We will update this thread with news of who is announcing their candidacy. Starting next week, we will launch our election coverage with detailed information as candidates file for Chapel Hill Town Council, Carrboro Board of Alderfolks, and Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board of Education.

Filing runs from July 6th to July 17th, 2015.

Then on July 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm we hope you'll join us for the Candidate Coming Out Party and Happy Hour at DSI Comedy.

In a cross-post from today's Chapel Hill News, Travis and I ask: Are we designing for 2017 or 2070? Read the text below and tell us what you think.

The reality we live in presents numerous challenges and long-term threats. Scientists have been documenting these trends for decades. We know, for example, that climate change is a pressing problem that requires action today (yesterday, really) to mitigate existing damage and prevent further environmental degradation. We also know that rates of obesity in the United States, and in other nations, has risen rapidly, leading to a decline in life expectancy for the first time in modern history.

These two examples highlight the importance of modifying patterns and behaviors today to shape a better future. Local action can be important in setting a positive path forward, especially when state and federal action is insufficient. How can local action help address these major issues? For one thing, we can change how we develop our community.

It’s tough trying to boil multiple-hour meetings into a news story.  Local media outlets have recapped the public hearing where the Obey Creek development agreement was approved after a nearly six year process (read more here and here). I tried futilely to capture what Council said in 140 characters (see Storifys from the May 11, May 18, June 8, and June 15 meetings that discussed Obey Creek).