News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 

(Nov. 6, 2025) 

Have you heard about the Downtown Area Plan? The plan outlines steps to achieve many of the town's policy goals.  Come out to MLK Park on Saturday to visit with Town planners and learn more about the plan. On Sunday, come browse through vinyl at the Carrboro CD and Record Show at the Century Center. Also in this issue, get the latest Council update, and congratulate newly elected and reelected officials to local government!  

Neighborhood Meetings: Come flip through the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan

There’s still time to learn about and talk to the Town Council about the Downtown Area Plan! The public hearing for the plan has been continued to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Town Hall, 301 W. Main St.

Thanks to all the community input, a draft of the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan is up for public review on Engage Carrboro.

It expresses what the consultant team and the Town heard from community members – a desire for a vibrant, inclusive and multi-modal future for the downtown area. Over the past year, you have weighed in – at more than 30 events and public input opportunities. The plan sets goals and outlines steps to achieve affordable housing and business spaces, creative art and entertainment options, more plants and trees, and outdoor spaces where people can gather. 

This plan seeks to advance racial equity and address climate action and is a key implementation step of the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan.

Come flip through the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1120 Hillsborough Road:

• Photos above show residents gathered for the first engagement session at MLK Park on Wednesday, Nov. 5 
• The next neighborhood session is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 from noon to 2 p.m.

Community members can also stop by Town Hall and speak with a planning staff member on any business day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., can call 919-918-7335, or email pzi@carrboronc.gov.

The Town is also reaching out to Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) across Carrboro with information about the plan so that residents are familiar with the plan, can ask questions, and know about the continued public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Town Hall.

Learn more about The Downtown Area Plan.

Orange County coordinating for food assistance

The Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) is alerting residents that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits — also known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) — may not be issued in November 2025 if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues and no contingency funds are made available by the federal government.

• Orange County Social Services is coordinating with state agencies and tracking federal updates around SNAP funding and distribution schedules.
• Orange County Social Services and the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Orange County Center are working with local food assistance partners (food banks, community organizations) to plan for increased demand in case of benefit delay or reduction.

A full list of food resources is available at: go.ncsu.edu/feedorangecounty

People who have questions or need emergency food assistance, can contact Orange County DSS at (919) 245-2800 or dssinfo@orangecountync.gov.

There is info on the county’s website at Orangecountync.gov/DSS and more info can be found at ncdhhs.gov/FNS.

Congratulations Mayor and Council

Congratulations to the newly elected Mayor and Town Council Members for the Town of Carrboro! An Organizational Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Carrboro Town Hall when they are sworn into office before taking their seats for the upcoming term.

Join us for Coffee with a Cop

Join the Carrboro Police Department at Even Dough, 203 W. Weaver St., on Wednesday, November 12 from 9 - 11 a.m. for Coffee with a Cop. Enjoy a free coffee or pastry on us!

Stop by the CD and Record Show

The 37th Biannual Carrboro CD and Record Show will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 in the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. in downtown Carrboro. Admission is free. 

The event will feature over 40 tables of new and used CDs, vinyl records, and music memorabilia. 

Feel free to stop by and browse through what the vendors have to offer.  You never know what you may find!   

For more information, contact Gerry Williams at 919-260-0661 or gerrycw51@gmail.com or visit www.musicalroots.net

Lighten Up! with the Town of Carrboro

Thursday, Nov. 13 is our annual Lighten Up! event. The Town of Carrboro will have information tables with lots of safety swag at both ends of the Libba Cotten Bikeway from 4 to 6 p.m.

Town staff will be distributing bike lights, vests, and other visibility accessories. Staff will also have road safety information for pedestrians and cyclists.

Lighten Up! is a safety-focused event that equips current cyclists and pedestrians with lights and reflective safety gear as a part of our Transportation Demand Management program.

Learn more about Lighten Up at https://gotriangle.org/lightenup.

Invasive Species Removal and Planting Events at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Calling all volunteers! Would you like to help restore wetland habitat for birds, pollinators and other species?  Join us at two upcoming volunteer opportunities at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. These events are hosted by the Town of Carrboro Stormwater and Climate Action staff with financial support from the New Hope Bird Alliance.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Saturday, Nov. 15 from 12 - 3 p.m.: Invasive Species Removal
• Sunday, Nov. 16 form 12 - 3 p.m.: Native Planting

More Information

• Wear long-sleeves, long pants and close-toed shoes.
• Gloves, hand tools and water will be available but please bring your own if possible.  

Contact Heather Holley (hholley@carrboronc.gov, 919-918-7426) or Laura Janway (ljanway@carrboronc.gov, 919-918-7326) for more information.  

Leaf Collection in Carrboro

Have you noticed leaf piles around town? It’s certainly that time of year. The Town of Carrboro would like to remind everyone that leaves should not be piled into traffic lanes, bike lanes or sidewalks, as they become a dangerous public safety hazard.

Residents should also check collection schedules for yard waste and leaves, so that piles do not remain at the curb longer than necessary.

Typically, residents receive yard waste and loose-leaf collection twice per month, either on the first and third Mondays of the month or the second and fourth Mondays of the month. It’s important to note that although the collection day is Monday, depending on the volume of material placed at the curb, the routes may take more than one day to complete.  

