Attracting and retaining workers is a real challenge for local employers, made more difficult by a shortage of diverse local housing options, especially in the ‘missing middle.’ Workers today, including firefighters, teachers, and nurses, want to live and work in their community. The proposed housing text amendments are part of a comprehensive strategy to help build a more complete community.

New state law changes how local elected officials engage on nonprofit boards, 32 development projects underway in Chapel Hill, study shows Chapel Hill needs to increase housing production by 35% to keep up with projected growth, and 6 new businesses coming/expanding in downtown Chapel Hill.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are an important and complicated emerging business phenomenon in need of a local regulatory framework so STR operators can get out of the shadows, have a clear and proper path to permit for their commercial activity, and operate safely in appropriate, allowable zones. The Chamber, CHALT, local hoteliers, and a former mayor have found alignment on the best path forward on this matter and support the town's proposed ordinance with three caveats.

It appears we are entering an economic recovery according to renowned economist Dr. Michael Walden at our Economic Outlook Forum last week. This monthly digest summarizes the top takeaways from the Forum and shares other timely information for Chamber members and friends to prepare for the post-pandemic economy.

What would it take to improve connectivity between Chapel Hill and the rest of the Triangle? We think a transit priority shoulder (TPS) on I-40 - our region’s most important freeway - could speed things up, quickly and reliably. This is a concept worth exploring. Learn more...

This Chamber blog provides updates on downtown Chapel Hill, including new information (free parking in West End), the status of several development projects underway, and the list of businesses that are coming soon to Chapel Hill.

This monthly digest features an economic snapshot, the list of top industry sectors hiring right now, and the most in-demand jobs.

The Chamber hosted a Covid Forum to address what employers need to know right now as it relates vaccines, testing, and employment law - and - what they need to know about the path ahead as it relates to their business continuity planning.

Chapel Hill should follow the lead of other university communities, including Berkley, Boulder, Charlottesville, Madison, and Lawrence and prohibit investor-owned short-term rentals (STRs).

This letter documents a nearly two-year collaborative process to find a way to address the impacts of the Short Term Rental (STR) industry in our community that meets the needs of all stakeholders. At the conclusion of this letter, the Chamber, CHALT, loc

The Chamber and the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties teamed-up to provide joint feedback and five recommendations to the Chapel Hill Town Council on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM).

The Chamber shares its strong support for the East Rosemary Redevelopment Project and calls on the Chapel Hill Town Council to authorize the agreement, move forward with the land exchanges, and make this remarkable partnership a reality.

Review the findings from the 2020 Real Estate Forum, the 4th forum in the 2020 Policy Series featuring Metrostudy's Amanda Hoyle as well as representatives from Grubb Properties, Ram Realty Advisors, and Weaver Street Realty.

The Chamber continues to advocate for the Research Triangle Logistics Park, which is a $150 million, 2.25 million square foot distribution and warehousing project for the Hillsborough Economic Development District. This is the right project, in the righ

20+ urban and rural chambers from throughout the Triangle Region came together in 2019 to develop a shared state legislative agenda to guide our advocacy with the NC General Assembly. Read it now!

The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee advocates for the business interests of Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro. The following are the top three highlights and four insights from 2019.

Orange County secured 400+ new jobs and a nearly $40 million investment from Swiss industrial company, ABB, as it expands its Mebane facility. The new positions include engineers, project managers, and production personnel, and the average salary for all

This blog captures a succinct summary of the 2019 Economic Development Forum with links to presentations and videos on more than 12 different properties, districts, and jurisdictions.

Short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb are a new and rapidly growing phenomenon. On any given night in Greater Chapel Hill, there are roughly 300 available, they are on-track to pull-in $8 million this year, and are on-fire with rapid, 40% year-over-year g

Short-term rentals (STR) have taken off nationally and exploding right here in our community, with Airbnb leading the pack. But are these rentals even allowed in Chapel Hill and Carrboro? Read to find the answer.

Now is the time to sign up to serve on a local advisory board or commission. We need more local business leaders like you involved in community decision-making.

A first and only “Opportunity Zone” in Chapel Hill is attracting substantial investment for its tax benefits. Learn more...

This morning, the @CarolinaChamber convened a meeting with OWASA leadership and local health department and emergency management professionals to discuss what happened with last week’s water emergency and hear feedback from the business community. A candi

Election Results: Orange and Chatham County Incumbents swept the 2018 general election, the Chapel Hill Affordable Housing Bond was approved, and four of the six constitutional amendments passed.

