[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6509136,"mediaKeyId","5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12","parentId",5442697,"title","Board adopts implementation steps for advisory‑committee policy; staff change application and term scheduling","audioSeconds",297,"startMs",1771000,"endMs",2068000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12&start=1771&end=2068","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12/thumbnail_1771000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6509136/Chatham-County/North-Carolina/Board-adopts-implementation-steps-for-advisorycommittee-policy-staff-change-application-and-term-scheduling","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509136-f8d43fe4659f22ef95595e837a729a4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440446&Signature=f0NJ8a8ZmS6Y4YO160UcfgpGzC8eI6yzH4l0W6DBlyxwef42iC1ZfK4Ux9QsWmi9TcY5D3K6uvguRMWmHL96tKkyg1nTrozjiRwbPE-uSg53HhIX3ABEqlkpob5kQHtzFCyK1Xft4NMdlsWCCSFJTa0SSVnc8NyzdsnUFFU0imfxc0Hs1Wpefxz8rCP26YHrQ9nld4R3pfK6L9Oo6FagKFCIXvrrCQWgJmWJ-sDI~LAv3ucTQFqkEIdJvLtbeH-Z2nIZfsiD80IU-ZQyoXnx~E3qf~4e5MO3yUghCOd8PHv~0E~MN6PQN7QApZe6RscjcIshpoVpKI85qtp8vDzCEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chatham County","date","2025-07-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on July 21 received an update on implementing the advisory‑committee policy the board adopted at its prior meeting and approved a series of term adjustments and application changes intended to stagger expirations and align committees with the new policy rules.

Staff reported they have met with committee staff leads to review policy sections affecting discretionary committees; revised the committee application to align with the policy’s qualification criteria (removing separate education/employer fields and adding an open‑ended question about relevant experience, clarifying optional demographic reporting and adding a residency‑type question for business/property‑owner exceptions); and are developing short training videos on ethics and committee guidelines for distribution to committees.

Key implementation points the county presented: committees should have odd numbered membership (5–11 members) for quorum/voting clarity; staff recommended staggering terms so roughly a third of seats expire each year; committees and staff leads may share the new policy updates with their panels and will see the updated applications; and the county manager’s office and staff leads proposed revised term expiration dates to match the new schedule.

The board voted through a series of motions to set new expiration dates for appointments across multiple advisory committees (affordable housing, climate change advisory committee, environmental review, library, recreation and transportation advisory committees). Staff explained the intent was not to remove members but to stagger terms so not all members would expire simultaneously. Several commissioners asked that specific term swaps be made so longer‑serving members retained continuity; the board approved those swaps by amendment in open session. Commissioners also debated whether some committees should remain full‑board appointments or switch to a district/at‑large mix; the board discussed (and in one case delayed) whether to change committee membership counts in light of that policy. The record shows discussion and a 3–2 vote on one motion related to recreation‑committee size and appointment approach; staff will return if the board seeks to alter the policy language.

Staff said committees will still be able to view all applications and may be asked—at the board’s discretion—to provide recommendations to the board. The application is public record and committees may review candidate materials. Staff will advertise current vacancies per the new terms, and manager’s office staff will coordinate updates to committee rosters.

Ending: After completing the series of actions implementing the advisory‑committee rules and term scheduling, the board voted to go into closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143‑318.11(a)(6) to consider qualifications and performance of an individual public employee or prospective appointee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chatham County - 7-21-2025 Video - Jul 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff and the Board implemented the advisory‑committee policy adopted earlier in 2025 and approved revised application language and staggered term schedules intended to align committees with the new rules on membership and appointment.","taxTitle","Chatham County, North Carolina","taxId",72775,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509141,"County housing staff outline supply‑side strategies and financing leverage as affordable‑housing demand grows",125,1505000,1630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12&start=1505&end=1630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12/thumbnail_1505000.jpg","/articles/6509141/Chatham-County/North-Carolina/County-housing-staff-outline-supplyside-strategies-and-financing-leverage-as-affordablehousing-demand-grows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509141-8df0966d5beaf098bc03074bc28d1288/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440446&Signature=azVwePNJoZ2c4RrfbgELzH8ATo4klGK9ShPMo3afTNpvol8gY1PRXT2PZpihJEOSjaEjL7NCw4fXwXhuwwygv8p~JawCaMVpFU8w2zsdDxCV7uEJ8EPNMjyxGWZkgDBeMMN1TOtDDKqrvpXP4zztGmGd3XMUw1udTQIoj1LR6jVf8rzf8FsccmH6nWEnhvqakbfM9RFc8BTRao1Z9OVaKqcgkb4cEKbsRoWZMyjm1ij3yFm9RWGPL71HnGFlYp5WT9wXafsizrhRkc2l~q4nntGTecVeqPnwuUKUc1yX9zP2SfZVFH~CkUjsXi5Q9GCeUKoglL2xWbMuqDqPsZYRVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chatham County housing staff presented the first part of a three‑part housing update on July 21, outlining supply‑side strategies to increase affordable housing options across the income spectrum and describing recent local initiatives.

