Orange County Government has received three prestigious 2025 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing the county’s commitment to innovative, impactful public service. The awards celebrate exceptional county programs that enhance services for residents and improve quality of life.
The honored programs represent a diverse cross-section of county-led efforts that focus on well-being, crisis response, and community enrichment:
- R Place – Innovative Social Engagement for Older Adults
Developed by the Orange County Department on Aging and launched in 2023, R Place is a social engagement program designed to reduce isolation and provide meaningful connections for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Through interactive activities, shared meals, art, music and conversation, R Place helps participants maintain a sense of belonging and joy while strengthening caregiver support. R Place sessions are held Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill.
- Community Care and Diversion Response (CCDR) Team – Policing and Mental Health Diversion Collaboration
Orange County’s Community Care and Diversion Response Team, launched in 2023 by the Criminal Justice Resource Department, is a multidisciplinary collaboration between mental health professionals, emergency responders, and law enforcement. The team provides immediate, trauma-informed care and support to individuals with serious mental illness by diverting them from arrest, jail or emergency rooms, whenever possible. The program, currently funded by a grant provided by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services, emphasizes de-escalation, safety, holistic support, case management and access to critical needs and resources.
- Uproar Festival – A Bold Celebration of Public Art
The Uproar Festival of Public Art, coordinated by the Orange County Arts Commission, in partnership with the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, debuted in the summer of 2023. The three-week event brings large-scale, temporary art installations to Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Featuring works from 60 artists from throughout the southeast, the festival prioritizes accessibility for people of differing physical abilities and socioeconomic status. The festival is entirely free and prioritizes engagement by relying on community votes to determine the $10,000 People’s Choice Winner.
“These awards reflect Orange County’s dedication to thinking boldly, acting compassionately, and serving inclusively,” said Jamezetta Bedford, Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. “Each of these programs represents the values we hold dear—care for our neighbors, innovation in public service, and celebration of our vibrant community.”
The National Association of Counties’ Achievement Awards recognize counties for outstanding programs in a variety of service areas. Orange County’s recognition among hundreds of applicants nationwide underscores the strength of its staff, leadership, and community partnerships.
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.
“The Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening in county governments across the nation,” said NACo President James Gore. “This year’s winners highlight the dedication and creativity of county leaders and our teams to building thriving communities and providing the best possible services to our residents.”
For more information about Orange County’s award-winning programs, click the links below.
Click here for more information about the NACo Achievement Awards.
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