The new year is well under way and we've already been met with exciting opportunities.  Read this month's Government Matters to learn more about open seats, redevelopment opportunities, and how the Chamber will be advocating for YOUR business interests in 2013! 

Setting the agenda 

On Thursday, Jan. 17, the Chamber's board of directors unanimously adopted the 2013 Public Policy Agenda. Both staff and the Economic Development & Public Policy committee helped craft the agenda which focuses on four key areas: Retain, Recruit, & Grow Employers; Improve Regulatory Environment & Business Climate; Build & Maintain Infrastructure; and Increase Participation & Influence by and of the Business Community. See the entire agenda here and tell us how you think the Chamber should be working on these goals.

Campaign season again

Though you've found relief from an onslaught of campaign commercials this past fall, both the Town of Chapel Hill and the Town of Carrboro are in the process of filling a vacant seat. Chapel Hill Town Council will decide who they will appoint of 11 applicants on Wednesday, Jan. 23 - listen to all the applicants here. The Town of Carrboro will hold a special election for a seat on the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, March 19 - so if you live in the Paris of the Piedmont, be sure to go out and vote!

Downtown, everything's waiting for you

In the Chamber's recommendations for Chapel Hill 2020, we supported bringing more students downtown. On Wednesday, Jan. 23, Chapel Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing on  Bicycle Apartments, a redevelopment project of 194 housing units for students. The project is geared toward students who want to walk, bike, or bus to campus. You can join the Chamber in supporting the project by emailing mayorandcouncil@townofchapelhill.org and/or attending the public hearing on Wednesday.

Stormy Weather

You may wonder what stormwater management has to do with business and I will confess that I had never learned of "riparian buffers" and "ephemeral streams," before working at the Chamber. But it's important to know that stormwater regulations have a direct impact on the opportunities to redevelop property. Come to a  Public Information Meeting on stream buffers, 6 p.m. Tues. Jan. 22., to learn more about proposed regulations and its potential impact on redevelopment opportunity.   

Time for Design

Now that Chapel Hill has adopted a new comprehensive plan, we've come to the place where the rubber meets the road. The Town of Chapel Hill is inviting you to "Sketching Chapel Hill," Saturday, Jan. 26 for a day of information sessions about the Town. The purpose of theses educational sessions are to provide information about how community members can create spaces that are attractive, inviting, healthy, and enjoyable. Make sure a business voice is at the table and plan to attend one or all of the sessions.