Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> Page 1 of 2 Libby J. Thomas <br /> Volunteer Application <br /> Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions <br /> Name: Libby J. Thomas <br /> Name Called: <br /> Home Address: 1301 Arboretum Dr. <br /> Chapel Hill NC 27517 <br /> Phone: 919-923-0163 <br /> Email: libby_thomas@unc.edu <br /> Year of OC Residence: 1998 <br /> Township of Residence: Chapel Hill <br /> Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ <br /> Gender Identity: Female <br /> Ethnic Background: White <br /> Age Range: 60+ <br /> Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: <br /> Currently, I volunteer weekly with the North Carolina Botanical Garden <br /> (https-Hncbg.unc.edu/ ) and with the Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate Program for the <br /> Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (https://www.chccs.org/brma)., but since I am retired, <br /> have the time to serve. <br /> Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: <br /> Boards/Commissions applied for: <br /> Chapel Hill Planning Commission <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> I have a systems view of housing, transport, environment, equity, and economic well-being from <br /> my diverse academic background in business and the natural sciences, and as a transportation <br /> safety research professional. If I am selected to participate on the Planning Commission, I will <br /> bring systems thinking to bear as I assist the Town in review and revision of the Land Use <br /> Management Ordinance and review of other policies and development proposals. I agree with <br /> Chapel Hill that it is time to `hear' and act on recommendations from voices that have not <br /> traditionally been heard or well-represented in policy and decision-making. I have participated in <br /> a number of equity-focused trainings in my former position at UNC, and read widely on equity <br /> topics on my own, and will advocate for decisions to help foster a welcoming and diverse human <br /> community. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> I have a strong interest in helping to create a vibrant community where low-and moderate- <br /> income people, as well as others living in the ETJs and the Town of Chapel Hill, can thrive in a <br /> healthy environment with adequate housing, access to parks, greenways, and natural areas, and <br /> safe and convenient means to walk, bike, and get around by transit. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> As a long-time resident of the ETJ, I bring the perspectives of a retiree who sees a lack of <br /> connection of neighborhoods in the ETJs (and also some in-town neighborhoods)to other parts <br /> of Chapel Hill and the UNC campus. I desire to see Chapel Hill knit our community together so <br />