Jason Smith, Housing Director for Chatham County, and Jamie Andrews, Housing Officer, told the board the county created a housing department about a year ago and has pursued multiple approaches including partnerships with developers, the housing trust fund, preservation and repair programs, and coordination with municipalities and nonprofit partners.

Andrews said one recent development produced 84 affordable rental units that target households in the low‑income range (roughly $35,000–$70,000), and the county is pursuing comparable opportunities by layering federal and state resources with county subsidy. The housing trust fund contribution of about $200,000 over two years helped attract almost $1.5 million in outside funding for home repairs and preservation work; staff characterized that as roughly a seven‑to‑one leverage ratio.

Between 2022 and 2024, staff said the county repaired about 90 owner‑occupied homes using multiple funding sources (Duke Energy Foundation, USDA, Housing Finance Agency) to address deferred maintenance and make units safe for older residents, veterans and persons with disabilities.

Staff discussed migration and commuting trends that factor into housing demand: net arrivals from other North Carolina counties and other states have higher incomes than current residents in some cases, and a substantial share of residents commute out of Chatham to work in Wake, Durham and Orange counties. Staff noted median family incomes and area median income (AMI) levels have risen (presenters estimated county AMI roughly $100,000–$110,000), which affects the affordability tiers and the target populations for subsidy programs.

Regarding tools, staff highlighted efforts to: (1) include affordable units through negotiated developer agreements and fee waivers; (2) support new ownership opportunities through layered subsidy and developer contributions; (3) preserve stock via repair programs and targeted grants; (4) coordinate with municipalities (Pittsboro, Siler City, Goldston) on incentives and technical assistance; and (5) explore accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and reduced parking as incentives tied to the unified development ordinance (UDO). Staff said federal and state funding typically favors multifamily projects, but county efforts also reach single‑family and smaller “mom‑and‑pop” landlords to expand rental availability.

Commissioners asked about the composition of needed units (size and type), AMI ranges for low‑ and moderate‑income definitions, sewage/water infrastructure constraints on dispersed development, and strategies to attract developers who can build lower‑cost housing. Staff said many cost drivers are land and infrastructure, and that shared approaches—density near municipal infrastructure, layered public subsidies, and partnerships with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity—are more likely to yield affordable ownership and rental options.

Ending: Housing staff said subsequent presentations will cover programmatic responses (including rapid rehousing and transitional living) and a September update on the countywide affordable‑housing strategic plan and performance against the six‑year scope established in earlier planning work.","Chatham County housing staff presented a three‑part housing update, focusing on supply‑side strategies: preserving existing stock, layered financing, developer incentives, and coordination with municipalities to expand affordable options amid rising prices and commuting trends.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509145,"Health partners present 2024 Chatham County Community Health Assessment; highlight access, youth activity and substance-use gaps",39,1415000,1454000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12&start=1415&end=1454","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12/thumbnail_1415000.jpg","/articles/6509145/Chatham-County/North-Carolina/Health-partners-present-2024-Chatham-County-Community-Health-Assessment-highlight-access-youth-activity-and-substance-use-gaps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509145-a51866b5e1ec5dc3e9440c5c20ec7201/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440446&Signature=mJAiUx-bFq0xhooi-Ji8hR3g9yVkRGvbJjCe8I3PZ2lBftsOsFAb52DACRbC6cM-j7-eBwvxhM3pg8mSJrKNOa2PEZIyM-2rF0oInaH5M-uHRJxjpsZ6YARB3ahkXVZee15HDKpZ9nIx-knKXf2x90AvIpUCunBYmWjbfVabnTlwHntqNhHsf2La6ylRIop-araJOcW42okrLm58FsVGkiPwtQNdoFeBwugrVfi-qXKyFKc5nrfKFMdWCWcIbDbCezH-7La1Pq4z9F6l~s95KLTrQXV-DgLqag9Djv9DpbhORA-TN8MfmtNjIHGHNq1lp6sQmDS1Jc92x59-S3qpZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chatham County public-health staff and the Chatham Health Alliance on July 21 presented the 2024 Chatham County Community Health Assessment, describing key findings, priority areas and next steps for dissemination and collaborative action.

