Weekly update, May 15
The Elizabeth Cotten Freight Train Blues Concert Series kicks off this evening! | Ready for the heat? | Budget season in our Town and County | Controversy over funding cuts to Chapel Hill Public Library
Basking in the sun's radiance today? Orange County hosts "Heat Awareness Week" starting May 18, in time for a brief escalation in our temps--a summer preview--before we return to a more reasonable climate later next week.
After the fire at Hillmont Condominiums last week, EMPOWERment, Inc., launched a fundraiser for its displaced tenants.
Online this week
The Elizabeth Cotten Freight Train Blues Concert Series kicks off this evening at Town Commons at 6:30. We previewed the series with our Town's organizers. On Sunday, MATCH will host a repair event at The ArtsCenter from 2 - 5 and the organizer told us what's in store. We also posted a moving Perspective about the lifesaving power of mutual aid.
The Carrborean Radio Hour
We previewed the Elizabeth Cotten Freight Train Blues Concert Series with Michelle Blume, Recreation Supervisor and Catherine Lazorko, Communication and Engagement Director for the Town of Carrboro. Find the recording here. Elizabeth Cotten's Martin guitar will be presented to the Town of Carrboro at the first concert this evening.
The Carrborean Radio Hour returns on Monday at 4pm with Dr. Whitney Fry and Flame Tree Story. She will explore the art and power of storytelling with Tra Tran, Research and Institutional Advocacy Manager for Refugee Community Partnership here in Carrboro. Tra will share stories of place and the power of storytelling among migrant communities.
And after each radio show, join The Carrborean at a pop-up newsroom to discuss all things Carrboro and stories you'd like to see, hear, or write. This month, find us at Open Eye Cafe on Mondays from 5-6pm.
News from Schools, Town, and County
We updated our page with summaries of CHCCS Board of Education meetings. Summary from the meeting May 13: The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education reflected on how to balance external pressures with community values while redefining what to protect, change, and create for students. Board members and community voices wrestled with equity, a unified district identity, and how the board will hold itself accountable as it approaches a key June 4 decision on potential school closures.
Congratulations to the CHCCS teacher of the year, Jessie Grinnell, and to all teachers who secure our future by using their talents to educate the youngest members of our community!
The Town of Carrboro's proposed budget (2026 - 2027) was released this week. In addition to viewing it online, you can find it in person at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St., or the Drakeford Library Complex (front information desk) at 203 S. Greensboro St.
“At a time when many communities are facing rising costs and financial uncertainty, maintaining the current tax rate reflects the Town’s strong financial commitment to balancing community needs with affordability for residents and businesses,” said Town Manager Toney. “The Town of Carrboro remains financially strong, and this budget reflects thoughtful planning, disciplined financial stewardship, and a continued investment in the community we serve.”
From Town's newsletter: The budget continues to advance Council priorities and the Town’s core pillars of sustainability and race equity with these key investments:
- Tropical Storm Chantal recovery efforts
- Bolin Creek Phases 3 and 4 Crossings Study
- Development of an affordable housing strategy
- Updated townwide ADA policy and compliance strategy
- Completion of a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
- Livable wage adjustment to the pay plan, a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees, and actions to address significant increases in health insurance costs
You can provide feedback by emailing Town Clerk Lamar Joyner at ljoyner@carrboronc.gov or attending budget public hearings scheduled on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St.: May 12 and 19, and June 2.
Our Town Council meeting summary from May 12: The Carrboro Town Council reviewed a balanced $44 million budget that holds the tax rate steady while wrestling with a 45% cut to Human Services, rising homelessness needs, and the impact of the Blue Ridge tax loophole on affordable housing funds. Councilmembers and staff also outlined a new encampment strategy and a grant-funded Energy Connectors climate pilot aimed at lowering utility costs for low-income residents.
For more information on how the town budget is made and how to give feedback, see our story here or listen to our interview with former Mayor Damon Seils and sitting Council Member Catherine Fray.
The week of May 10-16, 2026 is recognized as Police Week in Carrboro, and Friday, May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day in Carrboro, which honors law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty, as proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Foushee. From Town: "Residents are encouraged to share their gratitude with the officers and other professionals in the Police Department for promoting the safety of Carrboro’s residents and visitors, and to understand the duties and responsibilities of these essential employees and the risks they often must face to help make Carrboro a safe and welcoming place to live."
Summary of the Orange County Board of Commissioners budget work session May 14: The Orange County Board of Commissioners reviewed a scoring-based formula for funding local safety net agencies, explained why some nonprofits lost support or were shifted to other funding sources, and then walked through per‑pupil school funding, the potential impact of a proposed 8% state teacher raise, and contrasting fund balances in the two school districts.
Summary of May 12 Budget Public Hearing and work session: The Orange County Board of Commissioners heard the manager’s recommended budget, including a 3.75 cent property tax increase, higher solid waste fees, and shifting support for outside agencies. Residents responded with calls to protect public schools, retain educators, sustain emergency medical services, and preserve funding for Chapel Hill Public Library amid tight revenues and state-level constraints.
Following the public outcry to the proposed county funding cuts to the Chapel Hill Public Library (CHPL), the Library issued this Q&A and the Friends of the CHPL provided this information, urging community members to take action.
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
"I wouldn't be surprised if poetry - poetry in the broadest sense, in the sense of a world filled with metaphor, rhyme, and recurring patterns, shapes, and designs - is how the world works. The world isn't logical, it's a song." David Byrne
