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20 <br /> • • • , <br /> IBAC KG R O U N D <br /> Nestled in the hills of the North Carolina Piedmont, Orange County is located <br /> between the Research Triangle Park and the Triad cities of Greensboro, Winston- <br /> Salem and High Point.There are an estimated 153,166 residents with a growth rate <br /> of 0.9% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. <br /> Orange County includes historic Hillsborough,the county seat;Chapel Hill,home of <br /> the University of North Carolina;and Carrboro and Mebane,former railroad and mill <br /> towns.The County encompasses 400 square miles of rolling farms and forest,vital <br /> urban centers and small towns.Orange County combines the best of cosmopolitan <br /> and rural values with an abundance of historical,social and cultural resources. <br /> Recognizing the need for urgent and ambitious climate action based on <br /> public concern and scientific evidence, Orange County saw the imperative <br /> to systematize and accelerate efforts. This 2023 CAP represents the next <br /> step, unifying existing climate work under one strategic umbrella to equitably <br /> transition Orange County to a low-carbon,climate-resilient community. <br /> In response to the need for a formal CAP, a Climate Action Team sub committee <br /> assembled to lead the planning process.This subcommittee has representatives <br /> from 17 county-wide departments including Asset Management Services, the <br /> Budget office, Emergency Services and the Health department to name a few. <br /> The group is led by a full time Sustainability Manager who keeps the County's <br /> Board of Commissioners updated on progress. <br /> ^APPROACP <br /> Climate actions are not isolated events. They require collaboration and cross- <br /> cutting strategies across multi-jurisdictions, public agencies, nonprofits, <br /> commercial businesses and residential communities. This CAP emerged as <br /> a result of an extensive review of both environmental state mandates, the <br /> commitments of local and regional jurisdictions, and existing public private <br /> partnership structures.The County leveraged existing planning commitments <br /> where feasible and integrated new strategy elements to tailor this plan <br /> uniquely to the County. <br /> Orange County has committed toworkingwith state,regional and local partners <br /> to maximize our impact through collective planning and implementation of <br /> climate initiatives. Some of the ways the County engages are: <br /> •STATE PLANNING <br /> • REGIONAL PLANNING <br /> • LOCAL PLANNING <br /> 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA 17 <br />