County of any breach of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any claim for damages by the County for any breach of this Agreement or a waiver of any other required compliance with this Agreement. 6. Responsibilities of the County. Cooperation and Coordination. The County has designated (Amy Eckberg) to act as the County's representative with respect to the Project who shall have the authority to render decisions within guidelines established by the County Manager or the County Board of Commissioners and who shall be available during working hours as often as may be reasonably required to render decisions and to furnish information. 7. Insurance. a. General Requirements. The Provider shall purchase and maintain, during the period of performance of this Agreement, insurance: i. Worker’s Compensation. For protection from claims under workers' or workmen's compensation acts; ii. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance covering claims arising out of or relating to bodily injury, including bodily injury, sickness, disease or death of any of the Consultant's employees or any other person and to real and personal property including loss of use resulting thereof; iii. Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance, including hired and non-owned vehicles, if any, covering personal injury or death, and property damage; and iv. Professional Liability Insurance, covering personal injury, bodily injury and property damage and claims arising out of or related to the performance under this Agreement by the Consultant or his agents, consultants and employees. v. Sexual Misconduct. Sexual Abuse/Molestation Insurance is required when Provider works directly one-on-one with children, elderly or other at-risk populations. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 4 of 10 Rev.04/23 b. Limits of Coverage: Minimum limits of insurance coverage shall be as follows: INSURANCE DESCRIPTION MINIMUM REQUIRED COVERAGE • Worker's Compensation Limits for Coverage A - Statutory State NC & Coverage B - Employers Liability $500,000 each accident, disease policy limit and disease each employee • Commercial General $1,000,000 Each Occurrence Liability $2,000,000 Aggregate • Automobile Liability $500,000 Combined Single Limit • Professional Liability $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $2,000,000 Aggregate • Sexual Misconduct $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $2,000,000 Aggregate c. All insurance policies (with the exception of Worker's Compensation and Professional Liability) required under this Agreement shall name the County as an additional insured party and as a certificate holder. For more information see the Orange County Risk Transfer Policy and Orange County Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements, (each document is incorporated herein by reference and may be viewed at http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php.) Evidence of such insurance and all correspondence shall be sent to: Orange County Risk Manager Post Office Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 d. Nothing in this section is intended to affect or abrogate the County’s sovereign immunity defenses. 8. General Provisions. a. Governing Law. This Agreement and the duties, responsibilities, obligations and rights of respective parties hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. By executing this Agreement Provider affirms that Provider and any subcontractors of Provider are and shall remain in compliance with Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. By executing this Agreement Provider certifies that Provider has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.58. By executing this Agreement Provider certifies that Provider has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.81. b. Non-Discrimination. Provider agrees as part of consideration of the granting of funds by Orange County the parties hereto for themselves, their agents, officials, employees and servants agree not to discriminate in any manner of these basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, familial status or veterans status with reference to any activities carried out by the grantee, no matter how remote. The parties hereto further agree in all respects to conform to the provision and intent of Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, as amended and the Orange County Non-discrimination Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference and can be viewed at http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php. The Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 5 of 10 Rev.04/23 County may enforce this provision by an action for specific performance, injunctive relief, or other remedy as by law provided; this provision shall be binding on the grantees, the successors and assigns of the parties hereto with reference to the above subject manner. c. Dispute Resolution. Any and all suits or actions to enforce, interpret or seek damages with respect to any provision of, or the performance or non-performance of, this Agreement shall be brought in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina sitting in Orange County, North Carolina. It is agreed by the parties that no other court shall have jurisdiction or venue with respect to such suits or actions. Binding arbitration may not be initiated by either Party, however, the Parties may agree to nonbinding mediation of any dispute prior to the bringing of such suit or action. d. Living Wage. Orange County is committed to providing its employees with a living wage and encourages agencies if funds to pursue the same goal. The Orange County Living Wage Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference, can be viewed at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php. The County’s living wage is $22.60 per hour. To the extent possible, Orange County recommends that Provider provide a living wage to its employees. e. Relationship of the Parties. Provider is an independent contractor of the County. Provider represents that they have or will secure, at his own expense, all personnel required in performing the services under this Agreement. Such personnel shall not be employees or have any contractual relationship with the County. All personnel engaged in work under this Agreement shall be fully qualified and shall be authorized and permitted under federal, state and local law to perform such services. f. Compliance with all Laws. The Provider, at its sole expense, shall comply with all laws, ordinances, orders and regulations of the federal, state or local governments, as well as their respective departments, commissions, boards, and officers, which are in effect at the time of execution of this Agreement or are adopted at any time following execution of this agreement. g. Subcontract. The County and Provider deem the services provided under this Agreement to be personal in nature and Provider may not subcontract any rights or duties under this Agreement to any other party without prior written consent from the County. h. Assignment. The Provider shall not assign this Agreement, including the rights to payment, to any other party without the prior written consent of the County. i. Indemnification. Provider agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County, for all loss, liability, claims or expense (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from bodily injury, including death or property damage, to any person or persons caused in whole or in part by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Provider, except to the extent same are caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the County. It is the intent of this section to require Provider to indemnify the County to the extent permitted under North Carolina law. Nothing in this section is intended to affect or abrogate the County’s sovereign immunity defenses. j. Non-Appropriation. This Agreement is subject to the availability of funds to purchase the specified services and may be terminated at any time if such funds become unavailable. k. Severability. All clauses found herein shall act independently of each other. If a clause is found to be illegal or unenforceable, it shall have no effect on the other provisions of this Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 6 of 10 Rev.04/23 Agreement. It is understood by the parties hereto that if any part, term or provision of this Agreement is by the Courts held to be illegal or in conflict with any laws of the State of North Carolina or the United States, the validity of the remaining portions or provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be invalid. l. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire and integrated agreement between the County and the Provider and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument signed by both parties. Modifications may be evidenced by facsimile signatures. m. Notices. Any notice required by this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested to the following: Orange County Provider’s Name Urban Sustainability Solutions Attention: Amy Eckberg Attention: Michael Dupree P.O. Box 8181 Address: 1433 Major Hill Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 Snow Camp, NC 27349 Email:aeckberg@orangecountync.gov Email: mdupree@urbanss.org n. Signatures. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the intent of the Parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina General Statute Chapter 66. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Provider have signed this Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the dates set forth under signatures below. For and on behalf of the Provider _____________________________ _______________________ , Date For and on behalf of Orange County Government _______________________________ ________________________ Travis Myren, County Manager Date Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE 2/26/2026 3/2/2026 Climate Action Grant Program Page 7 of 10 Rev.04/23 ORANGE COUNTY—INTERNAL USE ONLY ______________________________________________________________________________ Finance Information Vendor Name: Urban Sustainability Solutions Vendor Contact Person: Michael Dupree Phone: 336-266-4841 Address: 1433 Major Hill Road City Snow Camp State: NC Zip: 27349 Department: County Manager Amount: $ 38,000 Purpose: High School Riparian Buffers Budget Code(s): 61210335-803103-30052 Vendor # 38384 Vendor Status with NCSOS: Vendor is a BOCC consultant: Yes No Contract Details Contract Type: New Amendment (Original Contract: ) (Most Recent Amendment ) Effective Date February 25,2026 End Date February 25, 2028 Notice Date (Notice Purpose ) Award Approved by Board (Agenda Date: January 20, 2026); Made or Administered by Signature Authority - BOCC Express Delegation (Agenda Date: ) - Policy 9.4: Under $5,000; Service Under $90,000; Construction Under $250,000 - Budget Policy Section XV (Capital Improvement Project: ) Bidding Informal Bidding ($30k-$90k); Formal RFP ($90k+); Other (<$30k); Exception(# ) Department Affirmation This agreement is approved as to technical form and content and I as Department Director affirmatively state work on this project has not been initiated prior to execution of the agreement. Services related to this agreement have already begun or been completed. Description of the nature of the emergency condition that was addressed: Department Director’s Signature ________________________________________ Date: ________ Information Technologies This agreement has been reviewed and is approved as to information technology content and specifications: Office of the Chief Information Officer___________________________________ Date: ________ Inapplicable because no hardware/software purchases or related services Risk Management This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements: Office of the Risk Management Officer___________________________________ Date: _________ Financial Services This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act: Office of the Chief Financial Officer ____________________________________ Date: _________ Legal Services This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency: Office of the County Attorney __________________________________________Date: ________ Clerk to the Board All Docusign contracts must be copied to the Clerk upon completion: occlerkdocs@orangecountync.gov The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts: Received for record retention: Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE 2/26/2026 3/2/2026 3/2/2026 3/2/2026 Climate Action Grant Program Page 8 of 10 Rev.04/23 Office of the Clerk to the Board __________________________________________Date:_________ Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 9 of 10 Rev.04/23 Exhibit A Community Climate Action Grant Application Board of Orange County Commissioners Agenda 1-20-26 Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 10 of 10 Rev.04/23 Exhibit B Provider’s Revised Scope of Services and Program Budget N/A Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 11 of 10 Rev.04/23 Exhibit C Quarter 1 Deliverables: Identify Low Income Households for Practice Installation in the NC DEQ Underserved Communities. Recruit Teachers Quarter 2 Payment by July 15,2026 Total Request $19,000 Quarter 2 Deliverables: After school apprenticeships (5 teachers & 50 students) Payment to teachers $4,000; students $11,000; supplies for installations $4,000. Quarter 3 Payment by September 15,2026 Total Request $ 19,000 After school apprenticeships (5 teachers & 50 students) Payment to teachers $4,000; students $11,000; supplies for installations $4,000. Quarter 4 Deliverables: Administration funds from Orange County and submission of final report. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Climate Action Grant Program Page 12 of 10 Rev.04/23 ATTACHMENT “A” Orange County Certifications – FY 2025-2026 Chief Contact, Administrators, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer I certify that I have provided a list of the chief contact, administrators, chief executive officer and chief financial officer for my agency with this Agreement and that I will keep it current to the County of Orange. The list should be in writing with the name, title, residential address; phone and email address and if possible, fax number. Officers and Board of Directors I certify that I have provided a current list of the Officers and Board of Directors with this Agreement and that we will continue to update the list as changes occur. The list should be in writing, with the name, physical address, mailing address and if possible, phone, fax and email address. Budget Submission I certify that I have provided a budget for the period to be covered by funding Orange County, and that any substantive changes made to this budget have been in advance authorized in writing by Orange County. Annual Financial Review I certify that I have provided a copy of the latest annual Financial Review for our agency and the budget adopted by the agency for the fiscal years encompassing this Agreement. If not, please explain on a separate sheet of paper. Alignment with Organization’s Mission I certify that the programs and services for which this funding is requested align with the mission of the organization. Intended Purpose I certify that the funds provided to the agency under the terms of this Agreement will be used for a public purpose and shall only be used for the purposes intended and any money not used for those purposes will be promptly returned to Orange County. Certified by: _______________________ Title: __________________________ Date: ___________ (Provider’s Signature) Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE 2/26/2026Chair Orange County Sustainability Powered by Submittable Title High-School Students Installi ng Ripari an Buffers by Melissa Rooney in 2026 Orange County Community Climate Action Grant Application grants@urbanss.org 08/14/2025 id. 51359349 Post Award - Active Vendor Score n/a Original Submission 08/21/2025 Score n/a Table of Contents: Section A. Applicant Organization’s Contact Information Section B. Collaborators and Partners Section C. Project Information Section D. Scored Criteria You can invite additional people to complete this form as a collaborator. Follow this link for additional information * The owner of this application (the person who started it and added the collaborators) is the only person who is able to submit. Once