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10 <br /> Page 2 of 2 Thomas Grasty <br /> As a current member of the OCHAR (Orange Chatham Association of Realtors) Government <br /> Affairs Committee, I can attest that affordable housing has emerged as one of the most pressing <br /> issues facing homeowners in Orange and Chatham counties. I would very much like to be an <br /> active participant in that ongoing dialogue and work for an amiable outcome. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> As a newly-appointed North Carolina Realtors State Political Coordinator for the 2024 Legislative <br /> Session, I hope to be a conduit between Orange County and Raleigh on this issue to <br /> disseminate information and, ultimately, affect change. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Orange County Planning Board <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> If appointed, I bring to the Orange County Planning Board more than 25 years' experience in an <br /> array of industries, including film, television (DreamWorks, VH1, HBO). I also have a startup <br /> under my belt which I successfully exited in 2014 (Stroome, the web's first collaborative video <br /> editing site). Since returning to my native North Carolina five years ago, I have been working in <br /> the residential real estate space, both in Chapel Hill as well as the broader Triangle area. I have <br /> degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill (BA/Journalism); University Southern California <br /> (MA/Communications Management); IESE Business School-Paley Center for Advanced <br /> Management(AMP in Media). <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> Since 2017, 1 have served as a two-term member of the Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment. During <br /> that time, I have heard dozens of variance cases regarding the Chapel Hill Land Use <br /> Management Ordinance. As a member of that quasi-judicial body I've not only gained significant <br /> subject matter knowledge on land use management, I've developed quite an interest in the <br /> interpretation and development of policy around the town's land development programs and <br /> strategies. My primary interest in joining the Orange County Planning Board is to obtain a <br /> broader perspective beyond the "stone walls"of Chapel Hill. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> During my five years on the Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment I have been exposed to, and am <br /> acutely aware of, many of the topics I believe will come before the Orange County Planning <br /> Board (appropriate and acceptable land use strategies, environmental protection, affordable <br /> housing, economic development as well as addressing and servicing the "missing middle"). I <br /> view my appointment to the Planning Board as a way to continue developing an informed point of <br /> view that can impact the broader conversation across the county. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Other Comments: <br /> This application was current on: 1/11/2024 2:22:22 PM Date Printed: 1/12/2024 <br />