It's the most wonderful time of the year! Filing for local office ended, and we know who is in the running for Chapel Hill Town Council, Carrboro Board of Aldermen, Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, along with Chapel Hill-Carrboro's Board of Education. Friends of the Downtown announced they will host a candidate forum in August, and it will be early voting before you know it. You'll also start seeing the signs - literally - 45 days out. Stay tuned for more information on the Chamber's activities around local elections (including attending August's Economic Development & Public Policy Committee meeting) and make a resolution to become an informed voter!   

Was your business affected by the recent flooding? Governor McCrory announced that financial assistance is available for both individuals and businesses who suffered damages from the severe thunderstorms and flash flooding that struck Orange and adjoining counties. If you were affected by the flooding, visit the Assistance Center (open only through this Thursday), apply for funds online, or make an appointment with SBTDC. Looking for ways to help? Make a donation to Friends of Orange County DSS, donate gently used goods to the PTA Thrift Shop, or offer a vacant rental property.  

Our community's need for affordable housing has been in the spotlight lately, and the Chamber has made it a priority to increase the availability of workforce housing. Chamber staff member Kristen Smith is currently serving on the Mayor's Committee on Affordable Rental Housing. Want more information? Visit the Town's website or check out the resources Kristen compiled. Want to be involved in the effort? Consider attending a meeting of the committee or let us know your employees' housing needs.    

The Town of Chapel Hill is looking at a proposed restructuring of advisory boards and wants YOUR input. Councilman Gene Pease made a presentation to our Economic Development & Public Policy Committee, describing four new boards and a redesigned Planning Board. Want to weigh in? Attend a public input session on July 29 (Environmental Stewardship), August 5 (Community Housing), or August 12 (Planning Board). Or give your feedback directly to Chamber staff and we'll ensure that Town staff receives your ideas on Town advisory boards. We need more business representation on these boards, so we hope you'll be engaged in this exciting new proposal!