submitted, ownership is able to be transferred to another person. Click on Invite Collaborators. A Dialog box will appear, asking you to enter the email addresses of your collaborators. Enter those addresses, then click Invite. Invited collaborators will receive an email, letting them know you've invited them to collaborate on a draft submission using Submittable. In order to communicate with collaborators through the Submittable platform, all invitees must accept the invite BEFORE the owner of the submission (that's you!) hits Submit. After you've sent invitations to collaborate, you can click on the Invite Collaborators link again anytime to see the status of your invitations. In the row for each invitee who has not yet accepted their invitation, you will see a Pending indication. There will also be a trash can next to each person’s name so that the Submission Owner can remove anyone that they no longer want to collaborate on the submission. Section A. Applicant Organization’s Information A1. Organization’s Legal Name Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. A2. Physical Address 1433 Major Hill Rd Snow Camp North Carolina 27349-9319 US 35.8796408 -79.384359 A3. Is your mailing address different than your physical address? No A4. W eb Address (if applicable) www.urbanss.org A5. Preferred Phone Number +13362664841 A6. E-Mail mdupree@urbanss.org A7. Tax ID Number 88-3142713 A8. W here did you hear about this grant opportunity? Other A8a. Please describe how you heard about this grant opportunity. Via Mike Dupree, with whom the Town of Carrboro has previously contracted to help implement its stormwater best management practices. A9. Have you applied to this grant opportunity before? Yes A9a. Did you receive funding when you previously applied? Yes Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and Non- Discrimination Clause Are any of the Board Members or employees of the organization which will be carrying out this project or their named project collaborators/partners or members of their immediate families, or their business associates: A10. Select any of the following that apply: e. Not applicable / NA Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE A11. NON-DISCRIMINATION Provider agrees as part of consideration of the granting of funds by funding agencies to the parties hereto for themselves, their agents, officials, employees and servants agree not to discriminate in any manner on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, familial status or veterans status with reference to any activities carried out by the grantee, no matter how remote. The parties hereto further agree in all respects to conform to the provision and intent of Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, as amended and the Orange County Anti- discrimination Policy. This provision is enforced by action for specific performance, injunctive rel ef, or other remedy as by law provided; this provision shall be binding on the grantees, the successors and assigns of the parties hereto with reference to the above subject manner. To the best of my knowledge and belief all of the above information is true and current. I acknowledge and understand that the existence of a potential conflict of interest does not necessarily make the program ineligible for funding, but the existence of an undisclosed conflict may result in the termination of any grant awarded. checked A12. Primary Contact Name Melissa Rooney A13. Primary Contact Title USS Grants Management Specialist A14. Primary Contact Preferred Phone Number +19196999881 A15. Primary Contact Email Address grants@urbanss.org A16. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Michael Dupree A17. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Title Board Chairman, Urban Sustainability Solutions (USS) A18. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Preferred Phone Number +13362664841 A19. Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director Email Address mdupree@urbanss.org A20. Date of Incorporation (Month/Year): 08/2022 A21. Applicant Organization’s Purpose/Mission: (100 word limit) USS's mission is to provide an urban ecosystem services program that 1) educates and trains youth about important environmental issues and 2) improves soil, water, and air quality via instituting Multifunctional Green Infrastructure Practices (https://www.urbanss.org/about). We involve local youth and teachers in local, state, and federally funded sustainability projects that improve air and water quality for low-income households. A22. Living Wage: Does this organization pay employees a minimum living wage* (A living wage is $17.65/hr or $16.15/hr with employer provided health insurance.)? Yes A23. Is this organization an Orange County Living Wage Certified Employer*? No A23a. If no, please explain why your organization is not an Orange County Living Wage Certified Employer? (100 word limit) W e have only 3 employees, all part time. All officer and board time is donated. Schedule of Positions: A24. Number of Full-Time Paid Positions: 0 A25. Number of Part-Time Paid Positions: 3 A26. Number of Volunteers:8 Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Section B. Collaborators and Partners In some projects, collaborators and partners provide essential capacity and connections. If collaborators or partners are an essential part of your project, whether or not they are receiving grant funds, please use this section to provide more details. If you are not working with collaborators or partners, please feel free to write N/A in this section and move to the Project Information section. B1. Are you working with any collaborators or partners on this project? Yes B1a. Collaborator Organization’s Legal Name Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation B1b. Date of Incorporation (Month/Year) 2007 B1c. Collaborator organization’s Purpose/Mission (100 word limit) “Burt’s Bees Foundation supports honeybee health and biodiversity and initiatives that protect Nature and reconnect people to it.” To date this year, Burt’s Bees has provided $30,000 to USS for training and installations in the Triangle. B1d. Living Wage: Does this organization pay employees a minimum living wage* (A living wage is $17.65/hr or $16.15/hr with employer provided health insurance)? Yes B1e. Is this organization an Orange County Living Wage Certified Employer*? No If no, please explain why the organization is not an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer? (100 word limit) The Burt’s Bees Foundation's (BBF) headquarters is located at 211 W Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701. (All teachers that BBF funds via USS are in Orange County.) Schedule of Positions: B1f. Number of Full-Time Paid Positions: 450 B1g. Number of Part-Time Paid Positions: 50 B1h. Number of Volunteers:500 B2. Do you have another collaborator or partner to add? Yes B2a. Collaborator Organization’s Legal Name North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) and EPA B2b. Date of Incorporation (Month/Year) 12/1970 B2c. Collaborator Organization’s Purpose/Mission (100 word limit) The EPA’s mission, via the NC DEQ, is to protect human health and the environment. Nearly half of the EPA’s budget goes into grants to state environmental programs, non-profits, educational institutions, and others. B2d. Living Wage: Does this organization pay employees a minimum living wage* (A living wage is $17.65/hr or $16.15/hr with employer provided health insurance)? No B2e. Is this organization an Orange County Living Wage Certified Employer*? No If no, please explain why the organization is not an Orange County Living W age Certified Employer? (100 word limit) This is a federal (and state) organization. Schedule of Positions: B2f. Number of Full-Time Paid Positions: 14500 B2g. Number of Part-Time Paid Positions: 275 B2h. Number of Volunteers:500 Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Section C. Project Information C1a. Project Name (This will be used as the name of your submission; please keep your project name to less than 5 words. Examples: Tree Planting, LED Lights, Rain Garden, Rooftop Solar) High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers C1b. Please describe the proposed project. (300 word limit) USS plans to train teachers and Orange County youth through afterschool and weekend programs in certified green infrastructure curricula. The program will conclude with the planting of tree seedlings and other native vegetation to restore riparian buffers, especially those damaged by tropical storm Chantal. The 2026-27 OCCCA funds that USS is seeking will cover stipends for teacher and student training and implementation. Their field work will include stream cleanup, restoring riparian buffers, and planting live tree stakes on stream banks to stabilize the soil. In addition to OCCCA funds, another $220,000 from outside sources will pay for installation materials, equipment and contractor services. In 2024 and 2025, using OCCCA, EPA, and other funding, USS trained 23 Orange County teachers and 117 students to install 39 best stormwater management practices on 14 properties of landowners and greenspaces in the Bolin Creek W atershed. In 2026-27, USS will broaden its work to lower Bolin Creek and Chapel Hill, where most flooding from tropical storm Chantal occurred, as well as the upper section of Bolin Creek. USS has secured 319 NPS funding to install these additional practices along Bolin Creek. C1c. Please describe your project’s benefits, including those that are quantifiable. (150 word limit) Providing urgently needed vegetation restoration to low-lying areas in Orange County damaged by tropical storm Chantal, including 1100 native tree seedlings per acre, which will: 1) Hold the soil in place and minimize similar damage from big storm events likely to occur in the future, and therefore: 2) Reduce erosion on properties located downstream, where low-income residents have historically lived; 3) Prevent sediment buildup and pollution in Bolin Creek, which is deemed federally impaired in not meeting water quality standards; 4) Naturally filter E. coli, nitrogen, phosphorous and other pollutants from the stormwater before it enters Bolin Creek, rendering the waterway safe for wildlife, recreation, and fishing; 5) Increase plant and wildlife biodiversity in the Bolin Creek W atershed, including native pollinators; 6) Improve carbon capture and reduce greenhouse gases; 7) Prevent further contamination of Jordan Lake, a drinking water source for Orange County and the Triangle. C1d. Please choose the best description for the type of project*: Nature-Based Solutions C1e. W hat is the main way that this project helps fight climate change? (select one): Other (Please describe) Please describe how this project helps fight climate change. (100 word limit) This project combats climate change through *carbon sequestration* provided by the trees and native vegetation planted. Perhaps more importantly, the trees and plants in the riparian buffers USS installs will boost the resilience of the entire Bolin Creek watershed against the increasing intensity of storm events that continue to erode this waterway, destroy carbon- sequestering trees, and pollute a major drinking source (Jordan Lake). C1f. Please select the jurisdiction(s) where your project is focused and briefly state how your project aligns with the relevant Climate Action Plans: Town of Carrboro/Town of Carrboro Community Climate Action Plan Town of Chapel Hill/Town of Chapel Hill Climate Action and Response Plan Orange County/Orange County Climate Action Plan Please name the action items from the Carrboro Climate Action Plan that best align with your proposed project. (200 word limit) “to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while raising the community’s awareness of and involvement in solutions to global climate change and a post-carbon energy future, adaptation to changes, and enhancement of ecosystem resilience.” Recommendations focus on themes like “community integration” and “ecosystem protection and restoration”, among others. Besides climate change mitigation, Carrboro's plan aims for results such as “financial savings, the creation of new jobs, improved air quality and public health, and healthier forests and streams.” Our program addresses all of these. Please name the action items from the Chapel Hill Climate Action Plan that best align with your proposed project. (200 word limit) 1) “Protect Water Quality, Natural and Agricultural Resources,” including: * “Public and Environmental Health: improved water quality;“ * “Racial Equity and Environmental Justice: reduced flooding risk from stormwater management;” * “Job Creation: jobs for environmental management” (teachers and students); * “Resilience to Climate Impacts: increased ecosystem and habitat resilience; and reduced flooding risk;” * “Regional Partnerships: potential for regional conservation efforts.” (USS currently works in both Orange County and the City of Raleigh, with plans to expand to other municipalities/counties as human and financial resources increase.) 2) “Enhance Green Infrastructure” 3) “Expand Climate Action Education, Outreach, and Awareness” 4) “Grow Partnerships, Funding and Incentives” 5) “Broaden Community-wide Resilience and Recovery Actions” Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Please name the action items from the Orange County Climate Action Plan that best align with your proposed project. (200 word limit) Two of Orange County's top priorities are: 1) “Providing for the safety and welfare of all Orange County residents,” and 2) “Long-range planning for county needs (capital investment plan).” Our program serves both. In particular, USS's program addresses the County’s goals to: 1) “Implement planning and economic development policies which create a balanced, dynamic local economy, and which promote diversity, sustainable growth, and enhanced revenue while embracing community values; " 2) “Create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that includes clean water, clean air, wildlife, important natural lands, and sustainable energy for present and future generations"; and 3) “Ensure a high quality of life and lifelong learning that champions diversity, education at all levels, libraries, parks, recreation, and animal welfare.” C2. Do you have another project to add? No Funding Request Summary Please list all proposed projects (please list project name only) for which you are requesting Community Climate Action Grant funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Make sure to include a brief description of the proposed use of funds. Applicants will be asked to provide more details on their proposed project budget in the Budget Worksheets linked template. C3. Total Funding Request 52000 C4. Describe your proposed use of funds. (150 word limit) Building on work from our 2023-2025 OCCCA and EPA grants, USS will use public high-school teachers currently in the program to train and certify more Orange County teachers and students in the certified green infrastructure curriculum through afterschool training programs. These programs include the installation of native trees and other plants in riparian buffers along Bolin Creek, especially in areas damaged by tropical storm Chantal. Of the OCCCA funds USS is requesting, $38,000 will go toward stipends for teachers and students for their time and effort, while $14,000 will cover USS’s costs for applying for, implementing, and reporting over $220,000 (committed) in outside grant funding for riparian buffer installations. These funds also support community meetings and obtaining contractors and landowner agreements needed for installations; recruiting and scheduling teachers and students; and supervising afterschool instruction and two workdays/training where teachers and students will install trees and other vegetation in riparian buffers. C5. If a full award for your project is not possible, can/will you accept partial funding and still be successful? Yes Please explain how your project can still be successful if you don't receive the full requested amount. (200 word limit) The amount of funding we receive will determine the number of stipends we can give to students and teachers and, consequently, how many teachers and students USS can train during this grant cycle. The less money we get, the fewer teachers and students we will train. Section D. Scored Criteria Criterion 1 - Social Justice and Racial Equity This criterion has a maximum score of 6 points (out of a total of 26 points). D1. Who will directly or indirectly benefit from your project? Please be as specific as possible on the characteristics of those who will benefit including, gender, race, age, income level and geographic location. (200 word limit) 1) Teachers who train additional Orange County teachers, maintain their skills while facilitating Triangle-wide collaboration to holistically tackle stormwater issues. USS trainers are in their thirties, earn public-school salaries (~$50,000/year); and teach at 97%- minority and 100%-economically disadvantaged Southern High School and 79%-minority and 41%- economically disadvantaged Northern High School. 