One way residents can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to volunteer to serve on an advisory board or commission. The Orange County Board of Commissioners is currently recruiting applicants for the following advisory boards and commissions:
Affordable Housing Advisory Board – This board prioritizes affordable housing needs and assesses project proposals. The board also publicizes the County’s housing objectives, monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works to increase the community’s awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in producing attractive affordable housing. The Affordable Housing Advisory Board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There are currently two (2) At-Large vacancies.
Agricultural Preservation Board – This board promotes the economic and cultural importance of agriculture in the county and encourages voluntary preservation and protection of farmland for future production. The Agricultural Preservation Board typically meets the third Wednesday every other month at 7:30 pm. There is currently one (1) position open for a representative of the Cedar Grove Voluntary Agricultural District.
Animal Services Advisory Board – This board is charged to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters of concern regarding animal issues and animal services in Orange County. The Animal Services Advisory Board works with the Animal Services Director to ensure best-in-class quality animal services and maintains contact with the stakeholder groups from which its members are appointed. The board also provides a venue in which stakeholder concerns about animals, animal policies and issues, and animal services programming may be voiced, considered, and referred as appropriate. The Animal Services Advisory Board typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) position open for an individual that resides within the Town Limits of Chapel Hill, and one (1) position open for an individual that resides within the Town Limits of Carrboro.
Board of Equalization and Review – The Board of Equalization and Review hears appeals from residents concerning various property tax issues, including valuation and exemption appeals. The Board of Equalization and Review is charged with ensuring that all taxable property is appraised and assessed according to the standards required by the North Carolina General Statutes. This board meets up to three days per week, for approximately three to four hours per meeting, for up to three consecutive months (typically April-June). Additional meetings may occur as needed during the year. Members will be paid for all meetings attended. Orange County residents with knowledge of real estate are specifically encouraged to apply, however, others will also be given consideration. There are currently five (5) Alternate positions open.
Orange Unified Transportation Board – The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) advises the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and provides information and comments on major transportation issues. Specifically, the OUTBoard provides the Board of County Commissioners with recommendations regarding the overall planning and programming of transportation improvements in the County, including identification and prioritization of the County's roadway and transit needs along with associated costs and specific sources of funding; provision of recommendations to the Board regarding Federal and State legislation affecting transportation in Orange County; and exploration and suggestion of recommendations on innovative techniques and methods to improve the efficiency and capacity of existing and future transportation systems. The OUTBoard typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) vacancy for a resident of Little River Township, and one (1) vacancy for a resident of Cedar Grove Township.
If interested, apply at www.orangecountync.gov/Apply.
Orange County strives for authentically diverse representation on volunteer advisory boards and commissions. Residents of all demographic backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside in Orange County. Volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have the opportunity to directly influence the County’s decisions, policies, and priorities.
For additional information contact Tara May at 919-245-2125 or tmay@orangecountync.gov.