Agenda - 10-20-1998 - 2b - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. Forces and Trends Affecting Orange County A. Driving Forces There are several major driving forces and trends in Orange County that are significantly affecting how the County is changing. The identification and acknowledgement of these forces provides a context within which to view the key issues facing the County. Many of the important trends affecting Orange County are also a reflection of national trends particularly population growth, the growing gap in wealth, loss of community, availability and cost of health care, increasing consumption, and changes in technology and transportation patterns. ♦ Population growth The factor that is having the most significant impact on the face of the County and which was a major impetus in formation of the Task Force is population growth. Orange County is part of one of the fastest growing regions of the country, and the impacts of this growth are multi- faceted, affecting virtually every aspect of life in the County. The location of the university within the County and the location of the County within the Triangle area make Orange County a very attractive place for a diversity of people from young professionals to retirees. These factors have positive impacts in terms of attracting a diverse and well- educated citizenry, but also have a down side in terms of the negative impacts of rapid population growth can bring. Citizens of the County are concerned that this rapid growth is bringing deep and lasting changes that may negatively impact the quality of life in Orange County. Economic growth is a related force affecting change in the County. The strong economy of the County has significant impacts both in the fact that it attracts people to live here, and in that it creates the opportunity to reduce the number of residents dependent upon welfare and to provide jobs with a living wage. Though economic growth has resulted in low unemployment, many people do not have jobs that pay a living wage. Several demographic changes will be impacting the cultural makeup and citizen needs within the County. Examples of these demographic changes are the growth in the senior, Hispanic /Latino /a, Asian - American, and disabled populations. Another demographic factor affecting the County is population transience, due in particular to UNC -CH and to corporations which routinely transfer their employees. ♦ UNC -CH and UNC Hospitals The institutions of UNC - Chapel Hill and UNC Hospitals provide many services and benefits to the community in terms of health care, employment, and educational and cultural opportunities. But the complex of UNC -CH and UNC Hospitals has often been referred to as "a 1,000 pound gorilla" with which the County must contend. UNC -CH has significant impact in terms of land use, economics, facilities, housing, transportation, and the environment. The possible enrollment growth at UNC -CH, due to the "baby boomlet" will result in increased impacts to the community, many of which are as yet unknown. UNC -CH currently has a committee looking at enrollment growth. N