Minutes 03-17-2026-Business Meeting

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2 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members Commissioner Carter deferred to Commissioner Portie-Ascott to give an update on the Greater Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Economic Forecast Forum, highlighting our region's rankings: fourth in the nation for employment growth, fourth for GDP growth, and eleventh for housing permit growth. She said she attended the North Carolina Association of Counties' Health and Human Services steering committee meeting, where she learned about behavioral and mental health innovations. She noted Orange County is implementing many of the same innovative practices mentioned by state officials, including behavioral health urgent care centers and crisis counselor integration with 911 call centers. Commissioner Portie-Ascott noted the passing of Mae McLendon, whose service to the community left a lasting impact. She said she attended the Economic Forecast Forum, where 172 businesses surveyed identified housing affordability and supply as the primary factor making hiring difficult. She noted similar themes emerged at the District Nine NCACC meeting and in discussions with the Orange Chatham Association of Realtors, where there was strong interest in the county's emergency housing assistance programs and landlord incentive funds. She said she attended the Affordable Housing Advisory Board along with Commissioners McKee and Carter. She said what is consistent across the meetings is how the lack of housing affects who is able to stay in Orange County. Commissioner Bedford said she attended the DSS Board meeting, and that she's joining the NCACC steering committee on Thursday with the taxation subcommittee. Vice-Chair Fowler said she took the Department of Revenue Board of Equalization and Review training. She said it emphasized the importance of consistency in how appellants are treated. She said she received a request to add a National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day proclamation to an agenda before April 10. She highlighted important information about the impact of HIV and AIDS on youth ages 13 to 24. She noted two important proclamations on the consent agenda. Commissioner McKee said the following day there will be a meeting in Raleigh on property tax reduction and reform that he plans to listen to. He said that legislative leaders may release draft legislation relating to property tax changes. Commissioner Greene said she attended the Housing Collaborative group and representatives from all four jurisdictions agreed to discuss affordable housing. She said she wanted to better understand what each jurisdiction is doing and how the different housing groups work together. She said she sent a memo to the commissioners on information and data for providing affordable housing. Commissioner McKee requested that the County Attorney follow up on the comments made by Makeda Ma'at. Chair Hamilton paid tribute to Mae McLendon and her work for the people in Orange County. She said she attended the funeral of Master Trooper Perry of the NC Highway Patrol. She said the service was a reminder of the dedication of first responders. She noted important items on the consent agenda. She said she attended the Advisory Council on Aging where they had a presentation on adult protective services and the role they play in improving the welfare of older adults.