2) Trained Orange County public-school teachers (earning ~$50,000/year). Because teacher recruitment begins after funding is secured, we cannot supply specific demographics presently. 3) Trained Orange County students. USS targets non-academic/core teachers and students who do not plan to attend college, over 60% of whom are Black or Hispanic by national statistics (https://hechingerreport.org/how-career-and- technical-education-shuts-out-black-and-latino-students-from-high-paying-professions/; see also https://www.apmreports.org/episode/2014/09/09/the-troubled-history-of-vocational-education), and the majority of whom come from low-income families (https://www.jstor.org/stable/1085026). 4) Low(er)-income residents in low-lying areas of Bolin-Creek, of which ~19.4% are estimated to be black, ~19.1% Hispanic, and ~10.3% Asian, based on state-wide statistics (https://ncbudget.org/new-census-poverty-data-1-3-million- living-in-poverty-in-nc/),. 5) All who live within the Bolin Creek and Jordan Lake watersheds. Orange County’s population is 12% Black; 8% Hispanic; 9% Asian; 69% White; 52% Female; 12% in Poverty (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/orangecountynorthcarolina/PST045222). The median age is 35.1 years. D2. What are the demographics of the area where your project takes place? (150 word limit) Most of the population along the lower Bolin Creek, where USS will be installing riparian buffers, is low-income: https://bestneighborhood.org/household-income-chapel-hill-nc/ (see attached map). In fact, this area has one of the highest densities of low-income households in Orange County. The area along upper and middle Bolin Creek, also targeted for riparian buffers by USS, is among the most diverse in Orange County: https://bestneighborhood.org/race-in-carrboro-nc/ (see attached map). The overall population of Carrboro is 68.9% White, 13.2% Black, 7.5% Hispanic and 6.4% Asian. Chapel Hill’s overall demographics are 63.8% W hite, 13.1% Asian, and 10.8% Black. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE D3. Does your project help to address any racial disparities in the location it is proposed for? (200 word limit) According to the rules of this grant application, we affirm that the specific communities served are the most disadvantaged in Orange County (see attached Orange County equity maps from https://bestneighborhood.org), and that our stormwater control interventions will have the greatest immediate and long-term impact on these areas and the wider surrounding regions. USS’s repair and installation of riparian buffers along Bolin Creek will benefit all Orange County residents affected by tropical storm Chantal and similar future storm events, regardless of race, ethnicity, or financial circumstances. D4. Please list any data sources used in reference to D1, D2, and D3 and show the steps of any calculations. (300 word limit) Area Income: https://bestneighborhood.org/household-income-chapel-hill-nc/ Area Race and Diversity: https://bestneighborhood.org/race-in-carrboro-nc/ Area Demographics: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/orangecountynorthcarolina/PST045222 In cases where Orange County demographics could not be obtained, NC census data was utilized: https://ncbudget.org/new-census-poverty-data-1-3-million-living-in-poverty-in-nc/. Student Demographics are based on national data pertaining to public vocational education: https://www.apmreports.org/episode/2014/09/09/the-troubled-history-of-vocational-education, and https://hechingerreport.org/how-career-and-technical-education-shuts-out-black-and-latino-students-from-high-paying- professions/. D4a. Optional file upload to show the steps of any calculations. Equity_Maps.pdf D5. Please describe any ways in which low-income or marginalized communities/households were engaged in the creation of this project proposal. (150 word limit) USS continues to improve and expand, using past experiences and feedback from participants in our trainings and installations in the Triangle— most recently Braggtown community members in Durham, the Weaver Community in Carrboro, and Millbrook Highschool in Raleigh, all low(er)-income areas. Since 2023, USS has partnered with the Carrboro Stormwater Manager of Public Works, which has helped USS with education, outreach, and contracting with underserved property owners in Bolin Creek. Raleigh’s Stormwater Engineering Services also assists USS in connecting with low- income and marginalized communities that need green infrastructure services. USS holds regular community meetings, inviting residents requiring our services and people with backgrounds in education, government municipalities, conservation and more, to seek their participation. Our last Orange County community meeting was in February 2025: https://www.urbanss.org/news/esxkwtr8o3o38qoryzi5qwiqywfebr. USS also holds project dedication events, like this one at Carrboro’s Weaver Community last year: https://www.urbanss.org/news/attention-weaver- community-open-house. D6. Please describe any potential negative side effects of the project and describe the steps you are taking/will take to eliminate or minimize these impacts to any low-income or marginalized communities/households. (200 word limit) The only potential negative side effect we foresee is a lack of long-term maintenance for the green stormwater infrastructure installed by USS teachers and students. To ensure ongoing upkeep, our contract requires property owners to commit to maintaining installations on their properties for 5 years. USS will continue to seek funding to pay USS teachers and their students to perform site checks and provide maintenance services (such as weeding and replanting), which will reduce homeowner maintenance costs. D7. Are the impacted residents already aware of the potential positive and negative impacts of your project and the steps you are taking? If not, please describe your plan to engage with them and how you will act based on their input. (200 word limit) Yes. Teachers and students enrolled in the after-school program funded by OCCCA also participate in selecting and reaching out to the most effective installation sites in their underserved communities. USS staff will continue to contact neighborhood associations and/or churches and, if needed, will personally visit prospective property owners to educate them about USS’s stormwater management installations and their benefits. Our organization’s website features detailed documentation of our most recent projects, including before and after pictures: https://www.urbanss.org/portfolio. Especially view the Weaver Community project at https://www.urbanss.org/portfolio/weaver. USS follow-up will help ensure the properties are maintained. D8. During and after the project, what will your continued engagement with the impacted community be? (200 word limit) To ensure long-term maintenance, our contract requires property owners to commit to maintaining their BMPs for 5 years. To support this, USS will continue to seek and secure funding to pay USS teachers and their afterschool and summer students to perform site checks and provide Green Infrastructure maintenance services every one to two years for USS installations on low-income properties. Our goal is to leverage community funding to offer Green Infrastructure Apprenticeships to our youth, through which they assist property owners with maintenance, enabling USS’s ongoing and long-term in-person engagement with these residents and their communities. D9. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to Social Justice, Environmental Justice and Racial Equity. (200 word limit) Although USS’s installations sequester carbon and reduce CO2 emissions, as well as sedimentation, erosion and waterway pollution in real time, their greatest benefit is the valuable, practical, job-ready skills they give to participating teachers and students. These individuals naturally go on to educate others and expand the public’s understanding and use of sustainable stormwater management practices. USS’s trainings prepare Orange County high-school students for careers in green infrastructure after graduation, helping to increase the limited number of qualified workers in these fields within the Triangle. Besides their environmental advantages, USS’s installations also improve neighborhood aesthetics by featuring native and flowering plants. Historically, these plants have been associated mainly with wealthier, often white neighborhoods and homeowners’ associations. Additionally, these plants support songbirds, bees, and other pollinators, further contributing to environmental stewardship. Criterion 2 - Emissions Reduced This criterion has a maximum score of 4 points (out of a total of 26 points). Please see the Grant Project website for estimation tools and the Background and Information document for information about technical assistance. Applicants are encouraged to ask for clarification and technical assistance as early as possible and no later than the posted deadline for questions. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE D10a. Does your project save on electricity (solar projects should say "yes" to this)? No D10b. Does your project save on gasoline? No D10c. Does your project save on natural gas? No D10d. Does your project save on food waste? No D10e. Is your project nature- based? (For example, community gardens, tree plantings, soil health practices, and prairie restoration projects) Yes If you have a nature-based project, these tools can help you calculate greenhouse gas emission reductions: COMET- Planner Website (http://comet-planner.com) Best for: Soil health, forest restoration, grasslands, conservation practices. Select state and land management practice - Get GHG reduction estimates per acre - User-friendly | - USDA-backed | - No login required i-Tree Tools W ebsite (https://www.itreetools.org) Best for: Tree planting, urban forestry, community canopy projects. Note: Requires tree species and location W ant help estimating your project’s emissions reductions? Orange County staff can assist! Email: sustainability@orangecountync.gov for support. How does your nature-based project reduce greenhouse gas emissions and what metrics can you share that help quantify this impact? (Example metrics are the number of acres restored and the number of trees planted) USS plans to install 15-20 acres of tree saplings (1100 per acre) throughout this project, which (based on the Comet- Planner Website and Calculation tool) corresponds to 153 tonnes CO2 equivalent per year. Especially given the maintenance required by our landowner contracts, these trees should live for at least 50 years (see below), such that the *minimal* total amount of CO2 that will be captured/sequestered as a result of this project is 7,650 tonnes. D10f. Does your project reduce emissions in some way other than what was listed above? Yes How does your project reduce greenhouse gas emissions and what metrics can you share to support this number? (An example metric is acres of land) By preventing further erosion of Bolin Creek’s banks, these riparian buffers reduce sedimentation and pollution in the Bolin Creek waterway and ultimately Jordan Lake, which lowers the energy consumption (and related emissions) needed to make this water safe and suitable for drinking. In addition, as they mature, the trees we plant in these riparian buffers stabilize the soil, thereby prevent trees that might otherwise fall and require removal by equipment powered by gasoline and electricity. D11. How many TOTAL metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions will your project reduce or avoid OVER THE LIFETIME of the project? [Please use the number(s) calculated above (row 4 of tables), or provide your own estimate if those figures were insufficient or if you have additional measures to include.] 7650 D12. W ere any additional calculations required in coming up with the number entered above (this includes adding two or more numbers together)? Yes Please list any data sources used and show the steps of your calculations. Feel free to submit in a separate document if clearly labeled. (500 word limit) W e used the number we got from the Comet-Planner website, which is per year and multiplied it by the lower-end lifetime of the project (which is 50 years), giving us 7650 total tonnes of CO2 sequestered throughout the lifetime of our riparian buffer installations. Option file upload to show additional calculations. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE D13a. How many YEARS will this emissions reduction take place as a result of your project? Please consider the expected lifetime of the technology/program/impact, etc. Note: Solar installations should enter 25 years as the project lifetime. 50 D13b. Please explain how you came up with the number of years in the previous question and add any other relevant information. Please list any sources used. (200 word limit) The lifespans of streambank trees in North Carolina vary greatly depending on the species, ranging from a few decades to several hundred years. For example, some oak species live between 150-300 years. Loblolly pines, a common species, can live 200 to 300 years under ideal conditions, but may survive less than 100 years if the soil is poor or pests are present. Red Maples live for 80-100 years, and sweetgums and river birches live from 50-100 years. Willows usually live 30-60 years. Bald cypresses, oaks and sycamores can live for centuries. Because USS will use a variety of native North Carolina streambank trees to promote biological diversity, we selected 50 years, which is the shortest lifespan among the native trees that will be planted in USS’s riparian buffer projects. D14. Please describe the location of the emissions reduction. Where would fossil fuels have been burned if not for your project? For projects that reduce electricity usage or that generate solar energy, feel free to state “grid-tied electricity reduction” if you cannot determine the location of emissions produced from electric power generation. (200 word limit) This project does not directly reduce power consumption. However, by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, the trees planted in USS’s riparian buffer installations will help lower emissions from cars in the Bolin Creek Watershed in Orange County and from the UNC-Chapel Hill cogeneration facility, which is located on Cameron Avenue and still relies on coal. USS’s riparian buffers along Orange County’s Bolin Creek will also assist in repairing damage caused by the UNC- Chapel Hill power plant, which was once a coal ash disposal site and is now undergoing cleanup due to contaminated coal ash affecting Bolin Creek. D15. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to the amount of emissions that it will reduce or avoid. (250 word limit) W e expect many of the native trees planted in our riparian buffer installations to live well beyond 50 years, so the total emissions reduced by this project will likely double (or more) the numbers estimated for this grant application. In addition, by preventing fallen trees due to eroded stream banks, this project prevents the energy consumption required by equipment used to remove those dead trees and remediate any damage they cause. Criterion 3 - Efficient Use of Funds This criterion has a maximum score of 4 pts (out of a total of 26 pts). Please see the Grant Project website for further guidance and the Background and Information document for information about technical assistance. Applicants are encouraged to ask for clarification and technical assistance as early as possible and no later than the posted deadline for questions. D16. Is this a new project?Yes The table below is meant to support the calculations of your project's impact; however, it may not capture all aspects of a project. If the table is not able to capture the correct numbers for your project, please enter "N/A" in those specific fields and upload an additional document with this information. Project Impact (do not enter a $ in front of the numbers) Criterion 3 - Project Impact (New) (7).xlsx Optional file upload for project impact calculations. D17. Are there additional impacts? Yes Please describe the additional units of impact your project has. Yes. This project reduces flooding and erosion; provides natural filtration of stormwater that lowers federal and state nutrient reduction and management fees; supports biological diversity (plants and animals); and promotes safe recreation (such as swimming and wading) and fishing. D18. Please describe any avoided financial costs or savings related to the project and over what period of time those costs will be avoided/reduced. (250 word limit) By protecting the Bolin Creek streambank from erosion and naturally filtering stormwater before it enters Bolin Creek and the Jordan Lake watershed, the riparian buffers installed by USS will reduce Orange County’s costs to clean up Jordan Lake, including state and federal fees related to Jordan Lake Nutrient Strategy rules. This will also lower Orange County W ater Utilities expenses needed to treat Jordan Lake water for residents. Stabilizing the streambank prevents costs associated with cleaning up fallen trees and the damage that could occur from future heavy storms. Protecting the health of Bolin Creek and the Jordan Lake watershed also helps preserve recreational activities like fishing, swimming, tubing, and kayaking, which are affected by high water pollution. These cost savings will continue as long as the riparian buffers are in place, which USS estimates will be at least 50 years. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE D19. Does your project accelerate or expand on existing programs that already show positive impact? (150 word limit) Yes. USS’s program was piloted as BETC (Bionomic Education and Training Center) at Southern and Northern High Schools and Lowe’s Grove Middle School in Durham, utilizing Durham Public School (DPS) teachers and their students. BETC pays students and teachers to design and install stormwater control measures (SCMs) throughout Durham County and continues to prosper today: https://dconc.gov/Soil-and-Water/Environmental-Education/Student-Education/Bionomic- Education-Training-Center. USS Chairman Michael Dupree and former board member Linda Schmalbeck (then faculty at the NC School of Science and Math (NCSSM)) developed and implemented the stormwater curriculum at NCSSM. Subsequently, Dupree (while working for Durham County) partnered with DPS to incorporate the BETC program into its high- school curricula. Dupree also helped create Durham’s Impaired Stream Improvement (ISIP) program (https://dconc.gov/Soil- and-W ater1/Documents/Homeowners/DurhamISIP--brochure-2024.pdf ), employing Durham youth for Environmental Services provided to low-income people of color. From 2023-25, USS received and successfully implemented OCCCA funding to install SCMs on private properties along middle Bolin Creek in Carrboro. D20. Does your project take advantage of other funding sources? If yes, please describe. (150 word limit) Yes. As with our previous OCCCA projects, USS has secured $220K from the NC DE EPA (covering 60% of costs for BMP installations in the Bolin Creek watershed) and $30,000 from Burt’s Bees Foundation for teacher trainings and installations in Orange County. The Triangle Community Foundation, Raleigh Stormwater Services, and private donors have funded USS for installations in W ake County. Since the project for which we seek 2026-27 OCCCA funding is part of a larger sustainable stormwater management effort envisioned for the Triangle, the State of North Carolina, and beyond, our collaborative work in neighboring Durham, Wake and Orange counties is vital to maintaining the resilience of our shared Jordan Lake watershed and improving air and water quality for everyone. D21. W ould your proposed project help you to take advantage of funding from other sources besides this grant in the future? (250 word limit) Yes. USS’s partnership and past funding from OCCCA played a key role in our successful EPA 319 grant application (via NC DEQ) this year, which provides $220,000 over two years-- more than tripling the $52,000 we requested from OCCCA for this project. Our OCCCA funding also helped support our grant applications to Burt’s Bees and the Triangle Community Foundation, both of which succeeded. W e will continue to leverage our OCCCA funding to secure outside funding for our work in Orange County. D22. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to the efficient use of grant funds. (150 word limit) W e are a volunteer board and have additional volunteers who assist with our programs, enabling USS to keep our general administrative overhead costs low. Consequently, funding provided by OCCCA will go directly toward the realization of this project, including the costs of training and hiring Orange County teachers and students (stipends) and administering this project as outlined herein. Criterion 4 - Capacity of Applicant This criterion has a maximum score of 3 pts (out of a total of 26 pts). D23. Has your organization completed projects of this type in the past? Yes If so, what funds were used? (100 word limit) Most recently (over the last three years), we have been awarded and successfully implemented funding from the Burt’s Bees Foundation, the Triangle Community Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency and NC DEQ, the Orange County Community Climate Action program, and the City of Raleigh Stormwater Services to carry out the projects described in our answer to the question immediately below. For photo-documentation of our most recent completed projects, please see https://www.urbanss.org/news. D24. Have you completed similar projects in the past and successfully met the proposed budgets and timelines? Yes Please provide a description of similar past achievements or projects and evidence of successfully meeting proposed budgets and timetables. (150 word limit) In 2024, with $220,000 from the EPA and $69,156 from OCCCA, USS served 10 apartments in the affordable Weaver Community with cisterns, grass swales and a regenerative stream conveyance. The project included a dedication in June, 2024, attended by elected officials from Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Orange County, and NC (https://www.urbanss.org/news/attention-weaver-community-open-house). In the fall, 41 students from eight Orange County high schools completed installations on Pleasant Drive, Wild Oak Lane; and Amber Court (https://www.urbanss.org/news/ge7z2951ig9gszdeg07lg71owihqaz). USS participated in a Carrboro Native Planting Volunteer Workday in March 2024 (https://www.urbanss.org/news/urban- bolin-creek) and a live staking workshop in February 2025 (https://www.urbanss.org/news/uss-joins-friends-of-bolin-creek- for-a-live-staking-workshop). USS trained teachers across six schools in August 2024 (https://www.urbanss.org/news/august-2024-teacher-workshop); and held an Orange County Community meeting in February 2025 (https://www.urbanss.org/news/esxkwtr8o3o38qoryzi5qwiqywfebr). In Spring 2025, with additional $58,100 from OCCCA, USS teachers and 44 students planted native species in bioretention areas at Cedar Rock Apartments, another affordable co-op; the W eaver Community; and Forest Court (https://www.urbanss.org/news/uss-spring). Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE D25. If you are proposing to collaborate with other organizations on this project, please describe their relevant experience to the project and/or the target population. (150 word limit) In addition to USS funding from Burt’s Bees Foundation, Triangle Community Foundation, and the EPA, USS collaborates with the following contractors: 1) ) Jeanette O’Connor (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-o-connor-8b617251/), manager of Lands and Waters South (a sustainable landscape non-profit company in Carrboro (https://www.landsandwaterssouth.org/#:~:text=Lands%20and%20W aters%20South%20(located,with%20hands%2Don%20conservation%20projects), is USS's landscape contractor and oversees plantings by USS teachers and children. 2) Fernando Guzman, the Hispanic owner of Aguilar’s Lawn & Landscape company, is a site preparation contractor in Orange and Durham Counties (https://www.yelp.com/biz/aguilars-lawnand-landscape-durham) whom USS hires for site preparation. 3) Frank Brown, owner of CFB Contracting LLC, Selma, NC (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-brown-b3801210/), is a site- preparation contractor with over 10 years of experience in the Durham County pilot program, whom USS also hires. 4) Demetrius Thompson is the owner of Triangle Outdoor Living and Landscaping (https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrius- thompson-87a3a766/) in Durham, N.C., and is often hired by USS for project implementation. D26. Have your collaborators/partners completed projects of this type in the past? Yes If so, what funds were used? (100 word limit) For 2023-2025, USS implemented $220,000 from the NC DEQ/EPA, $30,000 from Burts Bees, and crucial matching funding from OCCCA to train and hire Orange County teachers and students to install small green stormwater infrastructure practices (rain gardens, cisterns, etc.) on residential properties in the Bolin Creek watershed. USS hired the above contractors to implement these installations, trained and employed Orange County teachers and students to assist, and successfully and effectively spent all of our 2023-25 funding toward this end. D27. Please describe any other relevant expertise or capacity to carry out the project in your application. (250 word limit) USS Chairman Mike Dupree has been developing & administering STEM curricula since 1992 and has been a licensed & bonded NC Landscape & Irrigation Contractor since 1989, servicing thousands of NC customers and teaching in secondary and post-secondary schools for >10 years. From 2010 to 2022, as Durham County’s Agribusiness & Environmental Services Manager, Dupree secured funding for, designed, and oversaw > 260 SCM installations for more than 200 landowners. USS Board member Kevin Boyer served ten years as Water Quality Manager for Raleigh Stormwater, overseeing surface water monitoring, compliance with stormwater regulations, and design and installation of stormwater control measures and stream restorations. He served for six years on NC W ater Resources Research Institute’s Advisory Committee; eight years as Raleigh’s voting member on the Stormwater Consortium; seven years administering stream restoration and stormwater water quality grant projects for NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund; and five years teaching high school environmental science, physics, and math. Project manager Alex Shanklin has worked in the landscaping industry in central North Carolina and as a farm maintenance and land manager in Kauai, Hawaii; an educator in Hongan-ji and BDK Hawaii; a Career and Technical Education teacher in Hawaii; and an English teacher in the public school system in Japan. Grants Manager Melissa Rooney served >10 years as Associate Supervisor with Durham County’s Soil and W ater Conservation District, and > 10 years conducting STEM- and sustainability-related workshops with the Durham Arts Council’s Creative Arts in the Public and Private Schools (CAPS) program. D28. Please describe any prior challenges you have encountered in past grants and how you have worked through them. How may this impact this proposed project? (150 word limit) W e have found it challenging to connect with Orange County administrators to implement our Green Infrastructure training program on high-school campuses as an after-school program. Although we have the support of several Orange County school board members and commissioners, only one Orange County school has hosted an after-school apprenticeship program. Because of this, we recruit and hire students and teachers from outside the school system and train them via online classes. After completing the Zoom training, students then participate in field and work days at installation sites. USS trained 44 students from 8 high schools and 2 middle schools this May. D29. Please describe one to three key partnerships/ collaborations that add the most value to the success of the proposed project. (250 word limit) 1. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal government organization whose interest in successfully supporting green infrastructure practices throughout NC and the United States is legally required: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change-water-sector/green-infrastructure-program. In addition to projects already completed using awarded EPA funding, multiple USS projects are planned for this Fall and next Spring. 2026-27 funding from the EPA will pay 60% of the costs for green infrastructure installations in the Bolin Creek W atershed. 2. The founder of Burt’s Bees Foundation, Matt Kopac, has supported USS’s pilot program in Durham throughout its existence; and Burt’s Bees Foundation was the first to provide funding to our organization. Since then, Burt’s Bees has doubled its funding and encouraged us to apply for more. Burt’s Bees Foundation funding will help cover organizational operating costs and train educators. 3. Funding from our 2023 OCCCA grant award was vital to completing USS’s signature projects in Orange County in 2024 and 2025. The 2025-26 OCCCA funding we are requesting will cover 1) student and teacher stipends, which fund the planting of trees and other native vegetation in the riparian buffers installed by USS in Orange County; and 2) direct costs for USS to carry out the project described here, including recruiting students, teachers, and landowners, holding community meetings, scheduling and supervising installations and field days, among other activities. D30. If this project is not selected for funding in this round, what other funding might be used to support it within the next 5 years? Unknown (please describe) Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Please describe what other funding might be used to support it within the next 5 years. (150 word limit) This OCCCA grant is the only source of funding for workforce development (planned for 20 teachers in Orange County and 100 Orange County students), which is a small price to pay compared to the much higher costs ($220,000) already secured for riparian buffer installation contractors, equipment, and supplies. Criterion 5 - Local Economic Development This criterion has a maximum score of 3 points (out of a total of 26 points). D31. How many Orange County residents are employed by your organization? One of our 3 part-time employees lives in Orange County. Two of our 6 volunteer board members and 1 of our 3 additional volunteers are Orange County residents. All teachers and students participating in our program (and receiving stipends) are Orange County residents. D32. W hat project materials will be purchased from sources within Orange County or North Carolina? What percent of the total materials do these represent? (200 word limit) 100% of project materials will be purchased from sources within NC. We do not yet know what percentage will be purchased within Orange County, but we aim to purchase locally whenever feasible. D33. