Agenda 03-17-2026; 8-h - Approval of the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 17, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 8-h SUBJECT: Approval of the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan DEPARTMENT: County Manager's Office ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Heat Action Plan Mel Gilles, Sustainability Projects Presentation Analyst, 245-2626 PURPOSE: To approve the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan. BACKGROUND: Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives in most years than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. In Orange County, it poses serious health risks, especially for residents most vulnerable to heat- related illness, outdoor workers, the unhoused, and those without adequate cooling and insulation or the means to afford high summer energy bills. As summer temperatures continue to rise and misconceptions about heat risk persist, the need to cool the community and educate the public has become increasingly urgent. The Orange County community is experiencing more days and nights of dangerously high temperatures. Globally, calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025 were the three hottest years on record, and in 2024, Orange County experienced twelve (12) days above 95°F - compared to a historical average of eight (8) days. By the 2060s, that number is projected to increase to 28-41 days annually, along with more days above 90°F and nights above 70°F, limiting the body's ability to recover and increasing the risk of heat-related illness. In response, the Orange County Heat Action Plan provides a comprehensive, cross-municipal strategy to protect residents from extreme heat. The plan outlines coordinated actions before, during, and beyond the heat season, combining short- and long-term strategies to increase public awareness, strengthen emergency response, and cool homes and neighborhoods. It builds on initiatives such as Heat Awareness Week and the Beat the Heat campaign, reinforcing public education and preparedness efforts. Upon approval by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the Towns of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro will also consider approval of the Heat Action Plan for their respective jurisdictions.