Carolina MPA Calendar

• July 25-29: Summer Oral Exams
• August 1: August term online classes start
• August 2: August 2022 degree award date
• August 15: Fall on-campus courses start
• August 20: SAVE THE DATE for the MPA Alumni Picnic in Chapel Hill, NC!
• September 5: September term online classes start
• September 17-21: ICMA Conference in Columbus, OH
• October 6-8: Fall Immersion: Social Equity in the Public Sector: Self to Systems, Watch the Video on our Immersion course Here!
• December 10-11: Fall Commencement Events

• Applicants Needed for Orange County Volunteer Boards and Commissions
• Trans Talk Tuesday

Applicants Needed For Orange County

Volunteer Boards And Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board (919) 245-2125

ORANGE COUNTY, NC (July 13, 2022) – One way residents can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to serve on a volunteer board or commission.

The Orange County Board of Commissioners is currently recruiting applicants for the following boards and commissions:

• Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – This committee works to maintain the intent of the Adult Care Home Residents’ Bill of Rights for those residing in licensed adult care homes. The members of this committee also promote community involvement and cooperation with these homes to ensure quality care for the elderly and disabled adults. This board has an initial training period prior to recommendation for appointment by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm. There are currently five (5) at-large vacancies.

• Advisory Board on Aging – This board suggests policy and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and the Department on Aging while acting as the liaison between the older residents of the County and the County government. It is charged with promoting needed services, programs, and funding that impacts older persons. The Advisory Board on Aging meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 pm. There is currently one (1) at-large vacancy.

• Affordable Housing Advisory Board – The Affordable Housing Advisory Board prioritizes affordable housing needs and assesses project proposals. The board also publicizes the County’s housing objectives, monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works to increase the community’s awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in producing attractive affordable housing. This board typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There are currently five (5) at-large vacancies.

• Agricultural Preservation Board – This board promotes the economic and cultural importance of agriculture in the county and encourages voluntary preservation and protection of farmland for future production. The Agricultural Preservation Board typically meets on the third Wednesday of every other month at 7:30 pm. There is currently one (1) position open for a representative of the Cedar Grove Voluntary Agricultural District. Applicants are also needed for one (1) New Hope/Hillsborough Voluntary Agricultural District position and one (1) at-large position.

• Animal Services Advisory Board – This board is charged to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters of concern regarding animal issues and animal services in Orange County. The Animal Services Advisory Board works with the Animal Services Director to ensure quality animal services and maintains contact with the stakeholder groups from which its members are appointed. The board also provides a venue in which stakeholder concerns about animals, animal policies and issues, and animal services programming may be voiced, considered, and referred as appropriate. The Animal Services Advisory Board typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) position open for an individual that resides within the Town Limits of Chapel Hill, one (1) position open for an individual that resides within the Town Limits of Carrboro, one (1) position open for an individual representing a for-profit business located in Orange County focused on companion or recreational animal welfare (e.g. pet supply stores, kennels, grooming salons, dog walking businesses, etc.), and one (1) position open for a county resident whose experience demonstrates a commitment to education around animal issues, legislative advocacy, and/or animal welfare (e.g. rescue work, support for residents with animals, efforts to work with free-roaming cats, volunteering at animal shelters). Applicants are also needed for one (1) at-large position.

• Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool – The Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool hears appeals concerning violations of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (“Animal Control Ordinance”), as provided in the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Section 4-53 Appeals, and also potentially dangerous dog appeals as prescribed by N.C. Gen. Stat. §67-4.1(c). It is the responsibility of pool members to conduct fair and impartial hearings for these appeals and they will receive training in both law and proper procedure prior to participating in a hearing. Appeals panels will convene on an as-needed basis for hearings. There is currently one (1) open position for a resident that resides within the unincorporated area of the county and one (1) open position for a resident that resides within the Town of Chapel Hill.

• Board of Equalization and Review – The Board of Equalization and Review hears appeals from residents concerning various property tax issues, including valuation and exemption appeals. The Board of Equalization and Review is charged with ensuring that all taxable property is appraised and assessed according to the standards required by the North Carolina General Statutes. This board meets up to three days per week, for approximately three to four hours per meeting, for up to three consecutive months (typically April-June). Additional meetings may occur as needed during the year. Members will be compensated for all meetings attended. Orange County residents with knowledge of real estate are specifically encouraged to apply, however, others will also be given consideration. There are currently five (5) alternate positions open. 

• Commission for the Environment – This commission advises the Board of Commissioners on matters affecting the environment with particular emphasis on protection. It educates public and local officials on environmental issues and performs special studies and projects. It also recommends environmental initiatives and studies changes in environmental science and local and federal regulations. The Commission for the Environment typically meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. There is currently one (1) open at-large position, one (1) open position for an applicant with expertise in air quality, and one (1) open position for an applicant with expertise in engineering.

• Historic Preservation Commission – The Historic Preservation Commission is charged with undertaking an inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance. It recommends areas to be designated or removed as "historic districts" and reviews and acts upon proposals for alterations, demolition, new construction, etc. This commission typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Applications are currently needed for two (2) at-large positions.

• Human Relations Commission – The Human Relations Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners on solutions to problems in the field of human relationships. It also makes recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony among groups in the County irrespective of their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. The Human Relations Commission typically meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There are currently three (3) at-large vacancies and one (1) vacancy for a person residing in the Town of Chapel Hill.

• Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee – This committee helps maintain the intent of the Residents' Bill of Rights, promotes community involvement, and provides public education on long-term care issues. This board has an initial training period prior to recommendation for appointment by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. There are currently five (5) at-large vacancies.

• Orange County Board of Adjustment – The Board of Adjustment hears and decides all appeals from and reviews any decisions made by the Zoning Officer, as well as matters required to pass by the Zoning Ordinance. It also hears and makes decisions upon applications for Special Uses that require the Board’s approval. This board typically meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. There is currently one (1) at-large vacancy.

• Orange County Housing Authority Board – The goal of the Orange County Housing Authority Board is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low and moderate-income families in Orange County. Applicants with the following areas of experience and/or interest are encouraged to apply: real estate, development, affordable housing, municipal law, banking, and Housing Choice Voucher program participants. This board typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There are currently two (2) at-large vacancies.

• Orange County Parks and Recreation Council – This council consults with and advises the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, and the Board of County Commissioners on matters affecting parks planning, development and operation, recreation facilities, policies and programs, and public trails and open space. The Parks and Recreation Council typically meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) open position for a resident that resides within the Chapel Hill Township.

• Orange Unified Transportation Board – The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) advises the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and provides information and comments on major transportation issues. Specifically, the OUTBoard provides the Board of County Commissioners with recommendations regarding the overall planning and programming of transportation improvements in the County, including identification and prioritization of the County's roadway and transit needs along with associated costs and specific sources of funding; provision of recommendations to the Board regarding Federal and State legislation affecting transportation in Orange County; and exploration and suggestion of recommendations on innovative techniques and methods to improve the efficiency and capacity of existing and future transportation systems. The OUTBoard typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) vacancy for a resident of Little River Township, one (1) vacancy for a resident of Cedar Grove Township, and one (1) vacant at-large position.

If interested, apply at www.orangecountync.gov/Apply.

Orange County strives for authentically diverse representation on volunteer boards and commissions. Residents of all demographic backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside in Orange County. Volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have the opportunity to directly influence the County’s decisions, policies, and priorities.

For additional information contact Tara May at 919-245-2125 or tmay@orangecountync.gov.