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to local economic development. (100 word limit) Students and teachers trained in USS's program gain hands-on, real-world experience in sustainable stormwater and landscape engineering, equipping them with job-ready skills they can use to find employment after school, during summers, and after graduation. Indeed, NC stormwater needs are expected to exceed $2.76 Billion over the next 15 years: https://efc.sog.unc.edu/north-carolina-stormwater-needs-exceed-2-76-billion-over-the-next-15-years/. This project benefits the health of Jordan Lake and, therefore, the clean, drinkable water required to support the population and businesses necessary for ongoing local economic development. This includes recreation in/on Jordan Lake, which is a key source of income in Orange County, directly and via restaurants and retailers. Criterion 6 - Amount and Duration of Engagement This criterion has a maximum score of 3 pts (out of a total of 26 pts). D34. Please describe the target population to benefit from the project. (200 word limit) The primary beneficiaries of this project are public school teachers and students in Orange County, as well as landowners in the Bolin Creek Watershed of Orange County. Please refer to our responses in the “Social Justice and Racial Equity” section (Section 1) under "Scored Criteria" for further details, specifically: "Based on state-wide statistics (https://ncbudget.org/new-census-poverty-data-1-3-million-living-in-poverty-in-nc/), the riparian buffers enabled by this project will serve low(er)-income residents in low-lying areas of Bolin-Creek, of which ~19.4% are estimated to be black, ~19.1% Hispanic, and ~10.3% Asian. "The majority of the population along the lower Bolin Creek where USS will be installing riparian buffers is low-income: https://bestneighborhood.org/household-income-chapel-hill-nc/ (see attached map). Indeed, this area contains among the highest density of low-income households in Orange County. "The area along upper and middle Bolin Creek, where USS will be installing riparian buffers, is among the most diverse in Orange County: https://bestneighborhood.org/race-in-carrboro-nc/ (see attached map). Note also that the riparian buffers installed by this project will benefit "all who live within the Bolin Creek and Jordan Lake watersheds. Orange County’s population is 12% Black; 8% Hispanic; 9% Asian; 69% White; 52% Female; 12% in Poverty (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/orangecountynorthcarolina/PST045222). The median age is 35.1 years." D35a. How many people will benefit from your project in one year? (This is the same number from row 8 in the D16 table above) 5000 D35b. Please describe how you arrived at this number. (200 word limit) · The Bolin Creek watershed covers roughly 2 square miles in southern Orange County, flowing through neighborhoods in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. · Chapel Hill and Carrboro together have approximately 80,000 residents as of the 2020 estimate, which is likely similar today (https://bolinforestclimateaction.org/the-big-picture/). · Chapel Hill’s 2020 population was 61,960, while Carrboro was 21,295 residents (Wikipedia). Estimating population within the watershed 1) Simple density-based estimate: Chapel Hill’s population density in 2010 was ~2,687 people per square mile (likely similar today). As the Bolin Creek watershed spans ~2 sq mi, a rough population projection is 2,700 people/sq mi × 2 sq mi ≈> 5,400 residents. 2) Adjusting for urban vs. suburban mix: The watershed area includes several high-density residential neighborhoods near the trail. Other sections along less developed floodplain may be less dense. We estimate the maximum density is ~3,000–4,000 people/sq mi, yielding: 6,000–8,000 residents. Integrating watershed area and surrounding population densities: W e estimate the resident population within the Bolin Creek watershed (2020 era) is 5,000 to 8,000 people, concentrated in Chapel Hill and Carrboro neighborhoods that drain into Bolin Creek. USS believes the lower number of 5,000 is most probable. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE D36. Please describe how you will engage with and/or educate project participants and/or the community. (250 word limit) W e are collaborating with the Carrboro Stormwater Manager and the Stormwater Advisory Commission to conduct education and outreach events in areas with stormwater-related challenges in Orange County. W e will recruit and train teachers to deliver the green infrastructure curriculum and conduct after-school sessions for Orange County students, who will earn stipends after completing the program by installing riparian buffers on properties in the Bolin Creek watershed. Teachers and students will also participate in selecting and promoting the most effective installation sites in Orange County’s underserved communities. D37. How will you measure the success of that engagement or educational effort? (200 word limit) The students will take pretest and mid-test surveys to measure knowledge improvements. After training completion, they will complete questionnaires to measure progress in understanding the sustainable STEM concepts they are implementing and how they envision their place in their community. The Penn State University laboratory of Dr. Kevin Curry will scientifically analyze and quantify the environmental, student, and community benefits of the 5-day rain garden curriculum at the end of each cycle, including pre-test, mid-test, and post-test data collected from student participants. See details of the study here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62ab3a58129576150e548656/t/67928fc24f292c0b8221ee53/1737658307428/2024+test+results+USS.pdf. Carrboro Landowners will participate in a survey conducted by USS Staff to measure customer satisfaction. USS will also speak with landowners annually to monitor GI practices and photo-document each site. D38. Is there anything else you would like to add about the benefits of your project, how much community engagement and/or education it will create, or how long it will last? (150 word limit) USS will continue its relationship with the property owners participating in the program by returning every year to perform monitoring services to ensure that every BMP installation continues functioning as intended. USS will continue to work with participating teachers and students to ensure that future students and low-income residents benefit from the program. Criterion 7 - Time to Complete This criterion has a maximum score of 3 points (out of a total of 26 points). D39. How long will it take your project to complete and demonstrate the positive impacts you describe? (200 word limit) 18 months: Jan 2026 to June 2027. Section 5. Attachments D40. Applicant Organization’s Budget Please complete your organization budget using the template that can be found here. Please submit the budget in PDF form. Applicant Organization’s Budget File Upload OCCCA_USS_Org_Budget_2025.pdf D41. Applicant Project Budget Please complete your project budget using the template that can be found here. Please submit the budget in PDF form. Applicant Project Budget File Upload OCCCA_Project_Budget_USS_.pdf D42. IRS Federal Form 990 or 2024 Tax Returns A copy of the applicant organization’s most recent IRS Form 990 or IRS Tax Return is required to determine eligibility. The specific form depends upon the applicant organization’s financial activity. Review the IRS guide for more details. For Form 990-N (e-postcard) filers, include a copy of the postcard, with the organization’s application materials. �� Redact/black out all sensitive information such as social security numbers, personal home addresses, and personal phone numbers from all individuals before uploading these documents. IRS Federal Form 990 or 2024 Tax Returns File Upload USS-2024-Form990-Signed.pdf D42a. IRS Federal Form 990 or 2024 Tax Returns for collaborator/partner (if they are receiving project funds) A copy of the collaborator/partner’s most recent IRS Form 990 or IRS Tax Return is required to determine eligibility. The specific form depends upon the organization’s financial activity. Review the IRS guide for more details. For Form 990-N (e- postcard) filers, include a copy of the postcard, with the organization’s application materials. Redact/black out all sensitive information such as social security numbers before uploading these documents. IRS Federal Form 990 or 2024 Tax Returns for collaborator/partner File Upload D43. If awarded, a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) will be required of the organization. Organizations that have not already provided an EFT and W-9 to Orange County will need to do so. Certificate of Liability Insurance A copy of the applicant organization’s current certificate, from the organization’s insurance carrier. Table 1 below outlines insurance types and minimums required, for each jurisdiction. If exempt from Worker’s Compensation compliance, include a statement explaining why, with the applicant organization’s application materials. The copy of the applicant organization’s current certificate must include all information in the highlighted sections and be worded exactly as presented in the example linked here. NOTE: Proof of insurance is not required at the time of application submission. If your agency is approved for funding, documentation of insurance must be provided to the jurisdiction awarding the funding when the contract is awarded. The insurance certificate should reflect the funding jurisdiction as an additional insured party and certificate holder and provide coverage for the duration of the funding period (two years, beginning as early as October 1, 2024). If proof of insurance can only be written for one year, an update will be required for all ongoing projects. Renewal certificates must be sent to the jurisdiction 30 days prior to any expiration date, cancellation or modification of any stipulated insurance coverage. NOTE: Upon request, insurance requirements may be reviewed on a case by case basis by the County. Please contact the staff identified on the Submission Requirements on Page 12 if you have questions or would like to request a review of your insurance requirements. The table below includes guidance regarding the forms of liability insurance and minimum policy amounts that are required if a grant is awarded. Table 1. Forms of Liability Insurance and Minimum Policy Amounts Required (1).xlsx Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE I understand that if awarded, my organization will have to submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI). A W-9 and an EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) are also required if applicable. checked D44. List of Board of Directors (if applicable) Board of Directors.xlsx We welcome your thoughts on how to improve our application! Please add those thoughts below. A few of the questions seem to ask the same thing, though they are in different sections. It didn't take much time to just cut and paste. Other than that, the application was very approachable. You are about to submit your application. Orange County Sustainability will not accept any applications after the due date. Correcting mistakes or making edits after your application has been submitted is not allowed. For any technical questions about the platform, please visit THIS W EBSITE. To complete and submit your application click ‘Submit'. Your email service provider will sometimes try to predict incoming spam mail on your behalf and filter it into your spam folder before you ever see it. If you're not receiving expected emails from notifications@email.submittable.com, you will want to safelist the address to help ensure that these emails reach you. Safelisting an email address means explicitly telling your email service provider that emails from notifications@email.submittable.com are not spam or junk mail. How can I safelist notifications from Submittable?Orange Internal Form Score n/a Internal Review - GHG Data Are the numbers in D16 (row 8) and D35a the same? Yes Project Impact Lifetime (years) 50 Project Impact Lifetime (years) Comments GHG Reduction (Annual, metric tons CO2e) 153 GHG Reduction (Annual, metric tons CO2e) Comments GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) 7650 GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) Comments # of people served in one year 5000 # of people served in one year comments GHG Data Complete checked GHG Data Comments Other Staff Comments BOCC & CFE Review Data and Notes Overall Comments from HRC (BOCC Report) This project does seem to specifically address communities with least resources and acknowledge the need to address increased flooding and damage caused through weather that can be prevented by doing more tree plantings to offset the urban development; it is good that community members are involved; I do have concerns that participation may not be as diverse as the communities impacted—So it talks about teachers working with marginalized students, but in Durham County; the project does support a neighborhood in Orange County, but it's not one of the more marginalized areas on the whole. Recommended Application checked CFE Recommended Funding (enter $0 if not recommending) 38000 Application Ranking 1 Overall Comments from CFE Meeting (BOCC Report) CFE supports this request (for partial funding) because it has strong educational and community connections. USS has a solid, proven track record. Deducted $14,000 that was for the administration of other grants. Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Notes for Applicant Contracting Award Amount (Format as follows: $XX,XXX.XX) $38,000.00 Does this applicant have a W9 and EFT in the system? Yes Correctly Submitted Contracting Documents: Contracting Status Vendor Number Grant Project Implementation GHG Reduction (Annual, metric tons CO2e) / GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) have adjusted. unchecked Post Award Status Comments Award Tracker Notes Grant Project Completion Payment Complete.unchecked Final Reported GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) Final Reported GHG Reduction (Lifetime, metric tons CO2e) Comments Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Applicant Organization's Budget (Most recent complete calendar year or fiscal year) Starting date: Ending Date: ORGANIZATION NAME: ORGANIZATION REVENUE Actual Total for Previous Year Estimated Total for Current Year Projected Total for Next Year Percent Change Private Donations $ 12,725 $ 10,870 $ - -100% Generated Revenue (fees, sales, etc) $ - $ - $ 960 0 Local Government Grants (Please list individually): OCCCA $ 69,156 $ 58,100 $ 52,000 -10% Durham Public Schools $ 9,960 $ - $ - 0 $ - $ - $ - 0 Other Government Grants: Local Government $ - $ - $ - 0 State Government $ - $ - $ - 0 Federal Government (CDBG/HOME/etc.) $ 108,015 $ 111,985 $ 110,000 -2% Private Foundation Grants $ 35,000 $ 50,000 $ 20,000 -60% Other Revenue: Contracting Income $ 60,257 $ 131,762 $ 186,700 41.69% Total Organization Revenue $ 295,113 $ 362,717 $ 369,660 2% AGENCY EXPENSES Compensation $ - $ - $ - 0 Rent & Utilities $ - $ - $ - 0 Supplies & Equipment $ - $ - $ - 0 Travel & Training $ - $ - $ - 0 Other Expenses: please briefly explain here $ - $ - $ - 0 Teacher & Student Stipends $ 32,836 $ 84,660 $ 98,500 16% Environmental Contractors $ 159,383 $ 107,978 $ 165,000 53% Supplies & Contract Services $ 46,985 $ 26,240 $ 12,500 -52% Operational Expenses $ 50,680 $ 106,131 $ 90,300 -15% 0 0 Total Agency Expenses $ 289,884 $ 325,009 $ 366,300 13% $ 90,300 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD: $ 5,229 $ 37,708 $ 3,360 -91% FY 2018-19 Agency Budget Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE FY 2018-19 Program Budget Use for all projects PROJECT REVENUE Actual Total for Previous Year Estimated Total for Current Year Projected Total for Next Year Percent Change Private Donations -$ -$ -$ 0 Project Generated Revenue:-$ -$ -$ 0 Local Government Grants (Please list individually): Orange County Community Climate Action Grant -$ -$ 52,000$ 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 Other Government Grants Local Government -$ -$ -$ 0 State Government( NC DEQ 319 grant from EPA)-$ -$ 220,000$ 0 Federal Government (CDBG/HOME/etc.)-$ -$ -$ 0 Private Foundation Grants -$ -$ 30,000$ 0 -$ -$ -$ 0 Total Project Revenue -$ -$ 302,000$ 0 PROJECT EXPENSES Contracts for Installation of BMPs -$ -$ 198,000$ 0 Teacher Stipends -$ -$ 21,000$ 0 Student Stipends -$ -$ 27,500$ 0 Direct Project Management cost -$ -$ 43,500$ 0 Supplies & Materials -$ -$ 12,000$ 0 Total Project Expenses -$ -$ 302,000$ 0 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD:-$ -$ -$ 0 Project Budget Other Revenue: please briefly explain here PROJECT NAME: Use only if project is ongoing Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date:January 20, 2026 Action Agenda Item No.6-a SUBJECT: Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) –FY 2025-26 Project Selection DEPARTMENT: County Manager ATTACHMENT(S): 1. CCAG 2025-26 Project Descriptions, Scoring and Comments 2. CCAG Project Status Summary Including Estimated GHG Reductions 3. PowerPoint Presentation 4. INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Eckberg; (919) 245-2626 PURPOSE: 1. To receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Commission for the Environment (CFE) and the overall scores and comments from the CFE and Human Relations Commission (HRC) for the FY 2025-26 Orange County Community Climate Action Grant Program; and 2. Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY 2025-26 as outlined in the table below and further described in Attachment 1. BACKGROUND: As part of the FY 2019-20 budget, the Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) established the Orange County Community Climate Action Fund to accelerate climate mitigation efforts. The Fund supports the Board’s commitment to ambitious targets, including a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. The Climate Action Plan further builds on this commitment by defining additional targets and identifying the actions and strategies needed to achieve them. For the FY 2025-26 funding cycle, $267,750 was allocated to general applicants to support climate action projects designed to benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially. The Board did not approve any climate funding for schools this year. In alignment with BOCC direction, the selection process for awarding funds was conducted through the Community Climate Action Grant program. Sixteen (16) applications were received this year from applicants representing nonprofits, small businesses and public organizations whose total requests add up to $619,095. Grant applications were completed over the summer and reviewed by both the Commission for the Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in fall 2025. The following is a rank-order summary table of the combined project scoring and recommendations for funding. More details on each project are available in Attachment 1. 1Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion A partnership between Wildflower Lane Farm and Table to use unused land at an undeveloped Orange County Park (Twin Creeks) to increase locally sourced, nutritious food to feed children served by Table. $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers Installation of sustainable stormwater management measures in historically underserved communities utilizing public HS teachers and students in a certified green infrastructure training program to implement these measures, especially in areas affected by tropical storm Chantal. $52,000 $38,000 21.35 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing Weatherization repairs for 11 homes $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program This initiative reduces energy burdens in Carrboro by providing residents with education, home energy audits, energy-saving kits, and guided access to rebates and electrification upgrades through trained community leaders, resulting in lower bills for over 230 households. $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education The project will plant 200 trees, distribute 2,000 seedlings, and offer workshops on climate-resilient tree care to expand the native tree canopy in low-equity, climate-vulnerable neighborhoods through a Pay- What-You-Can planting program. $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms 52-acre organic farm supplying high-quality produce year-round using soil-based greenhouse production and technical growing strategies seeks funds to transition from fossil-fuel dependence to renewable energy systems by replacing single phase with 3- phase power to enable solar installation. $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost Supplies, services, outreach materials and labor to expand a compost program into 7 new neighborhoods and 1 church $30,478 $21,300 19.70 2Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation Replacement of windows in 7 residential units with energy efficient models $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation Solar-powered well on nearby church property to provide sustainable, cost-effective irrigation that remains functional during drought or emergencies $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project Installation of a 23.4kW solar array on the roof of St. Joseph’s CME Church, located in Chapel Hill’s Northside Neighborhood $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes Native, climate-resilient landscaping for 10 affordable tiny homes of formerly homeless residents $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E- Bike Lending Library Program Extension of a previously successful E-bike program for an additional 8-12 months to offer E-bike experiences to more residents and staff. $25,920 $0 16.58 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program Pilot program to provide 20 income-eligible residents with vouchers for free e-bikes, reducing transportation insecurity and emissions. $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center Installation of highly efficient interior cellular shades on windows to boost the energy performance of the building $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care Introductory climate health education sessions for health professionals to reduce climate-related pregnancy risks, with a focus on extreme heat. $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC Installation of a 9.628 kW solar array with battery backup on a new barn extension to move toward net- zero energy use $25,000 $0 14.67 Total $619,095 $267,750 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The $267,750 funding for Community Climate Action Grants for FY 2025- 26 is designed to identify and support impactful projects, with a focus on accelerating meaningful action on the urgent issue of climate change. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:  GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate Action Plan. OBJECTIVE 3. Improve educational opportunities for County staff and community members on climate action and available resources to advance climate action projects.  GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY 3Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: 1. Receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Commission for the Environment for the FY 2025-26 Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program; and 2. Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY 2025-26. 4Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE P.O. Box 8181 * Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278  Telephone: (919)245‐2625   Attachment 1 Date:     January 20, 2026  To:     Board of Orange County Commissioners  From:    Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager  RE: Orange County Community Climate Action Grant – Project Descriptions, Scoring, and Comments for  General Applicants  For the 2025‐26 funding cycle of the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program, $267,750 was  budgeted to support climate action projects that benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially.   In response to feedback from the Board in previous years, the Sustainability team continues its outreach efforts to  publicize the grant opportunity to broaden the applicant pool and increase community awareness of this impactful  climate action program. Staff conducted targeted outreach to local businesses, community groups, and nonprofits  through email campaigns, social media, newsletters, and other promotional media. Our applicant pool continues to  grow and diversify every year as a result of these efforts.  The Community Climate Action grant program received a  total of 16 applications in this round whose total requests added up to $619,095.   Following the scoring and eligibility guidelines established by the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC), the  applications were reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations  Commission (HRC). The BOCC asked the Human Relations Commission to score the applications on the Social Justice  and Racial Equity criterion, as this pertains to their expertise and because the racial representation of the CFE as a  whole does not reflect the racial diversity of Orange County.   The following is a rank‐order summary table of the combined project scoring and funding recommendations. A full  table showing the scores for each project on each of the 7 scoring elements is included in the Appendix.  Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion A partnership between Wildflower Lane Farm and Table to use unused land at an undeveloped Orange County Park (Twin Creeks) to increase locally sourced, nutritious food to feed children served by Table. $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers Installation of sustainable stormwater management measures in historically underserved communities utilizing public HS teachers and students in a certified green infrastructure training program to implement these measures, especially in areas affected by tropical storm Chantal. $52,000 $38,000 21.35 5Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing Weatherization repairs for 11 homes $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program This initiative reduces energy burdens in Carrboro by providing residents with education, home energy audits, energy-saving kits, and guided access to rebates and electrification upgrades through trained community leaders, resulting in lower bills for over 230 households. $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education The project will plant 200 trees, distribute 2,000 seedlings, and offer workshops on climate-resilient tree care to expand the native tree canopy in low-equity, climate-vulnerable neighborhoods through a Pay- What-You-Can planting program. $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms 52-acre organic farm supplying high-quality produce year-round using soil-based greenhouse production and technical growing strategies seeks funds to transition from fossil-fuel dependence to renewable energy systems by replacing single phase with 3- phase power to enable solar installation. $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost Supplies, services, outreach materials and labor to expand a compost program into 7 new neighborhoods and 1 church $30,478 $21,300 19.70 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation Replacement of windows in 7 residential units with energy efficient models $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation Solar-powered well on nearby church property to provide sustainable, cost-effective irrigation that remains functional during drought or emergencies $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project Installation of a 23.4kW solar array on the roof of St. Joseph’s CME Church, located in Chapel Hill’s Northside Neighborhood $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes Native, climate-resilient landscaping for 10 affordable tiny homes of formerly homeless residents $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E- Bike Lending Library Program Extension of a previously successful E-bike program for an additional 8-12 months to offer E-bike experiences to more residents and staff. $25,920 $0 16.58 6Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Rank Applicant Name Project Name Project Summary Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program Pilot program to provide 20 income-eligible residents with vouchers for free e-bikes, reducing transportation insecurity and emissions. $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center Installation of highly efficient interior cellular shades on windows to boost the energy performance of the building $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care Introductory climate health education sessions for health professionals to reduce climate-related pregnancy risks, with a focus on extreme heat. $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC Installation of a 9.628 kW solar array with battery backup on a new barn extension to move toward net- zero energy use $25,000 $0 14.67 Total $619,095 $267,750 Below is a set of expanded details for each proposed project, in rank order per HRC and CFE scoring. The quoted text  was pulled directly from various sections of the submitted applications. Also summarized below are the comments  from the HRC and the CFE, along with scores and funding recommendations.  #1 Ranked Project – Table Ministries, Inc – Twin Creeks Farm Expansion  Applicant (Collaborators): Wildflower Lane Farm  Funding Requested: $50,000  Recommended Funding Level: $30,000  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.57  Project Description: A partnership with Wildflower Land Farm at Twin Creeks, an undeveloped Orange County Park.  The expansion funding sought will cover labor. TABLE provides weekly nutritious food to 1,125 children and plans to  expand service using organic produce grown through supplies, tools and equipment. The Twin Creeks partnership will  supply produce at a fraction of retail cost, enabling TABLE to feed more children and support local farmers.  Project Benefits: Increasing local sourcing at Twin Creeks will provide children with fresher, healthier produce while  strengthening revenue for small farmers. Reducing food miles from thousands to just five significantly lowers  emissions and environmental impacts. The project also promotes a sustainable, pesticide‐free food system that  improves long‐term health and climate outcomes. The project reduces food miles and waste, improves soil health,  supports pollinators, and reduces runoff—strengthening local climate and air quality.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE strongly supports this project but provided partial funding since the group has access  to other funding sources. HRC scored them #1. There is a high Orange County economic impact (for families who  receive food; all food grown locally) and social justice component.  #2 Ranked Project – Urban Sustainability Solutions – High‐School Students Installing Riparian  Buffers  Applicant (Collaborators): Burt’s Bees, Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ)  Funding Requested: $52,000  Recommended Funding Level: $38,000  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.35  7Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Project Description: Urban Sustainability Solutions will train teachers and youth in certified green‐infrastructure  curricula through afterschool and weekend programs. The program will end with planting projects to restore storm‐ damaged riparian buffers, with funds covering training stipends and implementation. Field work will include stream  cleanup, buffer restoration, and planting live tree stakes to stabilize stream banks, especially those damaged by  tropical storm Chantal.  Project Benefits: Restoring low‐lying areas with native vegetation will reduce erosion, stabilize soils, and protect  downstream low‐income communities from future storm impacts. These plantings will improve water quality in Bolin  Creek by filtering pollutants, increasing biodiversity, and boosting carbon sequestration. The project also safeguards  Jordan Lake’s drinking water by preventing sediment and nutrient contamination.  Reviewer Comments:  The CFE supports this request because it has strong educational and community connections. USS has a solid, proven  track record. The HRC appreciated that the community would be involved in this project.  The CFE deducted $14,000  that was for the administration of other grants.   #3 Ranked Project – Habitat for Humanity – Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing  Applicant (Collaborators): N/A  Funding Requested: $150,000  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.56  Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Orange County will expand its Home Repair program to address  increased weatherization needs caused by Tropical Storm Chantal, in 11 older, vulnerable homes.   Project Benefits: Integrating weatherization into essential home repairs will lower utility bills for low‐income  households and reduce approximately 11 metric tons of emissions annually. Improved insulation, HVAC systems, and  windows will enhance indoor air quality, comfort, and resilience to extreme weather. Local contractors and materials  will support the regional economy while extending the lifespan of affordable housing.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE recognizes and values the proposed project and Habitat’s longstanding contributions to the  community. The CFE also noted that Habitat has access to a variety of funding sources and has previously received support  through this program ($300k). Given the limited funds available, the CFE is thoughtfully distributing resources across a range of  organizations, including smaller groups that may particularly benefit at this time. The HRC supports the initiative due to its  positive impact on low‐income residents and noted that additional information regarding how beneficiaries would be identified  or prioritized would be helpful.  #4 Ranked Project – Town of Carrboro – Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program    Applicant (Collaborators): Preserving Home Inc., Hope Renovations  Funding Requested: $29,145  Recommended Funding Level: $29,145  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.31  Project Description: This initiative trains community leaders to assist more than 230 high‐burden households in  cutting energy costs through education, home energy audits, hands‐on projects, and connections to weatherization,  rebates, and efficiency upgrades.  Project Benefits: Energy audits and education will help residents cut utility costs, lower emissions, and make  informed decisions about efficiency upgrades. The program is expected to reduce town‐wide energy use by over  249,000 kWh annually, equivalent to 67.4 metric tons of CO₂e. Households that act on recommendations will benefit  from long‐term energy savings and increased home value.  Reviewer Comments: Carefully thought‐out project with good metrics to measure success. Applicant is well suited to  carry out the project and the costs are relatively modest. Community outreach and partnerships are positive  8Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE features. Education and monitoring are part of lowering energy cost/uses. Simple concept that targets low‐ and  middle‐income residents. Short turnaround time (6 months‐year).  #5 Ranked Project – Trees for the Triangle – Tree Planting and Education  Applicant (Collaborators): Triangle Prescribed Burn Association (Through NC Cooperative  Extension), Bluestem Community NC  Funding Requested: $50,000  Recommended Funding Level: $30,000  Total Score (Out of 25 pts): 20.10  Project Description: Trees for the Triangle will expand the native tree canopy in low‐equity, climate‐vulnerable  neighborhoods through a Pay‐What‐You‐Can planting program. The project will plant 200 trees, distribute 2,000  seedlings, and offer workshops on climate‐resilient tree care. This approach improves flood resilience, reduces  emissions, and empowers residents to build greener, healthier communities.  Project Benefits: Planting 200 native trees and distributing 2,000 seedlings will reduce flooding, sequester carbon,  cool neighborhoods, and improve air quality in vulnerable areas. Workshops will equip residents to care for their  trees, extending benefits across the county. These efforts advance climate equity by expanding green space and  strengthening community resilience for future storm events.  Reviewer Comments: Targeted approach to planting trees in disadvantaged communities and educating residents.  Plan in place to engage and educate tree owners and keep trees alive. Strong partnerships. Deducted funding to  reduce administrative costs.  #6 Ranked Project – Red Hawk Farm – Renewable Energy Infrastructure  Applicant (Collaborators): Piedmont Electric Cooperative  Funding Requested: $30,000  Recommended Funding Level: $30,000  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 19.74  Project Description: Red Hawk Farm (52‐acre organic farm supplying high‐quality produce year‐round using soil‐ based greenhouse production and technical growing strategies) seeks funds to transition from fossil‐fuel dependence  to renewable energy systems to strengthen resilience and reduce operating costs. This shift will also advance climate‐ conscious farming and help peers adopt similar solutions.  Project Benefits: Bringing three‐phase power to this farm will enable solar and geothermal systems that significantly  reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate major energy costs. Savings can be reinvested in staff wages and  shared as a model for other regional farms seeking climate‐smart operations. The project also strengthens Orange  County’s agricultural sector and expands hands‐on learning opportunities for students and community partners.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE was very impressed by this grant. They applied last year and were turned down but  took advice and recommendations to make this year's grant request very appealing with stronger, more realistic  business/farm application than last year's with increased partnerships/collaborators.  The HRC acknowledged  wanting to encourage businesses like this which support our regional county education systems,    #7 Ranked Project – Upstream Works/Carolina Community Compost – Compost Collection in 7  neighborhoods and 1 church   Applicant (Collaborators): Compost Now  Funding Requested: $30,478  Recommended Funding Level: $21,300  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 19.7  9Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Project Description: Carolina Community Compost will expand its successful neighborhood‐led composting model to  7 additional Orange County neighborhoods and one church, significantly reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas  emissions and supplying compost to community gardens in low‐income areas, improving soil health and access to  fresh food. A part‐time Compost Ambassador will support outreach and education for one new 24/7 CompostNow  bin placed near a low‐income neighborhood, helping lay the groundwork for broader countywide composting.  Project Benefits: Expanding to new neighborhoods will divert 77 tons of food waste and cut 52 tons of CO₂e,  annually, and reduce landfill fees for local governments. Participating households also gain climate education,  stronger social connections, and healthier habits. The compost produced will support community gardens, benefiting  more than 700 additional residents with fresh food and improved soil.  Reviewer Comments: Interesting project with qualified organizers that have implemented a highly successful  program with expansion opportunities. This project can easily accommodate partial funding. CFE is interested in  seeing how it works for its potential for broader adoption and impact.  #8 Ranked Project – Weaver Community Housing Association– Energy Efficient Window  Installation    Applicant (Collaborators): Farewell Earth   Funding Requested: $61,352  Recommended Funding Level: $61,305  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.64  Project Description: Weaver Community Housing Association (WCHA), an affordable community housing co‐ operative, seeks funding to replace 55 aging, inefficient, and leaking windows across seven cooperative housing  units. The project benefits 24 residents, including eight children, and will be completed with a long‐time local  contractor.  Project Benefits: Replacing failing, single‐pane windows will reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve  ventilation and indoor air quality for seven low‐income households. The upgrades will prevent mold, moisture  intrusion, and long‐term structural damage. These custom windows protect a unique affordable housing asset while  improving comfort and reducing climate‐related energy burdens.  Reviewer Comments: Fully funded because other organizations who applied for CCAG have access to other funding.  #9 Ranked Project  – Hillsborough Community Garden – Solar Powered Community Garden  Irrigation  Applicant (Collaborators): N/A  Funding Requested: $18,000  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.27  Project Description: The Hillsborough Community Garden needs a reliable water supply independent of the town  system to remain functional during drought or emergencies. A proposed solar‐powered well on nearby church  property would provide sustainable, cost‐effective irrigation. This solution also models environmentally friendly  practices for other community gardens.  Project Benefits: All the produce grown by the Hillsborough Community Garden (HCG) for the past three years has  gone to food insecure families via PORCH Hillsborough, providing needed fresh vegetables to over 1000 people. At  our previous location in 2024 we grew and distributed more than 1500 pounds of fresh produce.  Reviewer Comments: CFE members support the idea of community gardens that feed others in need but were not  convinced a well would be needed in downtown Hillsborough. CFE also felt the GHG estimates might be too high.   The HRC mentioned that they would like to see communication with the communities supported by PORCH.  10Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE #10 Ranked Project – SolarEquity – St. Joseph’s CME Church Solar Project  Applicant (Collaborators): Saint Joseph's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church  Funding Requested: $28,000  Recommended Funding Level: $28,000  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17.83  Project Description: SolarEquity proposes installing a 23.4 kW solar array on St. Joseph’s CME Church to reduce utility  costs for a historically Black, low‐income community. The system will save the church over $1,200 annually and offset  about 150 metric tons of carbon emissions over 25 years.  Project Benefits: The solar array will cut nearly 6 metric tons of CO₂ annually and save the church over $1,200 per  year in utility costs, easing financial burdens on a historically low‐income congregation. Over its lifespan, the system  will offset nearly 150 metric tons of emissions and strengthen energy resilience. As a visible community institution,  the church’s adoption of solar will also inspire broader climate action within the Northside community.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE supports this grant request so that St. Joseph's can complete their original request  from 2024 to install solar panels after a roof repair. Once the panels are in place, St. Joseph's community (and  Northside in general) would have a place to go for shelter, cooling, etc. during extreme events and power losses. The  HRC noted the project’s value in supporting long‐time residents in an historically underserved community while offering  opportunities for cost savings and future community benefit.  #11 Ranked Project – Pee Wee– Native Focused Landscaping for 10 Tiny Homes  Applicant (Collaborators): N/A  Funding Requested: $4,000  Recommended Funding Level:  $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17.68  Project Description: This project will add native, climate‐resilient landscaping to 10 affordable tiny homes for  formerly homeless residents. The plantings will reduce runoff, support biodiversity, and lower emissions from  mowing while beautifying shared spaces. With community input and local expertise, the initiative supports county  climate goals and long‐term stewardship.  Project Benefits: Native landscaping at 10 tiny homes will reduce mowing‐related emissions, improve stormwater  absorption, and support pollinators and local biodiversity. The project engages residents directly in planning and  stewardship, building climate awareness and community pride. These improvements also reduce flooding risks and  strengthen ecosystem resilience in underserved neighborhoods.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE loved the idea of the native plant gardens but felt the cost per person was high. The  HRC appreciated that the project targeted low‐income recipients with environment impact.  #12 Ranked Project – Town of Chapel Hill – Extension of E‐bike Lending Library Program  Applicant (Collaborators): The Bicycle Chain, East Coast Electric Speed Shop, and Trek  Funding Requested: $25,920  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 16.58  Project Description: The Town of Chapel Hill launched a free e‐bike lending program in April with enough federal  funding to cover a 1‐year pilot. We currently offer 18 E‐bikes for public use at two local bike shops and 23 E‐bikes for  staff at more than 7 Town facilities. This program has been very successful and we are seeking support to extend this  program another 8‐12 months to offer E‐bike experiences to more residents and staff.  11Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Project Benefits: The E‐bike lending library gives residents free, short‐term access to e‐bikes, reducing car trips,  emissions, and transportation costs. Exposure to multiple bike types helps users discover accessible, healthier travel  options. The program also supports local bike shops and increases community adoption of low‐emission mobility.  Reviewer Comments: GHG reduction is based on total project lifetime, but the funding request is only for an  additional year of operations. The CFE was concerned about the sustainability of the e‐bike program long‐term and  what would happen if the project ended due to lack of funding. Most of the reduction in gasoline is tied to people  purchasing their own e‐bikes and assumptions (e.g., number of e‐bikes purchased) are not substantiated with data.  The HRC commented that having targeted communities that are low‐income or partnership ideas to target minority  populations could be considered.  #13 Ranked Project – Town of Carrboro – E‐bike Voucher and Education Program  Applicant (Collaborators): Back Alley Bikes, Shift Chapel Hill‐Carrboro  Funding Requested: $33,400  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 16.09  Project Description: This pilot will provide 20 income‐eligible residents with vouchers for free e‐bikes, reducing  transportation insecurity and emissions. Modeled on successful programs in Raleigh and Durham, the initiative will  include safety gear, outreach, and workshops.  Project Benefits: Providing e‐bike vouchers to low‐income residents will replace car trips, reducing over 100 metric  tons of CO₂ and improving air quality. The program expands mobility for people who cannot afford cars or electric  vehicles, improving access to work, healthcare, and daily needs. Supporting local bike shops keeps economic benefits  within Carrboro.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE and HRC scores were closely aligned and suggested a comparatively lower return relative to  other proposals. Reviewers noted that the cost per recipient is relatively high and would be most impactful if the program  encouraged broader e‐bike adoption. The HRC also emphasized the importance of meaningful community engagement and  raised questions about the extent to which the program would reach communities of color or advance social justice and racial  equity goals.  #14 Ranked Project – The ArtsCenter – Cellular Blinds  Applicant (Collaborators): N/A  Funding Requested: $21,800  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 15.73  Project Description: The ArtsCenter plans to install high‐efficiency cellular shades to improve building energy  performance. Installation will be done by a long‐standing local, veteran‐owned business.  Project Benefits: Installing high‐efficiency cellular shades will reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer,  lowering energy use throughout the building. Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that cellular shades outperform  vinyl blinds, delivering up to 20% heating energy savings and up to 15% total heating‐and‐cooling energy savings  compared to homes without shades.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE did not feel this was a high priority project, given limited funding and the quality of  other applications. The HRC rank was low and GHG reductions were minimal. The Arts Center has been a grant  recipient in the past and the CFE wanted to give others an opportunity.  12Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE #15 Ranked Project – Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health and Equity – Climate Informed  Prenatal Care  Applicant (Collaborators): UNC Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Orange County Health Department (OCHD)  Funding Requested: $10,000  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 15.29  Project Description: This project will deliver climate‐health training to maternity care providers, focusing on reducing  pregnancy risks from extreme heat. It will develop evidence‐based materials, co‐design content with clinicians and  patients, and provide a one‐hour educational webinar.  Project Benefits: Training maternity‐care providers in climate‐related health risks will improve prenatal counseling  and help pregnant patients protect themselves during extreme heat events. The program will enhance provider  capacity and support Orange County’s heat‐action goals. Long‐term benefits include reduced pregnancy  complications, improved maternal health equity, and greater climate preparedness across the healthcare system.  