recession
I am new to this Internet community and surprised that there appears to be no conversation about human service needs or human service programs in Orange County. We certainly seem to have many examples of both.
Last month Orange County government sponsored a day long retreat for the directors of all non-profit human service agencies that receive partial funding from the County. The purpose of the event was to facilitate discussion among non-profit leaders regarding the impact of the economic downturn on the non-profit sector and on the people it serves. The organizers hoped that non-profit leaders would discover new ways to anticipate future challenges and to collaborate on common goals. The meeting was facilitated by experts from the UNC School of Government.
I think this meeting was an example of excellent leadership from County goverment. Orange County makes a consideration financial contribution each year to non-profit human service agencies but, this retreat demonstrated a contribution beyond money.
One of downtown Carrboro's new development sites is for sale, putting the project on hold for the time-being. Read more in today's
Citizen:
Roberson Square site on the market. Do you think more slow-downs and cancellations will occur?
While I know that UNC has programs that attempt to help students afford college, with the current economic downturn, the problem is going to become more wide spread. In addition UNC is likely to find a further economic squeeze, from State budgets to reduced alumni contributions.
It is my belief that affordability should never limit a qualified student once accepted from attending that college. I also do not like the idea that a student graduates with massive debt.
So my question is should UNC be planning any changes to assure affordability for any student to whom it sends an acceptance letter? Should it change priorities, e.g. slow growth,funnel a larger share of money from the state, contributions, endowments to ensure the affordability for all accepted students?
While I was out (since the last post) this email appeared in my email box.
Wall Street Journal has an interactive map of the United States that shows where people are "underwater" on their mortgages. Underwater is a new term for me. I always heard upside down, but the meaning is the same - the house is now valued at less than is owed. The percentages shown on the map are only houses purchased in the last five years.
I was disappointed but not surprised to see Orange County, NC on the map.
Only 10% of homeowners are underwater this week. That's nowhere near as bad as Orange County, California where 40-80% of homeowners are underwater. But that number could change if housing prices decrease, the percentage does not include people who may be underwater and bought six or seven years ago and the last five years saw an awful lot of houses constructed and purchased as well existing and changing hands in Orange County. It begs the question just how many families is that?
Map here for your viewing pleasure:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122341352084512611.html#project%3DUnderwater0809
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