Chamber Seeks Input on Town Development Policies, Processes

The Town of Chapel Hill is currently undertaking a once in a generation process to update text in their Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). This 300+ page section of code controls most aspects of the Town’s built environment including building sizes, uses, zoning districts, stormwater requirements, landscaping, parking and more. In addition to setting the rules and process for how buildings are cited and constructed, the LUMO also governs many aspects of existing business operation including the size and location of signs, outdoor dining, loading zones and special regulations for a couple dozen specific use categories like car washes, fraternity houses, and food trucks. The LUMO is also critical for addressing housing affordability, supply, and diversity because its terms make certain kinds of housing development more or less likely.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, chaired by Jim McNeely with CertaPro, has chartered a subcommittee to recommend changes to the LUMO this spring and review draft text expected to be released in the early fall. The LUMO Review Subcommittee, chaired by James Kilbourne, with law firm Allen Stahl + Kilbourne, met twice in March and the full committee held a Q&A session with Town planning staff this week.

If you have experience working with the Town of Chapel Hill’s development review process or have specific feedback on an aspect of business operation governed by the LUMO, we want to hear from you. Please email Ian Scott to share information or set up a call.

Learn more about Chapel Hill’s LUMO Update: Rewriting our Rules – A LUMO Update

Carrboro Hires Town Manager

Last week, the Town of Carrboro officially hired Patrice Toney as new town manager. Toney has more than 25 years of experience in local government and currently serves as assistant city manager for Winston-Salem. She was previously Winston-Salem’s director of the Budget and Evaluation and before that held multiple leadership roles with Forsyth County. She replaces prior town manager was Richard J. White III who left in November to take a position Salisbury. Assistant Town Manager Marie Parker has served as interim town manager during the recruitment period. Toney is expected to begin her new role in early May.

Read more from Chapelboro.com: Carrboro Mayor Shares Thoughts on ‘Amazing’ Town Manager, Town Clerk Hires

Child Care at Risk

A new study finds many child care centers in the state are at risk of downsizing or closure if new funding support is not identified soon. Federal grant programs implemented during the pandemic supported child care center operations and boosted teacher pay by roughly 15%. The operational stabilization grants expired last April, and teacher pay grants are set to end on June 30. Based on survey responses from 1,529 child care programs across the state, a vast majority (88%) of respondents expected to increase fees charged to parents due to expiring federal support. 41% expect to close or combine classrooms, and 29% believe they may close entirely. Child care advocates are asking the NC Legislature for a one-time allocation of $300 million to extend grants. An increase in child care tuition fees and/or a reduction in available slots will likely impact many people’s workforce participation decisions.

Read the NC Child Care Program Grants Sunset Survey report commissioned by the North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral Council

Final WASMPBA Vote Scheduled Thursday

This Thursday, the OWASA Board of Directors are poised to vote on a change to the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) that would open water/sewer access for property owners along Hwy 15/501 from Southern Village to the Chatham County line. The area is inside the rural buffer and under zoning authority of the Town of Chapel Hill. By terms of the 2001 agreement, any change to the Boundary must be approved by Orange County and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. All four local governments have already voted to approve this boundary change. Allowing access to water and sewer will open the door for affordable housing and transit oriented development along this major corridor.

Downtown Business Input Sessions

This week, the Town of Chapel Hill is hosting a series of engagement opportunities this week specifically for downtown businesses to weigh in on streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. Downtown business owners will have an opportunity to raise concerns and highlight things working well. These sessions are part of a yearlong Downtown Streetscape design and planning effort. See flyer for more information. <Link to Flyer on Chamber website or Social>

Open Board/Commission Seats

Orange County is calling on prospective volunteer leaders to fill vacancies on various community boards and commissions. Currently there are 34 open seats across 15 different County-level boards ranging from the Arts Commission to the Orange County Housing Authority and the Board of Equalization and Review which hears property tax appeals. Apply for any open seat online.

Finalizing Leadership Class

Registration is open through April 19 for Leadership Chapel Hill-Carrboro, our community’s premier local immersion and leadership development program. For nearly four decades, Leadership has given emerging and experienced leaders a 360-degree look their community with unrivaled depth and access. The 10-session, cohort-based program has also forged countless new friendships and inspired civic engagement. Act now if you or a colleague are interested in participating in this year’s class.

Meet the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, read the policy platform, contact your local officials, dive deeper into the issues, and contact The Chamber's Vice President for Advocacy Ian Scott for questions or concerns.