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EXHIBIT E 2009 Regional Legislative Agenda Triangle J Council of Governments In the North Carolina General Assembly Priority Legislative Issues for the Triangle J Council of Governments Each year the Triangle J Council of Governments revises and updates its Regional Legislative Agenda setting forth the priority legislative issues of its member local governments from across the seven - county area of Region J. This agenda has been compiled for the purpose of conveying vitally important information to the General Assembly for its review, consideration, and use as the legislature conducts its legislative session. After taking into consideration the various challenges that will be confronting the State of North Carolina during its 2009 Session, it is the intent of Triangle J that this Regional Legislative Agenda serve as an aid to the legislative delegations serving Lee, Chatham, Orange, Durham, Wake, Johnston and Moore Counties in assisting our cities, towns and counties with their legislative needs. The following information has been set forth in priority form for this purpose: VERY HIGH PRIORITIES Provide Revenue Options for Local Government: Triangle J seeks legislation that authorizes a variety of revenue options by resolution _for local governments to fund municipal and county services that confront the significant growth issues of Region J. An overarching principle is that any local government revenue source that is presently available to one or more local governments in the state should be available to all local governments uniformly throughout the state. Triangle J seeks authority for local government, on a reasonable basis, to levy local option sales taxes, use a prepared food tax, apply impact fees and/or taxes, utilize land transfer fees, allow a tax exemption method to recover municipal and county sales tax expenditures rather than a system of reimbursements, etc. Transportation Planning and Funding: Triangle J seeks legislation and funding for the myriad of multi - modal transportation needs within the region that are now in crisis. The region seeks the funding of planning and infrastructure needs associated with the Transportation Improvements Plan (TIP), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO's), Rural Planning Organizations (RPO's), Powell Bill Funds, local transit authorities, and the Triangle Transit Authority. The region also supports legislation to revisit and update the state's Equity Formula to recognize growth, congestion and other factors bearing on the distribution of transportation dollars. Triangle J also supports legislation to provide for the funding of regional multi -modal planning of Region J's transportation needs, while further supporting adequate appropriations for road and bridge maintenance to maintain existing infrastructure. The region opposes the transfer of funds from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund and supports recovery of funds that were previously transferred. Any grant of additional or expanded authority to fund or maintain transportation programs by local governments must be accompanied by equivalent revenue authority from the State. Mental Health Crisis: Triangle J supports Mental Health Reform and seeks legislation that assures local capacity to serve the needs of these citizens. The state must support local government, both financially and statutorily, to equip itself with adequate tools for crisis intervention and appropriate housing for the mentally ill to allow their integration into local communities. Triangle J Council of Governments Mission Statement To serve as an intergovernmental organization for local elected officials that works proactively on regional issues in order to sustain and improve the quality of life for our citizens.