The assessment was produced through a partnership among the Chatham County Public Health Department, the Chatham Health Alliance and University of North Carolina Chatham Hospital and combines survey data, focus groups and secondary data (including the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and American Community Survey). Presenters said the assessment informed a Community Strategic Plan and bimonthly action meetings that will guide Alliance work.

The Alliance identified three health-impact priorities it intends to address with coalition resources: health-care access; activities for youth and young adults; and substance‑use treatment and support. Presenters said prioritization also considered the Alliance’s ability to influence systems and environment-level change.

Key data highlighted in the presentation included: median monthly housing costs rose about 9.4% from $983 in 2020 to $1,076 in 2022; 12.6% of county residents were food insecure; 1 in 12 adults reported not having a regular health-care provider; 12% of youth were classified as “opportunity youth” (neither in school nor employed); about 67% of people who sought help for drug use reported difficulty finding services that were available, easy to find, quality or affordable; 26.4% of adults reported a previous diagnosis of depression or anxiety (higher rates reported among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino adults); and 40.5% of Chatham high‑school students reported prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness (highest among Black female students). Presenters said overdose deaths in Chatham County have declined since 2021 and emergency-room visits for overdose are below the state average.

Environmental and infrastructure findings included that 21% of tested private wells exceeded the maximum contaminant level for iron and 33% exceeded the level for manganese (based on 1,544 and 1,539 tested wells respectively, per North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data). The county also recorded a 30% increase in heat-related emergency visits in 2024 compared with 2021.

The Alliance described several strategies already underway: for youth activities, developing a marketing and communications plan, creating shared-use agreements to increase youth gathering spaces and increasing youth representation on advisory boards; for health‑care access, establishing a systems navigator network and a health-provider leadership collaborative and advancing mobile‑health services; for substance‑use treatment and support, building a referral process, a countywide communications plan, more community spaces and advocacy for recovery housing. The Alliance has compiled a behavioral-health/substance‑use provider list and added a question to the county’s opioid-settlement funding application asking providers how they advertise available treatment openings.

Presenters said a full report booklet was available for county partners and a condensed public booklet would be released in August; the report will also be summarized in community presentations, social-media graphics and short videos and posted at chathamcountync.gov/healthreports.

Ending: Presenters invited county leadership and commissioners to join Alliance meetings and asked for continued partnership and support for systems-level strategies such as mobile health events, communications and targeted funding to reach populations experiencing disparities.","Public-health staff and the Chatham Health Alliance presented the 2024 Community Health Assessment on July 21, identifying health care access, activities for youth and substance‑use treatment/support as top priorities and outlining dissemination plans and next steps.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509151,"Board adopts resolutions recognizing Overdose Awareness Day and Breastfeeding Month",76,1310000,1386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12&start=1310&end=1386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12/thumbnail_1310000.jpg","/articles/6509151/Chatham-County/North-Carolina/Board-adopts-resolutions-recognizing-Overdose-Awareness-Day-and-Breastfeeding-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509151-c6a8829b13fd9bd5baff433724049976/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440446&Signature=fSDiGkJQka3ZUtdaLWVqc404DUTMZMheij~7aRQ2xP9Dpw1PSle7QR3Y0HEd-LI0xQzw3E08Nxy-ITU2G-SJGIvYssujNGNLH9gfAaJuFT3FPPvTdy0XsbcbXw3GHT1R~zkrOntoS0a125IZgjSxUWFQTTspmMSz-14baiKkBpnr8Ex9xDHlYU3iCtDh9h3xbvbWSz8jcKi958zomiHP3-P7hHdbNEbBs0CU2-SP7hpuk21IV1sYYS2Fkuc-DySfuTd3tfEcNQQpxrFW21RFooGXu0fvrhsUWGIV6A6LjPxnNaNwo5mo6Tk28KYYlnvtkOheSl1EwOnNEMV4C8u~Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on July 21 adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 and another proclaiming August as National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week in Chatham County.

