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P-5: Encourage for-profit investments in affordable housing and review available <br /> tools. <br /> Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that staff is suggesting to <br /> review the available tools in the County. <br /> P-6: Develop plan and tools to improve the way County and citizens communicate <br /> with each other; foster two-way exchange (Goal 2) <br /> Laura Blackmon said that the primary action that the staff is recommending would be to <br /> have a position within the organization - a Public information Officer- that would work across <br /> departmental lines to provide communication. <br /> Commissioner Hemminger said that this is a high priority, but this position has not been <br /> added in the last few years. She does not want it to go away, but it seems unlikely to add a <br /> position right now in the economic times. She asked for more details on things that could be <br /> done in a short timeframe, such as reassignments. <br /> Chief Information Officer Todd Jones said that one of the real enduring issues is staff <br /> ability to update the information and keep it fresh. There are some technology components, but <br /> having a professional role will go a long way in enhancing the communication. <br /> Commissioner Nelson agreed with needing a Public Information Officer. He said that <br /> Orange County has not kept up with communication and he thinks that there are some tools that <br /> could be used. He suggested having this as an agenda item to talk about these tools, such as <br /> having a County blog. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs suggested reviewing the strategic plan, changing it, and reviewing <br /> the Information Technology Strategic Plan to establish priorities. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that someone would need to guide the review of the plan, <br /> and the PIO would be the person needed to look at the plans. He asked the Manager to come <br /> back with suggestions about how to shift existing personnel to create at least a part-time PIO <br /> who could begin to look at these things. <br /> Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Foushee agreed about reviewing the plan. <br /> P-7: Improve intra-inter governmental coordination and cooperation. Work with <br /> Town of Hillsborough on Join Land Use Plan, policies and ordinances, and <br /> annexation. Work with Durham on economic development districts. <br /> Craig Benedict said that this is a continuation, with the Town of Hillsborough, for an <br /> Urban Rural Transition plan from 2004 and a Strategic Growth Plan Phase I from 2006. This is <br /> now in Phase II. On February 191h, there is a joint meeting with Hillsborough and the hope is to <br /> have a draft work product of what the task force has been working on. He said that partnerships <br /> need to be developed with Durham, Hillsborough, Orange-Alamance Water System, and the <br /> City of Mebane. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs suggested keeping Mebane in this picture. At this point, the <br /> Mebane Board does not want to be involved, but the municipal elections are soon and the <br /> composition of the Board might change. <br /> P-8: Examine advisory boards and commissions (Goal 2). <br /> Donna Baker said that she was going to need more direction and discussion because <br /> she has a lot of questions. This will be incorporated into the work session regarding Board <br /> procedures and processes. Donna Baker suggested setting up a subgroup to look at this. <br /> P-9: Update economic development plan for County (Goal 3). <br />