Weekly update, June 5
Find your new print issue around town | Events Calendar correction | Carrboro's budget approved | Orange County still debating CHPL funding; budget vote is June 16 | Freight Train Blues tonight!
Hiya! The June/July issue is out! It's full of information and stories from your neighbors, with more contributors than ever. We keep growing and my heart is full. Thank you! A reminder to enjoy this issue through July; the next one comes out in August when our monthly print schedule resumes.
Correction: It's a big weekend in Carrboro and The Events Calendar in the print issue is missing some events from June 5, along with June 6 and 7. Please use the version online to plan your weekend. We apologize!
Today (June 5) is National Gun Violence Awareness Day and we are encouraged to wear orange all weekend to commemorate it. Mayor Foushee issued a proclamation for this day.
Orange County seeks volunteers to display yard signs with a local Food Resource List. You can claim a sign here and pick up information will be emailed to you.
Online this week
We reported on the first public feedback session on Carrboro's budget in advance of the second feedback session which took place Tuesday evening. Learn what happened there with our meeting highlights reel (and further down where we provide updates on local government meetings). We also brought you a story about Lukera, an innovative energy company based here. And Clara Zelasky wrote about what she observed after the fire in the Carolina North Forest on May 20.
On The Carrborean Radio Hour
We hosted a special discussion of this place with Catherine Lazorko, Alys Traylor, and John Rees. Catherine spoke about Carrboro's latest Community Resident Survey and Alys read her winning piece from The Carrborean's first annual essay contest for high school seniors, which had this theme: What have you learned from living in Carrboro that you will take with you on the next step of your journey? Thanks to our contest sponsors: Golden Fig Books and Carrboro Coffee Roasters!
Next week, we'll have Michelle Blume, Recreation Supervisor for Carrboro, and Xavi Vallejo, from Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture on air talking about plans for the joint Carrboro - Chapel Hill Juneteenth Celebration on June 19. Listen live on WCOM-FM 103.5 or stream at wcomfm.org. Or find the recording here later in the week.
And after each radio show, join us at a pop-up newsroom to discuss all things Carrboro and stories you'd like to see, hear, or write. In June and July, you'll find us at Oasis in the Carr Mill Mall on Mondays from 5-6pm.
News from OWASA, Schools, Town, and County
Reminder from OWASA: The public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and 4% rate increase will be on June 11, 2026 at OWASA, 400 Jones Ferry Road.
June 4, 2026: Glenwood Closure, Mandarin’s Future, and Student Tech Rights
Summary: The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education votes to close Glenwood Elementary, sets timelines and guardrails for relocating its Mandarin and world language magnet programs, and hears a Student Technology Bill of Rights as members tighten plans to scale back iPads. The board also redirects tech savings into curriculum, creates a media technology advisory group, and closes with recognition of championship-winning student athletes.
June 2, 2026: Carrboro Budget Showdown: Bolin Creek and Human Services
The Carrboro Town Council hears emotional testimony on taxes, Human Services cuts, and the costly Bolin Creek Greenway before adopting a budget that restores Human Services funding without raising property taxes. Council members also respond to community concerns about the long‑term greenway plan, issue proclamations on inclusion and gun violence, and back a speed limit reduction on Homestead Road for safer travel.
For more info from Town, see Carrboro This Week.
May 28, 2026: Orange County Budget: Schools, Libraries, and Tax Hike
The Orange County Board of Commissioners reviews the county manager’s recommended budget, including school funding gaps, program shifts, and a 3.75-cent property tax increase. Residents weigh in on senior center fees, cuts to Chapel Hill Public Library funding, and ongoing support for permanently affordable homes.
June 2, 2026: Ongoing Budget Discussions about CHPL and the Arts; Opioid Settlement Funding, Protecting Farmland
The Orange County Board of Commissioners hears a student’s push for stronger youth vaping protections, weighs preserving Arts Commission support amid budget cuts, and considers amendments to bolster schools and the Chapel Hill Public Library. Commissioners also advance opioid settlement funding, hear concerns about protecting farmland, and vote to renegotiate a decades-old tax collection agreement with local towns.
June 4, 2026: Schools and Library Funding Shape Orange County Taxes
The Orange County Board of Commissioners debates how much to invest in school capital and operating funds, weighing competing amendments before narrowly approving a 0.47‑cent tax increase for education. Commissioners also consider restoring Chapel Hill Public Library funding with homeowner assistance, explore a possible nature center at Twin Creeks Park, protect step pay for key staff, and opt to maintain most economic and workforce development programs.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners will vote on the budget June 16.
Final Notes
The Community Bulletin Board has announcements and opportunities for giving and civic engagement and is updated weekly.
There's so much going on in Carrboro! Check out The Events Calendar to see what's happening and help us keep it up to date.
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Poetry Moment
