We read a lot of articles about local government, public sector innovation, open government, urban planning, and social justice. Since we often relate these articles to things happening locally here in Orange County and the Triangle, we thought we'd start sharing them from time to time. Here's what we read this week:
Local governments across the state and country are struggling to meet basic needs in this era of tax breaks for the wealthy and austerity for the rest of us.
Here in Orange County, we have a variety of pressing needs from overdue school maintenance to the burgeoning senior population to general poverty and housing affordability. In response, the County Commissioners decided to put a bond referendum on the ballot in 2016.
In the discussions leading up to that decision, the needs of the school systems were justifiably a consensus priority since it would be foolish to forego needed maintenance on the school systems’ infrastructure. Yet, while most of the commissioners had also expressed support for other issues - most prominently affordable housing – they surprisingly voted with little public input to dedicate the bond solely to schools.
The issue of affordable housing is receiving more attention than at any time in recent history. We have a huge identified need. We have affordable housing providers who have a proven track record of delivering successful projects. The major missing ingredient is funds.
In case you missed it (in the event that all of your Facebook friends didn't post it), the New York Times posted a "36 Hours in Chapel Hill-Carrboro" video and piece last week. The video features several local restaurants and bars, including Al's Burger Shack, ONE Restaurant, the Baxter Bar & Arcade, Neal's Deli, among others, and local attractions like the NC Botanical Gardens, Ackland Art Museum, and the Carolina Basketball Museum.
The editors of OrangePolitics thought the video was superb and truly highlighted some of the best food, drinks, and attractions in our community. But we did want to ask you: What do you think the NY Times missed that is a must-see if you're just dropping in for a few days? Let us know in the comments.
Budgets will be the focus for the both the county commissioners, Chapel Hill Town Council and Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board this week. The Carrboro Alderfolks will talk about the rezoning of the Triem/South Green Lot, while the county commissioners will discuss the Eubanks Road Solid Waste Convenience Center and Southern Government Services Center in addition to their already-mentioned work on the budget. GoTriangle will present the environmental impact studies done of the Durham-Orange light rail corridor.
Both the Hillsborough Town Board and Orange County Board of Education are on break this week.
Here's the
CARRBORO BOARD OF ALDERPERSONS
CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL
Though it’s a short week because of the Memorial Day holiday, Orange County’s public bodies will be busy. The Carrboro Alderfolks will get public comment on opening East Weaver Street to pedestrians, while the county commissioners will ask for feedback on the budget for the upcoming year and several zoning amendments and permits.
The Chapel Hill Town Council will discuss a potential 2015 general obligation bond referendum and the Community Home Trust interlocal agreement, while the Hillsborough Town Board talks budget and the county school board reviews an IT overhaul effort.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education is on break this week, and don’t forget to join us for our monthly editors meeting Sunday at the Looking Glass.
Here’s the whole rundown:
CARRBORO BOARD OF ALDERPERSONS
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