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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-28-2026; 5 - Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 28, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 5 SUBJECT: Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Members and Applicants Summary Sheet Applications for Persons Recommended Membership Roster Applicant Interest List No Other Eligible Applicants Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board is charged with developing and coordinating visitor services in Orange County. It also implements marketing programs that enhance the economic activity and quality of life in the community. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seventeen (17) members, with representatives from specific entities and fields. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Francesca Orange County Arts Partial Term 12/31/2026 Talenti Commission Jon Hartman- Economic Third Full Term 06/30/2029 Brown Development Staff- Town of Carrboro Ex Officio NOTE: There are no other applicants eligible for these positions. If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: 2 POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Chapel Hill 06/30/2026 Vacant since 05/07/2025 Downtown Partnership Staff Ex Officio NOTE: There are no applicants eligible for this vacancy. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to participate in and feel connected to their community. • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards needed to carry out this work. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board. 3 CHAPEL HILLSOOROUGH ORANGE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU May 15, 2026 To: Orange County Board of Commissioners c/o Tara May, Orange County Clerk's Office From: Laurie Paolicelli, Director, Orange County Visitors Bureau Cc: Hannah Hemphill, Business Officer, Orange County Visitors Bureau Please accept the following recommendations to the Visitors Bureau Board for consideration by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. • Francesca Talenti has been recommended by Katie Murray to represent the Orange County Arts Commission.This position has been vacant due to a resignation. Please see attached email for Murray's full recommendation. • We request that Jon Hartman-Brown be approved to continue serving on the board as a representative from Carrboro Economic Development. Hartman-Brown is the Town of Carrboro's Economic Development Director and brings valuable insights to the board.This seat is designated for Carrboro Economic Development, and he remains the most appropriate choice for the board. Thank you and please let us know if we can provide any additional information: Laurie Paolicelli Enclosures:Talenti recommendation letter 4 From: Laurie Paolicelli To: Hannah Hemphill Subject: Fw: New VB board member,Francesca Talenti Date: Tuesday,April 28,2026 9:54:43 AM Attachments: image001.oma imaoe002.pnna imaae003.onci Get Outlook for iOS From: Katie Murray<kmurray@orangecountync.gov> Sent:Thursday, April 23, 2026 9:28:12 PM To: Laurie Paolicelli <Ipaolicelli@visitchapelhill.org>; Francesca Talenti <fptalenti@gmail.com> Subject: New VB board member, Francesca Talenti Laurie, Meet Francesca Talenti! She's on the OCAC board (our Vice-chair) and is retired faculty at UNC where she taught film production. She's filmmaker, and media designer and has been a great board member in her first year on the OCAC. She's willing to serve as liaison on the tourism board, so I wanted to connect you. I'm not sure what your process is, let me know what you need from me. Here's her full bio: Francesca Talenti is a media director and designer who has exhibited her work at The Folger and The Guthrie theaters, on PBS National, and at Sundance, Mumbai, Goteborg, and many other festivals. She has won 18 awards and has received grants from the Independent Television Service, Latino Public Broadcasting, and the Kauffman Foundation. Favorable reviews have appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post. Francesca is a professor emerita at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,where she taught media production. She holds a B.A. cum laude from Brown University, and an M.F.A. in film production from the University of Southern California. She'll be a great addition to the tourism board. Katie Katie Murray Director, Orange County Arts Commission Executive Director, Orange County Arts Alliance 5 she/her Eno Arts Mill 437 Dimmocks Mill Road, Suite 17 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-245-2335 kmurrayPorangecountync.gov 0 0 0 Stay up to date on Orange County arts happenings -subscribe to our e-newsletter. Please note:You may receive emails from meat varying hours of the day and week.Please do not feel obligated to read or respond to my emails outside of your own working hours. 6 Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Theodore Nollert Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Donald Bryan Member Male White 60+ Chapel Hill Craig Lloyd Member Male White 35-59 Cheeks Allison Reid Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Lisa Kaylie Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Economic Development Advisory Board Karen M.Dehart Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Matt Hughes Member Male African American 18-34 Hillsborough Creston Woods Member Male White 60+ Non-Resident Frederick Joiner Member Male African American Chapel Hill Ben Marklin Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Heidi W.Dawson Member Female 35-59 Non-Resident David Yonkovich- Putnam Member Male White 18-34 Non-Resident Jon Hartman-Brown Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Meredith Sabye Member Female White 35-59 Bingham Sally Greene Member(BOCC rep.) Chapel Hill VACANT VACANT Amanda Frisard Applicant Female Native American 35-59 Chapel Hill Margaret Moriarty Applicant Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill Jonathan Sosidka Applicant Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Francesca Talenti Applicant Female White 60+ Hillsborough Arts Commission 7 Page 1 of 2 Francesca Talenti Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Francesca Talenti Name Called: Home Address: 700 Orange High School Rd. