Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
8 <br /> Commissioner Jacobs recognized Brennan Bouma, Orange County's Sustainability <br /> Coordinator. Among Brennan Bouma's responsibilities is to develop and support programs for <br /> Orange County employees' mobility. <br /> Brennan Bouma highlighted the Commuter Benefits Program for County Employees <br /> referenced in Travis Myren's presentation, including the staff Telework Program and Share the <br /> Ride NC, which provides anonymous car pool matching for neighbors who otherwise would not <br /> know they are driving to the same destinations at the same times. He is collaborating with Theo <br /> Letman to apply for the 50% cost share grant referenced in Travis Myren's presentation, which <br /> will go towards a Transportation Demand Management position. If the grant proposal is <br /> successful and the Board decides to provide the other 50% for that position then the County will <br /> have a person to coordinate diverse projects and programs aimed at getting people out of their <br /> single occupancy vehicles. <br /> In reply to a question from Commissioner Jacobs, Brennan Bouma said his view of <br /> "sustainability" is consistent with the general consensus he is hearing in the Board's discussion <br /> today: a holistic view. If any project can advance social equity, environmental quality, and <br /> economic prosperity then he would consider it sustainable. Any time they can identify the <br /> missing element in a project across those three elements they are working towards <br /> sustainability and he said he is happy to take the Board's direction on this. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs referenced Commissioner Price's earlier point about Durham <br /> providing subsidies to Durham Tech students to use public transportation. The Orange County <br /> subcommittee considering a scholarship program for Durham Tech students might want to <br /> consider how to help the scholarship recipients get to class using public transportation at a <br /> reduced rate or no cost. They would be helping an economically disadvantaged group access <br /> services using public transportation, thereby integrating all three elements of sustainability. <br /> Commissioner Price said sustainability would be advanced by increasing the frequency <br /> of the buses. People need flexibility within the ten hours of the day that they are trying to get to <br /> stores or to work; they might also consider night buses as demand picks up. People will get out <br /> of their cars when they know they can rely on the bus. <br /> Commissioner Burroughs said she was inspired by the "Uber" ride share idea raised <br /> earlier by Commissioner Dorosin and developed further in a practical sense when the Manager <br /> explained what a Mobility Coordinator does. It combines all three of the sustainability elements, <br /> and reminded her of Project Engage, where they are connecting different tiers and staff and <br /> churches to make something happen. If they were voting now she would put all of her dots on <br /> that idea. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos noted that people drive long distances to get to Tanger Outlets <br /> in Mebane. Perhaps Tanger Outlets would be interested in partnering with Orange County on <br /> public transportation since our buses deliver customers to them and there is an environmental <br /> impact from all the drivers. <br /> Commissioner Rich noted that at least part of their parking lot is located within Orange <br /> County. <br /> Chair Dorosin said another angle on sustainable transportation is bringing things to <br /> where people already are located. He said he often buys stuff on line, for example. This links <br /> this conversation to the next one they are going to have on broadband. It also can direct them to <br /> services that they might bring to community centers in the rural parts of our county. A lot of <br /> counties have satellite offices at which rural residents can pay fines, access court documents, <br /> apply for SNAP benefits, etc. They need not be elaborate facilities; they can be store fronts or <br /> small office buildings. What services or programs can be moved closer to residents? <br /> Commissioner Jacobs wondered if UNC Hospitals contributes to the Hillsborough routes. <br /> If they can approach Tanger Outlets then certainly they should approach UNC Hospitals. It has <br /> a major impact and is about to add another wing. If Hillsborough does not ask them then they <br /> should. <br />