Did your business or nonprofit organization experience property damage or lost revenue from Hurricane Florence - including losses from the cancelled UNC football game on Sept 15th? If so, you could be eligible for federal government disaster assistance, i

Chapel Hill voters will have an Affordable Housing Bond Referendum on their ballot. The Chamber’s Board of Directors unanimously endorsed this bond and our Treasurer, Robert Dowling, shares why.

Triangle Business Journal Managing Editor, Dane Huffman, recently interviewed our Chamber President & CEO Aaron Nelson on all-things Chapel Hill. They discussed how the Chapel Hill market has evolved over the last two decades, growth, affordable housing,

What to know and who to call right now as you prepare for hurricane Florence. This letter from Chapel Hill Chamber President & CEO Aaron Nelson provides tips for local business owners as they prepare for Hurricane Florence.

Three things to consider right now as you prepare your home and business for Hurricane Florence.

Several demonstrations are planned over #SilentSam this evening on UNC Campus. Here's the state-of-play and 3 things you need to know right now.

In September, nearly 100 local leaders will visit Lawrence, Kansas. The Executive Director of our Visitors Bureau, Laurie Paolicelli, is one of them, and she's excited. In an elegant personal letter to all Chamber members and friends, she shares her top f

There are roughly twenty road improvement projects underway in Chapel Hill and Carrboro this summer, including construction on main thoroughfares like East Franklin Street and South Greensboro Street. Get informed on what projects are on-deck and how your

Tonight, the Chapel Hill Town Council will discuss Chapel Hill’s future. They’re not talking about next week or next year, they’re talking about Chapel Hill 2049. There are six focus areas Council will discuss. The big question remains: do these areas pro

With five days of rain ahead of us, it's apropos to consider the inevitable runoff and flooding we will experience. Stormwater management is a material issue for local businesses. The Carrboro Board of Aldermen are discussing a proposed stormwater utilit

Find out the results of the 2018 Primary Elections and learn more about the winning candidates' positions on 13 business-critical issues.

"When it comes to #affordablehousing, we need to be more optimistic and less patient," according to Chamber CEO Aaron Nelson. Watch as Aaron Nelson explains why we need #MoreHousingFaster and how we can do it, and then click through to read his full colum

Primary elections are often punctuated with little interest and low turnout; but in Orange County, NC, where many more Democrats are registered than Republicans, the winner of the May primary almost always wins the general election in November. Bottom lin

“The world is run by those who show up.” A wise adage Owner of Back Alley Bikes, Jason Merrill, shared through a video challenge to local citizens to volunteer on a community advisory board, committee, or commission. Jason serves on the Chapel Hill Trans

Calling all Chapel Hill business leaders: The Chapel Hill Town Council wants to hear your voice as it embarks on a nationwide search for a new Town Manager. They have four questions and four easy ways to engage. Act now.

Chamber President and CEO Aaron Nelson reveals the top findings from the Chamber's 2018 Economic Conditions Survey, which provides year-over-year insights into the perspectives of local business leaders on the local economy and doing business in greater C

Renowned economist Dr. Michael L. Walden shares his forecast and important news on the state of our economy during the Chamber's Economic Outlook Briefing. (Part I of II)

It's Valentine's Day this week and since listening is loving, love is in the air. Our local elected officials are doing a LOT of listening this week (no major votes). You could say they are bringing back that lovin’ feeling. Read more to see the topics fo

Make your voice matter - join a volunteer county or town advisory board, committee, or commission. Applications are open now.

Quick shortlist of what business-related meetings are happening this week across all town and Orange County government meetings.

What does it mean and what does it take to differentiate our region and improve our competitive advantage? The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee has developed a shortlist of 15 policy objectives that will help get us there.

The Carrboro Board of Aldermen are back in session this evening, Chapel Hill Town Council on Wednesday, and OWASA Board of Directors resumes on Thursday. Read the hot -topics on-deck and decide if you'd like to join me.

Check out the top 3 takeaways from recent local elections and what the results mean for your business and our community.

Through weekly posts on "Our Voice," the Chamber tracks and shares when elected and appointed officials meet to take decisions that are relevant to your business and our region. Think of it as your weekly cheat sheet for navigating the local legislative l