The board read and adopted the Overdose Awareness Day resolution, which notes the county’s recent increases in opioid and other substance-related overdoses and urges awareness, prevention and support for treatment and recovery. The board then adopted the breastfeeding resolution, which cites recommendations from major medical organizations that human milk is the optimal food for infants and encourages community, workplace and health-care support for lactating families. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote with the chair calling for “All in favor? Aye.” No roll-call tallies were stated on the record.

Both adoption actions were ceremonial proclamations rather than ordinances or binding policy changes. The breastfeeding proclamation notes local partners and awards (Piedmont Health Services and the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition Family Friendly Employer and Community Partner Awards) and mentions that University of North Carolina Chatham Hospital is pursuing Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative designation.

Copies of the adopted resolutions will be available with the county clerk’s records; the board invited supporters to come forward for photographs after each vote.

Ending: These were proclamations and not regulatory actions. Any follow-up items referenced during the meeting consisted of community photo opportunities and staff follow-up to distribute the adopted resolutions to partners and the public.","At its July 21 meeting the Chatham County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted two ceremonial resolutions: recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31) and proclaiming August as National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week for Chatham County.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509131,"Youth delegate urges upkeep of outdoor courts and more organized youth sports",18,1299000,1317000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12&start=1299&end=1317","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442697-9fdf7bd11f03cfece71190fdba5a9d12/thumbnail_1299000.jpg","/articles/6509131/Chatham-County/North-Carolina/Youth-delegate-urges-upkeep-of-outdoor-courts-and-more-organized-youth-sports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509131-794a154871d5bbe783dd03e68e3ab633/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440446&Signature=e15YdVhln8WSfI3AzezSJQ5OkBIKpcD7qBd7mkLzpVcjWbRA5-B243XrPoQSv-ABVvaURsK0FlnPAQUGMyqCCrs2ItOvE34iEyNW82r5KAuza4ELlrFgrNruaGz4OChlQZE3Ln0IGW1mvRfsDsLjfu-zWTF7FOixl-zObgy4ePCxciJ5FbL4oI14Biin33qg9v8c01TOm6RfM8mrwP~DS2xoyh48v0Dm5jJGicHHpj3BR4xy-YcROYCsVejOwMFF1d1wZ~8W5sK7Vc0UyeNVT6JpfEMfoqIVHBlxMej0wAFa7OwSWyIyru5nem~VvdfsB1XAJ3PQpU5z2cGkz6W6Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Joseph Weatherall, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Youth Voice delegate representing 4‑H Youth Development, addressed the board during the July 21 meeting and urged the county to improve upkeep of outdoor sports facilities, organize pickup events and consider expanding youth leagues.

Weatherall said his favorite court is White Beach Basketball Court near Jordan Lake and that some outdoor courts appear to be “falling apart” with hoops not in good condition. He suggested the county prioritize maintenance of county‑run facilities, organize pickup games and explore creating more leagues or shared uses to encourage youth engagement and community bonding.

Commissioners responded positively, noting the county recognizes youth engagement as a priority and invited Weatherall to follow up about potential partnerships or conference participation. The board indicated interest in continued conversation about shared‑use agreements and facility upkeep, acknowledging that Chatham’s context differs from larger counties but that local solutions can boost opportunities for youth.

Ending: Commissioners invited the youth delegate to participate in upcoming county events and the NCACC conference; staff indicated further conversations about facilities and league coordination will continue.","Joseph Weatherall, Chatham County’s NCACC Youth Voice delegate, asked commissioners to prioritize upkeep of outdoor basketball courts, expand organized pickup events and consider more youth leagues to increase engagement and physical activity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board adopts implementation steps for advisory‑committee policy; staff change application and term scheduling

County housing staff outline supply‑side strategies and financing leverage as affordable‑housing demand grows

Health partners present 2024 Chatham County Community Health Assessment; highlight access, youth activity and substance-use gaps

Board adopts resolutions recognizing Overdose Awareness Day and Breastfeeding Month

Youth delegate urges upkeep of outdoor courts and more organized youth sports