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-923-7720 Email: fptalenti@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2001 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough ETJ Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange County Arts Commission board member Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Arts Commission Boards/Commissions applied for: Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I am a practicing artist and have had a career as a professor in the arts. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board This board needs someone to represent the arts. I volunteered. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? My specialty is media production, which is not generally represented on arts or tourism boards. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Arts Commission Application Date: 8/16/2024 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am a professor emerita of film production. I taught film production (fiction and animation) at the University of Texas at Austin, and at UNC Chapel Hill. I also have my own ongoing practice in the digital moving image, whether in projection design, inst Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: 8 Page 2 of 2 Francesca Talenti I'd like to contribute to the arts community here. Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: Applied for Arts Commission 8/16/2024 2:29:08 PM Applied for Visitors Bureau Advisory Board 5/15/2026 10:26:05 AM This application was current on: 5/15/2026 10:26:05 AM Date Printed: 5/15/2026 9 Page 1 of 1 Jon Hartman-Brown Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Jon Hartman-Brown Name Called: Home Address: 301 W. Main Street Carrboro NC 27510 Phone: 919-918-7319 Email: JHartman- Brown@TownofCarrboro.org Year of OC Residence: 2020 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 18-34 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I currently serve as the Economic Development Director for the Town of Carrboro. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Boards/Commissions applied for: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Background, education and experience relevant to this board: NA Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: NA Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: NA Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 7/9/2020 4:19:29 PM Date Printed: 7/9/2020 10 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting Times: 8:00 am Third Wednesday of every month except Jul.&Dec. Contact Person:Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hemphill Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-4323 Positions: 17 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: <div>This board is charged with developing and coordinating visitor services in Orange County.It also implements marketing programs that will enhance economic activity and quality of life in the community.</div> Theodore Nollert 1 First Appointed: 02/17/2026 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/17/2026 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Chapel Hill Town Council Number of Terms: Donald Bryan 2 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Comm Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Craig Lloyd 3 First Appointed: 11/19/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Orange County/Hillsborough Chamber of Number of Terms: 1 Ms. Allison Reid 4 First Appointed: 11/19/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: UNC Chapel Hill Number of Terms: 1 Ms. Lisa Kaylie 5 First Appointed: 02/25/2025 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/25/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Economic Development Advisory Board- Number of Terms: Karen M. Dehart 6 Chair First Appointed: 11/01/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 11/18/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2028 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: NC High School Athletic Association Number of Terms: 2 Friday,May 15,2026 Page 1 11 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting Times: 8:00 am Third Wednesday of every month except Jul.&Dec. Contact Person:Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hemphill Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-4323 Positions: 17 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Matt Hughes 7 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 11/18/2024 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: Hillsborough Twnshp Expiration: 12/31/2028 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Board of Commiss Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Creston Woods 8 First Appointed: 02/25/2025 Gender Identity: Male Township: Non-Res.Consultnt Current Appointment: 02/25/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: O/C Lodging Assoc. Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Frederick Joiner 9 First Appointed: 02/17/2026 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/17/2026 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2028 Age Range: Special Repr: Carrboro Town Council Number of Terms: Ben Marklin 10 First Appointed: 04/15/2025 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 11/18/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2028 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Alliance/Hist.Hillsborough Number of Terms: 1 Heidi W. Dawson 11 First Appointed: 12/06/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Current Appointment: 10/15/2024 Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: O/C Lodging Assoc. Number of Terms: 2 VACANT 12 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: O.C.Arts Commission Number of Terms: Friday,May 15,2026 Page 2 12 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Meeting Times: 8:00 am Third Wednesday of every month except Jul.&Dec. Contact Person:Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hemphill Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-4323 Positions: 17 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Mr. David Yonkovich-Putnam 13 First Appointed: 10/15/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Non-Res.Consultnt Current Appointment: 11/18/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Ex-officio Expiration: 12/31/2028 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Economic Development Staff-Town of Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Jon Hartman-Brown 14 First Appointed: 10/06/2020 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Ex-officio Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Economic Development Staff-Town of Number of Terms: 2 VACANT 15 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Ex-officio Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership Staff( Number of Terms: Meredith Sabye 16 First Appointed: 12/04/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 10/15/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 1 Sally Greene 17 First Appointed: 12/10/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/10/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: County Commissioner Number of Terms: Friday,May 15,2026 Page 3 13 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hem Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau AdVlSOry Contact Phone: 919-245-4323 Mrs. Amanda Frisard Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 06/11/2025 Ethnic Background: Native American Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Ms. Margaret Moriarty Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 11/06/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Mr. Jonathan Sosidka Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/12/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Ms. Francesca Talenti Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 05/15/2026 Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: Hillsborough ETJ Also Serves On: Arts Commission Friday,May 15,2026 Page 1 of 1 14 'ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: DR Bryan, Board Chair dr bpropnc.com 919-880-1478 Primary staff contact: Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director Ipaolicelli@visitchapelhill.org 919-259-1658 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? The board meets once a month, except for July and December, for a total of 10 meetings per calendar year. 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available here. Tourism Marketing and Management Since 1992, the Visitors Bureau has served as Orange County's official destination marketing and tourism management agency, operating with a dedicated staff of six who work daily to promote Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough as welcoming destinations for visitors, meeting planners, sports groups, and cultural travelers. 15 The Bureau: • Researches visitor trends to respond with marketing programs that will sustain demand. • Develops advertising and digital campaigns that drive visitors to Orange County businesses. • Manages media outreach to build audiences and engagement at Orange County events, from artist tours, bluegrass, historic programming and sports and recreation. • Provides accurate travel information to thousands of visitors who walk in to a Visitors Center funded through occupancy taxes and whom call, email and use the online portal to answer questions about their visit to Orange County. • Supports major events, conferences, tournaments, and festivals that contribute to economic viability and job creation in Orange County. • Collaborates with hotels, restaurants, small businesses, arts organizations, UNC–Chapel Hill, and local governments to present a cohesive destination message on key events and artistic and athletic programs taking place. Board Leadership and Accomplishments The Board led a forward-looking strategic planning effort, engaging more than two dozen stakeholders and producing a roadmap grounded in community priorities (available for BOCC download). Under its leadership, the County: • Maintained steady hotel occupancy and visitor demand • Secured the winning bid for the 2026 Savannah Bananas games—projected to yield $9+ million in economic return to Orange County in April 2026. • Advanced a robust marketing and trolley campaign for UPROAR 2025, contributing to record attendance • Launched video campaigns supporting small businesses • Produced essential visitor guides • Strengthened partnerships with Chapel Hill and Carrboro Town Managers • Advanced a major America 250 event and commemorative publication to be released July 2026 16 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • Strategic Planning: Led a comprehensive planning process with 25+ stakeholders, producing a roadmap for future tourism growth. • Hotel Performance: Helped sustain steady occupancy and countywide demand, supporting a resilient lodging sector. • Savannah Bananas 2026 Bid Win: Secured a transformative event projected to generate $9 million in economic return. • UPROAR 2025 Marketing Success: Funded and approved a marketing/trolley initiative that boosted attendance and community visibility. • Small Business Support: Created video campaigns featuring local shops, restaurants, and makers to direct visitor spending to independent businesses. • Visitor Guides: Produced guides that strengthen Orange County's reputation as a welcoming and accessible destination. • Municipal Collaboration: Engaged Chapel Hill and Carrboro Town Managers to align strategies and deepen partnership. • America 250 Leadership: Approved a signature 2026 event and commemorative publication celebrating Orange County's contributions. 