Orange County government is taking its show on the road. Many county departments are participating in the inaugural Orange County Roadshows, which will be held Jan. 31 at Cedar Grove Community Center and Feb. 1 at Seymour Center in Chapel Hill. Each event begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m.
The Orange County Roadshow will allow community members to access government services in an informal, convenient environment right in their neighborhood. Almost twenty departments will be present to respond to common questions, as well as share information about various programs and assist in submitting applications for services. Sessions will be held throughout the year at various locations throughout Orange County. Dates and locations for future events will be posted on the Orange County website.
“These sessions will strengthen our community’s connection with its county government by making staff available to help residents learn about various programs and services in a welcoming environment,” said Orange County manager Bonnie Hammersley. “We also want to receive feedback from community members on several ongoing county initiatives.”
From 7 to 8 p.m. there will be a presentation in which a representative from the county manager’s office will provide a report on the countywide strategic plan. Representatives from the tax office will speak about the upcoming 2025 revaluation and provide information about various tax relief programs available to residents, including the Homestead Exemption and others. The Planning and Inspections Department will also present on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2050 and offer a smaller meeting where participants can provide direct feedback on Orange County Land Use Plan 2050.
Representatives from Lumos will also be on hand to discuss the partnership to bring high-speed fiber Internet many unserved and underserved areas of Orange County. Learn about when your neighborhood is scheduled to receive service and sign up to be notified when services are available.
Residents will be able to:
- Check voter registration information and update or apply to vote
- Learn about applying for a passport or marriage license
- Register for activities at Library, Aging or Recreation
- Apply for property tax payment plan
- Fill out an application for the Longtime Homeowners Assistance Program
- Learn about and apply for state tax assistance programs (Present Use Value, Disabled Vets, Homestead Exclusion)
- Sign up for a library card
- Learn how to apply for Economic Development small business or agriculture grants
- Learn about property value appeals
- Apply to serve on a board or committee
The following departments or divisions will be represented:
- Aging
- Animal Services
- Arts Commission
- Clerk to the Board
- Community Relations
- Dept. of Environment, Agriculture & Parks & Rec (DEAPR)
- Economic Development
- Elections
- Health
- Housing
- Library
- Office of Equity & Inclusion
- Planning & Inspections
- Register of Deeds
- Solid Waste/Recycling
- Tax
- Transportation
- Veterans Services