Chamber Members, 

Your Chamber Government Affairs Committee convenes on the 1st Thursday of each month to discuss policy matters that matter to your businesses. 

On 2/4, your Committee convened for their February monthly meeting and welcomed Chapel Hill Transit Director Brian Litchfield for a discussion on local and regional transportation and transit. Litchfield led a candid conversation on the North-South Bus Rapid Transit (N/S BRT) and the vision for an East-West BRT. Here is his presentation. 

In March, your Committee will hear from the new Chapel Hill planning director, Colleen Willger. 

Also, below are timely government affairs and advocacy updates from your Committee for your convenience. 

Katie

This Week

• Tonight (2/10 at 6pm) Chapel Hill residents will receive a briefing on Aura, the proposed mixed-use development along MLK and Estes Drive containing 360 apartments and 55 townhomes, with office, retail, and amenity spaces. Tonight's discussion will focus on the results of a traffic study. Register here.  
• Friday (2/12) Chapel Hill Council Committee on Economic Sustainability will get a briefing on 31 development projects underway, discuss East Rosemary streetscape, and have a candid conversation with Capital Associates and the Noell Consulting Group about highest and best use options for the property along Barbee Chapel and Raleigh Road. 
• Now - Register for the Covid Forum, our 1st forum in the 2021 Critical Issues Series happening on 2/25, and mark your calendar for the Economic Forum featuring Dr. Michael Walden on 3/25.

Next Week

• Next Tuesday (2/16) the Orange County Board of Commissioners will formally receive Buc-ee's withdrawal letter and Carrboro Town Council will convene for their nearly weekly meetings. On Wednesday (2/17) Chapel Hill Town Council will have a virtual work session. 

In Case You Missed It:

• Last Tuesday, 2/2, Orange County Commissioners stood up the new Broadband Task Force and did not give business a seat at the table. Engaging high speed internet providers is critical for ensuring the county has a plan that can best leverage new technologies and close the broadband gap. We strongly encouraged the commissioners to ensure the voice of business is informing the process as the Task Force is charged with "recommending a plan to the Commissioners to expand reliable high-speed internet services to all county residents and businesses."
• Last Tuesday, The Chamber announced the 2021 Board of Directors, which includes the most diverse class of new directors. 
• This past Monday, the Carrboro Business Alliance announced a buy local campaign to commemorate Valentine's Day and For the Love of Carrboro. Visit CarrboroLove.org for 30 flirty local gifts, meals, and experiences to show and share your #CarrboroLove. 

Ongoing: 

• Tune-in to 97.9 The Hill WCHL Chapelboro.com for Conversations with the Mayors sponsored by The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.  This is a great way to stay up-to-date and hear directly from our elected officials on matters that matter to your business. 
• Find quick contacts for your elected officials and media in this handy contact page.  

As always, let me know if you need anything or have any government affairs and advocacy questions. 

Katie

PS: Like what you read? Read more "Our Voice" posts.  

_________________________________________

Katie R. Loovis
Vice President for External Affairs
The Chamber & Carrboro Business Alliance
kloovis@carolinachamber.org | 919-696-0781 (cell)