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. Destination Marketing & Promotion Year-round brand promotion, digital campaigns, social media, website management, visitor guides, business-focused videos, and outdoor/arts/heritage marketing. Campaigns helped bring larger out of town audiences to local events, increasing spending and strengthening the local economy. Strategic Planning & Industry Research Ongoing hotel data analysis, visitor trend research, stakeholder engagement, and long- range planning. This information is helpful for new developers considering Orange County for a future project. Event Support & Sponsorship Countywide support for arts festivals, Orange County Veterans events, Black Alumni gathering in November 2025, bluegrass and musical cultural events, heritage 17 programming, and major agricultural events such as Hog Day, Salt & Smoke and Sound, Farmers Markets, Gay Pride Carrboro event, LGBTQ messaging to name a few. Interdepartmental Collaboration Work with: • Parks & Recreation — promote trails, parks, and greenways • Aging — provide trolley and tour programs accessible to seniors • Arts Commission — elevate cultural events and galleries • Agricultural Extension — highlight farms, markets, and agri-tourism • Preservation Initiatives — support heritage tourism • Sustainability/Clean & Green — promote tourism as a clean and green industry • Economic Development — drive hotel demand and attract visitor spending • Civil Rights & Inclusion — uplift diverse businesses and inclusive events • Veterans Affairs — provide public relations materials to Orange County Veterans Committee. Visitor Services The Visitors Bureau uses a wide range of modern tools to help visitors navigate and feel welcome. Its mobile-friendly, ADA-accessible website serves as a central hub with real-time events, dynamic maps, trip-planning tools, and dining and lodging information. Custom QR codes provide guided tours and while many digital kiosks at hotels provide quick directions and attraction searches. Visitors Bureau social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X now function as real-time visitor-service tools, sharing trending experiences and answering questions on the spot. Partnerships with local businesses extend visitor support even further, with restaurants, hotels, museums, and shops distributing QR-coded maps, itineraries, and insider tips. Outdoor-oriented navigation tools such as trail-mapping apps, greenway QR codes, and kiosk stations at trailheads are also becoming essential, especially in communities that value outdoor recreation like Orange County. The Visitors Bureau works with local Parks and Rec Departments to learn about QR codes that offer self guided tourism information. 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Diverse and Vibrant Economy 18 Our work directly advances the County's goal to "attract and retain sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, strengthen employment opportunities, and diversify the tax base." Highlights include: • Strategic Planning: Ensures growth is intentional, data-driven, and aligned with economic priorities. • Sustaining Hotel Demand: Supports hundreds of jobs and strengthens tax revenue. • Major Events: Savannah Bananas and UPROAR bring new dollars and visibility to the County. • Small Business Promotion: Directs spending to local entrepreneurs and creative enterprises. • Visitor Guides and Services: Encourage longer stays, higher spending, and repeat visitation. • Municipal Partnerships: Maximize tourism ROI through unified strategy. • America 250 Initiatives: Stimulate cultural tourism and raise Orange County's national profile. 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. Tourism accomplishments are strengthened through active collaboration with: • Parks & Recreation • Department on Aging • Orange County Arts Commission • Preservation & Heritage Initiatives • Sustainability & Clean and Green Programs • Agricultural Extension • Civil Rights & Inclusion • Economic Development Tourism is a clean and green industry—it requires no new infrastructure, brings in outside dollars, supports trails and outdoor recreation, provides seniors with trolley and tour mobility options, uplifts local farms, and strengthens cultural and creative sectors. 19 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. The Board expects to continue efforts that support a Diverse and Vibrant Economy, including: • Promoting major events to build attendance and strength the economy • Supporting large festivals and cultural programming • Expanding small-business visibility campaigns • Enhancing outdoor recreation and trail promotion • Advancing the America 250 celebration, culminating with a celebration July 4, 2026. • Strengthening partnerships with County departments and municipalities • Fiscal Impact: Staff time, marketing resources, event sponsorships (supported by occupancy tax revenue). 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? • Rebuilding Town of Chapel Hill's contribution to the County Visitors Bureau. • Auditing short-term rentals across platforms such as VRBO and Airbnb to understand their impact on lodging tax revenue, housing, and visitor patterns.