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44 <br /> there is evidence that people don't have as many children as they want, and the area is experiencing <br /> reduced net migration both internationally and domestically, plus educational market share diversification. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked about Orange County's working-age in-migration compares to its <br /> neighbors. <br /> Nathan Dollar confirmed Wake County had significantly more working-age in-migration, noting <br /> Wake was much larger and not an apples-to-apples comparison. After incorporating development data, <br /> they adjusted forecasts upward slightly, but noted some development types wouldn't yield as many <br /> students as others. <br /> Chair Hamilton asked about how development types affect student yield. <br /> Nathan Dollar explained they ground-truth developments by visiting sites, reviewing marketing <br /> materials, estimating completion timelines, applying census tract occupancy rates and market share <br /> assumptions. Single-bedroom apartments yield fewer students than multi-family or single-family <br /> dwellings, and much of the current development included smaller units like studios and one-bedrooms. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler said she found this report very interesting and hopes it was shared with the <br /> school districts as well. She appreciated the granular school-level detail and noted clear enrollment drops <br /> after COVID and recent federal administration immigration policies. She expressed hope that policy <br /> changes might reverse trends,emphasizing the importance of annual updates rather than planning for the <br /> full 10-year period based on current projections. <br /> Nathan Dollar said that immigration policy could absolutely affect student membership, but noted <br /> it isn't the only factor at play. <br /> b. Discussion on Strategic Communications Approaches <br /> The Board discussed and considered possible approaches to the County's Strategic Communications <br /> efforts and provided direction to staff. <br /> BACKGROUND: The County formed a Strategic Communications Work Group (Work Group) on June 17, <br /> 2014, as part of a three-phased approach to developing a Strategic Communications Plan. The original <br /> Work Group included the Deputy County Manager, County department representatives designated by the <br /> County Manager,and two members of the Board of Commissioners.The Work Group met periodically, but <br /> also experienced periods of inactivity. The Work Group, as most recently comprised, included two <br /> members of the Board of Commissioners and the Community Relations Director. <br /> The BOCC discussed the Work Group at its November 11, 2025 work session and agreed by consensus to <br /> sunset the Work Group's work. <br /> This item provides the opportunity for the Board to discuss possible approaches to the County's Strategic <br /> Communications efforts for the future and provide direction to staff. <br /> Community Relations Director, Wil Glenn, explained they were developing a comprehensive <br /> communication and engagement plan, that is due to the county manager in June. The plan will include <br /> eight broad goals and strategies mapping opportunities to collaborate with residents and gather input and <br /> feedback. <br /> Wil Glenn made the following presentation: <br />