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2 <br /> next phase of the Land Use Plan 2050 process is Community Engagement Window #3, to unveil <br /> a draft Land Use Plan 2050, and is anticipated to occur next spring. Additional information, <br /> including robust public notification, will be forthcoming closer to the opening of engagement. <br /> Additional information about the project, including e-mail sign-up for project updates, are available <br /> on the project website: .https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com. <br /> Completed project deliverables, including Fact Book; outreach summaries; and more, are also <br /> available on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com/resources <br /> Why does Orange County Need to Update its Land Use Plan? - In North Carolina, local <br /> governments that apply "...zoning regulations... shall adopt and reasonably maintain a <br /> comprehensive plan or land-use plan (G.S. 160D-501(a)). This statute requires that zoning <br /> regulations are "in accordance with a comprehensive plan" and requires that local governments <br /> make statements of consistency when making rezoning decisions on a development application. <br /> The existing Orange County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in November 2008. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: At its August 26, 2025 Business meeting, the BOCC received cost <br /> estimates for information/presentations requested from independent experts (Attachment B) and <br /> directed staff on which to pursue. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Amendment #3, approved at the <br /> October 21 Business Meeting, included $18,270 for funding the additional professional services. <br /> Existing Planning staff is responding to many of the BOCC requests for additional information, <br /> including those on tonight's agenda. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Incentivize and promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems <br /> development through supportive policy, funding, farmland protection and educational <br /> outreach. <br /> OBJECTIVE 5. Review land use policies to promote and connect Town, County, and <br /> private trails and open spaces. <br /> OBJECTIVE 6. Protect water supply/watersheds. <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Conserve and protect high priority open space, including Natural Heritage <br /> sites, nature preserves, watershed riparian buffers, and prime/threatened farmland. <br /> OBJECTIVE 8. Include environmental stewardship objectives in the Comprehensive Land <br /> Use Plan. <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life <br /> of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) <br /> • GOAL 3: HOUSING FOR ALL <br /> OBJECTIVE 5. Review County ordinances, policies, agreements, and the regulatory <br /> processes to streamline practices, and increase opportunities and reduce barriers to <br /> construct housing. <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Expand resources and invest in housing designed for our aging and <br /> disabled residents. <br /> OBJECTIVE 9. Increase representation of people with lived experience on housing related <br /> matters. <br /> • GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Identify priorities and resources necessary to implement the Orange <br /> County Transit Plan. <br />