Shaping Orange County's Future Final Full Report

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VISION FOR THE YEAR 2030 INTRODUCTION This scenario for the year 2030 represents the vision of the SOCF Task Force, after hearing from citizens around the county and researching the issues, on what a desirable future for all of Orange County could be. Naturally, this vision includes many aspects of our current high quality of life that we would like to maintain as well as ideas on what we would like to become. This vision of the future represents our hopes and aspirations for what the future can be if we continue to share our ideals and to pursue them with energy and wisdom, together. SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT AND MEETING OUR NEEDS Orange County in 2030 has earned a reputation as one of the most livable areas in the nation. In large part, this is due to long- standing countywide commitments to sustainable use of resources, stewardship of the environment, and planned efforts focusing on the management of growth and development. All of these commitments have helped to keep the economy vibrant and nurtured a sense of community while protecting the county's unique character and its natural environment. JOINT PLANNING A "Triangle West" comprehensive plan coordinates the jurisdictional plans of the towns and counties of Durham, Orange and Chatham. Additional regional planning occurs through dialogue and joint policy- making among Orange County jurisdictions, and neighbors in the Triangle and Piedmont Triad regions. Joint planning agreements based on environmental and economic functional units, rather than jurisdictional boundaries, exist where appropriate. Over the years, significant effort has been expended on increasing interaction between the leadership of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and that of the towns and county. Chancellors appoint a special liaison to meet regularly with town and county officials to apprise them of the University's planning initiatives and, in turn, to apprise the Chancellor of town and county issues and concerns. This system of open communication has resulted in a more positive and productive relationship than is the case in many "town and gown" communities by enhancing UNC's role as an active participant in the life of Orange County and the role of citizens in the University's growth planning efforts. UNC plans cooperatively with the jurisdictions of the county for growth management. A comprehensive transportation plan involves collaboration among the governments and citizens from all jurisdictions in the county and region, as well as the NC Department of Transportation, and major institutions in the county, such as UNC and UNC Hospitals. The plan has reduced traffic congestion, air pollution, and the need to pave more land, and provides modes of transit for those who cannot drive or do not own a vehicle. As a result of this effort, the county has 93