Reviewer Comments: The CFE loves this project idea but it does not align with the goal of GHG reductions for the  CCAG. This heat mitigation project aligns nicely with the Heat Action Plan that is in development. The HRC  appreciated that from a social justice side, this is an innovative idea to support low income families early on in life,  addressing health disparities stratified by income & race.  #16 Ranked Project – Bluestem Community NC– Rooftop Solar Installation  Applicant (Collaborators): N/A  Funding Requested: $25,000  Recommended Funding Level: $0  Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 14.67  Project Description: Bluestem Community plans to install a 9.628 kW solar array with battery backup on a new barn  extension to move toward net‐zero energy use. The project aligns with the organization’s conservation‐focused  mission and supports its community and ecological programming. The south‐facing roof will host 16 solar panels to  meet current and future energy needs.  Project Benefits: Installing on‐site solar with battery storage will move Bluestem toward net‐zero operations and  eliminate dependence on fossil‐fuel‐generated electricity. The system will reduce emissions from equipment and  vehicle charging while lowering long‐term utility costs. Savings can be reinvested in community programming,  accessibility improvements, and environmental stewardship.  Reviewer Comments: This project doesn't seem to meet the objective of working towards racial equity or working  for the broader community within Orange County.  Appendix: Full Scoring Table:  Final Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount Requested 1. Average Social Justice and Racial Equity (0-6 pts) 2. Average Emissions Reduced (0-4 pts) 3. Average Efficient Use of Funds (0-4 pts) 4. Average Capacity of Applicant (0-3 pts) 5. Average Local Economic Development (0-3 pts) 6. Average Amount and Duration of Engagement (0-3 pts) 7. Average Time to Complete (0-3 pts) Total Average Score 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion $50,000 5.67 2.80 2.70 2.70 2.50 2.60 2.60 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers $52,000 4.17 3.36 3.36 2.73 2.27 2.73 2.73 21.35 13Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Final Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount Requested 1. Average Social Justice and Racial Equity (0-6 pts) 2. Average Emissions Reduced (0-4 pts) 3. Average Efficient Use of Funds (0-4 pts) 4. Average Capacity of Applicant (0-3 pts) 5. Average Local Economic Development (0-3 pts) 6. Average Amount and Duration of Engagement (0-3 pts) 7. Average Time to Complete (0-3 pts) Total Average Score 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherizati on & Disaster Resilient Housing $150,000 4.83 2.45 2.18 3.00 2.64 2.55 2.91 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program $29,145 3.86 2.64 3.09 2.73 2.55 2.64 2.82 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education $50,000 3.29 3.27 3.18 3.00 2.00 2.64 2.73 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms $30,000 2.83 3.64 3.73 2.73 1.82 2.45 2.55 19.74 7 Upstream Works — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost $30,478 4.33 2.73 2.82 2.82 1.82 2.45 2.73 19.70 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation $61,352 4.00 2.27 2.64 2.91 1.82 2.09 2.91 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation $18,000 4.17 2.30 3.00 2.10 2.10 2.00 2.60 18.27 10 SolarEquity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project $28,000 4.29 2.36 2.45 2.55 1.45 2.27 2.45 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes $4,000 4.86 1.18 2.00 2.73 2.27 2.00 2.64 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E-Bike Lending Library Program $25,920 2.67 2.45 2.45 2.55 1.73 2.00 2.73 16.58 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program $33,400 3.00 2.09 1.64 2.82 1.91 1.82 2.82 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The ArtsCenter $21,800 2.00 1.55 2.00 2.82 2.45 2.09 2.82 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate- informed Prenatal Care $10,000 3.29 0.45 2.27 2.73 1.64 2.27 2.64 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC $25,000 1.67 2.09 2.36 2.18 1.45 2.36 2.55 14.67   14Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Attachment 2 - Community Climate Action Grant Project Status Fiscal Year Project  Organization Award Amount Estimated Annual GHG Reduction metric tons CO2e Project Status 19‐20 Solar for Schools (a) Orange County Schools$150,00025In progress19‐20 Solar for Schools (b) Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools$150,000194In progress19‐20 Supplemental Weatherization Orange County$150,00022 In progress19‐20 LED Light Campaign  Orange County$19,2724COMPLETED20‐21  Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill$40,000 880 (pounds)COMPLETED20‐21  Electric Vehicle Charging Station Town of Chapel Hill$18,500 6COMPLETED20‐21  Cedar Falls Park LED Light Conversion  Town of Chapel Hill$128,057 9  COMPLETED20‐21  Cane Creek Reservoir 352.4 kW Solar OWASA$75,000 110COMPLETED20‐21  Water heater replacements NAACP$122,100 26 COMPLETED20‐21  Solar Panels on Affordable Habitat Homes Habitat for Humanity of Orange County  $95,000 16 COMPLETED21‐22 Low Income HVAC Replacement Rebuilding Together of the Triangle$113,00034 COMPLETED21‐22 Neighborhood Energy Resiliency ProjectNC Sustainable Energy Association$90,00010 COMPLETED21‐22 Food Waste Monitor Eno River Farmer’s Market$4,00019COMPLETED21‐22 Food Waste Monitor Town of Carrboro$3,76519COMPLETED21‐22 Bike Rack and EV Charging Station The ArtsCenter$17,0006COMPLETED21‐22 203 Project Solar Array and Green RoofTown of Carrboro$40,567See FY 22‐23COMPLETED21‐22 Solar for Schools (b) Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools$250,00See FY 19‐20In progress22‐23  Habitat Rooftop Solar Habitat for Humanity$100,000 22COMPLETED22‐23  Weatherization Rebuilding Together of the Triangle $25,0005COMPLETED22‐23  Food Waste Monitors Eno River Farmers’ Market$4,500 19COMPLETED22‐23  203 Solar Project Town of Carrboro$40,575 21COMPLETED22‐23  Fleet Electrification Project Town of Chapel Hill$50,000 33 In progress22‐23  Solar Roof The ArtsCenter$55,000 27COMPLETED22‐23  Emission Reductions Through HVAC Replacements Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools $275,075 147 In progress23‐24 Supplemental weatherization to home repair projects Habitat for Humanity$55,0007COMPLETED23‐24 Green infrastructure and apprenticeship program for Orange County Schools Urban Sustainability Solutions$69,1565COMPLETED23‐24 Rooftop solar Hillsborough United Church of Christ $10,0007COMPLETED23‐24 Rooftop solar Binkley Baptist Church$49,0365COMPLETED23‐24 Rooftop solar on Peach Apartments EMPOWERment$61,62312In progress15Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Attachment 2 - Community Climate Action Grant Project Status (a) Installing two 54 panel bi‐facial solar pedestals and fast charger to power electric school buses (b) Northside Elementary School solar installation project is complete; working on leveraging direct pay funding to be able to complete a solar installation project on Morris Grove Elementary now. Fiscal Year Project  Organization Award Amount Estimated Annual GHG Reduction metric tons CO2e Project Status 23‐24 Installation of gardens, terrace and greenhouse, plant‐based diets Club Nova$37,2275COMPLETED23‐24 LED light campus changeover CHCCCS$94,01424COMPLETED23‐24 54‐panel solar panel pedestal with battery storage and EV charging station (a) Orange County Schools$188,02936In progress24‐25  Shade For Schools Trees for the Triangle$50,000 172In progress24‐25  Rooftop Solar on Habitat Homes Habitat for Humanity$50,00022COMPLETE24‐25  Peach Apartments Solar Project Empowerment$19,800 11In progress24‐25  Nature Based Solutions at the Confluence Natural Area Eno River Association $22,600 23 In progress24‐25  St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project  Solar Equity $50,0006 In progress24‐25  Orange County Green Infrastructure Workforce Development Program  Urban Sustainability Solutions $58,100 9 COMPLETE24‐25  Food Forest Jubilee Healing Farm$12,000 14In progress16Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG)Project Selection FY25-26January 20, 202617Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE CCAG BackgroundCommunity Climate Action Grant:•Established in FY 2019–20to support community led climate action •In its sixth year, with increasing impact, demand, and community engagement•Complements and advances Orange County’s Climate Action Planby funding projects that reduce emissions, build resilience, and deliver community co-benefits•Board-approved scoring and eligibility guidelines•Projects prioritized for social justice and racial equity benefits18Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE CCAG Eligibility Guidelines•Non-profits, public entities, and small businesses• All funds spent in Orange County•Must have legal standing to receive funds•Ongoing projects eligible if expanding or accelerating•Replacement and repair projects are eligible if not likely to be funded within 5 years19Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE CCAG Scoring Criteria• 26-point scale•Social Justice and Racial Equity (6pts) •GHG emissions reduced (4 pts)•Efficient use of Funds (4 pts)•Capacity of Applicant (3 pts)•Local Economic Development (3 pts)•Amount and Duration of Engagement (3 pts)•Time to complete (3 pts)*All applications are reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment and the Human Relations Commission 20Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE New This Year•Community Outreach–Signage– Promoted at Ag Summit– Targeted email list–Various media•New Grant Portal Launched–16 applications!•Diverse and Innovative Projects–solar, nature-based, energy efficiency, micro-mobility• $619,095 in grant funding requested ($267,750 available)21Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Advisory Board Recommendations:• 8 projects recommended for full/partial funding• Partial funding was applied when projects:• Were designed to be scalable• Could leverage other funding sources• Applicants indicated they could successfully proceed with partial funding22Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers $52,000 $38,000 21.35 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works — on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost $30,478 $21,300 19.70 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E-Bike Lending Library Program $25,920 $0 16.58 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC $25,000 $0 14.67 Total Total Amount Requested $619,095 Total Amount Recommended $267,750 Rank Applicant Name Project Name Amount Requested Recommended Funding Total Score (out of 26) 1 Table Ministries, Inc. Twin Creeks Farm Expansion $50,000 $30,000 21.57 2 Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. High-School Students Installing Riparian Buffers $52,000 $38,000 21.35 3 Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC Weatherization & Disaster Resilient Housing $150,000 $0 20.56 4 Town of Carrboro Carrboro Energy Efficiency Program $29,145 $29,145 20.31 5 Trees for the Triangle Tree Planting and Education $50,000 $30,000 20.10 6 Red Hawk Farm, LLC Renewable Energy Infrastructure for the Future of Farms $30,000 $30,000 19.74 7 Upstream Works  on behalf of Carolina Community Compost Carolina Community Compost $30,478 $21,300 19.70 8 Weaver Community Housing Association Energy Efficient Windows Installation $61,352 $61,305 18.64 9 Hillsborough Community Garden Solar powered community garden irrigation $18,000 $0 18.27 10 Solar Equity Inc. St. Joseph's CME Church Solar Project $28,000 $28,000 17.83 11 Pee Wee Homes Native focused landscaping for 10 dignified and affordable tiny homes $4,000 $0 17.68 12 Town of Chapel Hill Extension of E-Bike Lending Library Program $25,920 $0 16.58 13 Town of Carrboro E-Bike Voucher and Education Program $33,400 $0 16.09 14 The Arts Center Cellular Blinds for The Arts Center $21,800 $0 15.73 15 Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity Climate-informed Prenatal Care $10,000 $0 15.29 16 Bluestem Community NC Rooftop Solar Installation for Bluestem Community NC $25,000 $0 14.67 Total Total Amount Requested is $619,095Total Amount Recommended is $267,750 23Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE 2025 Project HighlightsDrakeford LibraryRooftop solar & educational signageExpanding renewable energy while creating learning opportunitiesUrban Sustainability SolutionsGreen infrastructure & workforce developmentPartnering with schools to manage stormwater and build career pathwaysTrees for the TriangleTree planting in schoolsIncreasing tree canopy and engaging students Binkley Baptist ChurchRooftop solarAdvancing clean energy through on-site renewable generation24Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS. INSURER(S) AFFORDING COVERAGE INSURER F : INSURER E : INSURER D : INSURER C : INSURER B : INSURER A : NAIC # NAME: CONTACT (A/C, No): FAX E-MAIL ADDRESS: PRODUCER (A/C, No, Ext): PHONE INSURED REVISION NUMBER:CERTIFICATE NUMBER:COVERAGES IMPORTANT: If the certificate holder is an ADDITIONAL INSURED, the policy(ies) must have ADDITIONAL INSURED provisions or be endorsed. If SUBROGATION IS WAIVED, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, certain policies may require an endorsement. A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certificate holder in lieu of such endorsement(s). THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AFFIRMATIVELY OR NEGATIVELY AMEND, EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES BELOW. THIS CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ISSUING INSURER(S), AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR PRODUCER, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. OTHER: (Per accident) (Ea accident) $ $ N / A SUBR WVD ADDL INSD THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS. $ $ $ $PROPERTY DAMAGE BODILY INJURY (Per accident) BODILY INJURY (Per person) COMBINED SINGLE LIMIT AUTOS ONLY AUTOSAUTOS ONLY NON-OWNED SCHEDULEDOWNED ANY AUTO AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY Y / N WORKERS COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY OFFICER/MEMBER EXCLUDED? (Mandatory in NH) DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS below If yes, describe under ANY PROPRIETOR/PARTNER/EXECUTIVE $ $ $ E.L. DISEASE - POLICY LIMIT E.L. DISEASE - EA EMPLOYEE E.L. EACH ACCIDENT ER OTH- STATUTE PER LIMITS(MM/DD/YYYY) POLICY EXP (MM/DD/YYYY) POLICY EFF POLICY NUMBERTYPE OF INSURANCELTR INSR DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS / LOCATIONS / VEHICLES (ACORD 101, Additional Remarks Schedule, may be attached if more space is required) EXCESS LIAB UMBRELLA LIAB $EACH OCCURRENCE $AGGREGATE $ OCCUR CLAIMS-MADE DED RETENTION $ $PRODUCTS - COMP/OP AGG $GENERAL AGGREGATE $PERSONAL & ADV INJURY $MED EXP (Any one person) $EACH OCCURRENCE DAMAGE TO RENTED $PREMISES (Ea occurrence) COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY CLAIMS-MADE OCCUR GEN'L AGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER: POLICY PRO- JECT LOC CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE DATE (MM/DD/YYYY) CANCELLATION AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ACORD 25 (2016/03) © 1988-2015 ACORD CORPORATION. All rights reserved. CERTIFICATE HOLDER The ACORD name and logo are registered marks of ACORD HIRED AUTOS ONLY 2/6/2026 CAP INSURANCE GROUP, LLC 1524 E Morehead Street, Suite 300 Charlotte NC 28207 Paula Marte (704) 540-4200 paula@thecapteam.com Urban Sustainability Solutions, Inc. 1433 MAJOR HILL RD SNOW CAMP NC 27349-9319 CRUM & FORSTER INS CO 42471 WESCO INS CO 25011 SCOTTSDALE IND CO 15580 A Y BAS273653 08/29/2025 08/29/2026 1,000,000 100,000 5,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 B WWC3768646 03/01/2025 03/01/2026 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 C Directors and Officers EKI3527155 05/29/2025 05/29/2026 DO 1,000,000 ORANGE COUNTY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES ARE ADDITIONAL INSUREDS WITH REGARD TO THE GENERAL LIABILITY POLICY AS REQUIRED BY WRITTEN CONTRACT. Orange County PO Box 8181 300 West Tryon Hillsborough NC 27278 Docusign Envelope ID: FE98AD8C-2A26-4FC1-9B3F-6DEB6E3A41EE