Read more about Leaf Collection in Carrboro.

Leave the Leaves

Fallen leaves are more than just seasonal color — they are shelter. 

Leaving your leaves is one of the easiest ways to help insects and soil health in your yard. Piles of fallen leaves create homes for all sorts of beneficial critters, from butterflies and beetles to worms and fireflies. It’s also a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of using a gas-powered leaf blower, leave those leaves where they fall.  

How to Leave Your Leaves:  

• Leave them where they fall - Fallen leaves offer shelter for creatures like fireflies, beetles, and butterflies, and save you time on yard maintenance! 
• Rake leaves under trees, around shrubs, and into perennial beds – Leaves can act as a natural mulch that suppresses weeds and retains moisture 
• Compost your leaves – Add valuable nutrients to your soil for even more beautiful plants in the Spring  

Read more about leaving your leaves.

Coffee and commuting!

GoPerks & Carrboro Coffee Roasters have partnered to make your commute a little more exciting. Log your sustainable trips in Share the Ride NC (STRNC) for a chance to win a bag of locally roasted coffee!

Here’s how it works:

• Create a free account at ShareTheRideNC.org
• Log your sustainable commutes — whether you take the bus, bike, carpool, or walk
• Each trip earns points you can use to enter prize drawings through GoPerks
• Choose a smarter, greener commute and you might just win your next cup of coffee.

Property tax assistance available to eligible Carrboro residents

In response to the steep rise of Orange County property tax valuations, the Town of Carrboro has allocated $45,000 to provide property tax assistance to eligible Carrboro residents facing difficulty paying their tax bill.  

The Town had partnered with Orange County to provide this assistance through the County’s Longtime Homeowners Assistance (LHA) program. Carrboro residents must meet the following eligibility requirements:

•  Own home for five (5) or more years
•  Require financial assistance to pay the property tax 
• Meet income and other eligibility requirements. 

For more information, visit Orange County’s LHA webpage: Longtime Homeowners Assistance (LHA) Program | Orange County, NC . The application closes on Nov. 3, 2025. If you have questions about the program, please contact Tyler Haugle at (919) 918-7438 or thaugle@carrboronc.gov. 

Orange County Trails Plan

Are you interested in the future of trails and trail connections in Orange County? A draft Trails Plan is underway!

Learn about the ongoing draft plan here:  https://www.orangecountync.gov/3625/Orange-County-Trails-Plan

Did you miss the September community vision workshops? Take a survey version of them here: https://gensler.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pJqqPB8DQqCr1I

Town Council Update

The Carrboro Town Council will meet next for a work session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.

The Town Council meets at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or can view the YouTube livestream  OR on Legistar. 

• The agenda will be available online.
• Access the livestream on YouTube.

Past Meeting Recap 

The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, Oct. 21, and took the following actions: 

• Received proclamations for the Mayor's Monarch Pledge and Operation Green Light for Veterans; and approved the Veterans Day and Reproductive Rights are Human Rights resolutions
• Held a Public Hearing on the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan
• Held a Second Public Hearing on CDBG-NR Grant Application for Emergency Housing Repairs and Park Improvements
• Received the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, as presented by Maudlin & Jenkins, PLLC.

Watch the meeting livestream on YouTube.

Read more about the Town Council Update

Celebrating Carrboro's Veterans

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, as a day to remember the invaluable contribution of Carrboro's veterans and urges all residents to take every opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of individuals in uniform transitioning from active service. 

Please read the entire proclamation at  https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions

Town of Carrboro Employee Veterans

Police Department

• Retired Captain Tony Frye (Army)
• Lieutenant Joe Thomas (Marine Corps)

Fire-Rescue Department

• Deputy Chief David LaPlante (Air Force)
• Edwin Renegar (Marine Corps)

Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Resources Department

• Svetlana Decker (Army Reserves) 
• Steve Harward (Navy)
• Felton Page (Army)
• Clarence Potter (Army) 
• Anthony Stout (Army)

Public Works Department

• John Garland (Army)

Orange County Veterans Memorial Ceremony

If you are looking to honor the veterans in your life, a special ceremony commemorating Veterans Day will be held at the Orange County Veterans Memorial on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Orange County Veterans Memorial at 2501 Homestead Drive, Chapel Hill, NC. This year's ceremony will feature Brigadier General Vivek Kshetrapal, Deputy Commanding General of 81st Readiness Division of the US Army Reserve., as the distinguished guest speaker. Mayor Foushee will provide the invocation for the event. 

General Kshetrapal brings decades of leadership experience in logistics, readiness, and operational sustainment. He has served in multiple overseas deployments and has been instrumental in leading Army Reserve forces that support global missions. His remarks will reflect on the evolving role of the Armed Forces in defending freedom while highlighting the enduring sacrifices of America’s veterans and their families.

The Orange County Veterans Day Celebration is free and open to the public. Families, friends, and all members of the community are encouraged to attend as a way to show support and gratitude to our veterans. This annual ceremony aims to celebrate the contributions of veterans from all branches of the armed services and to pay tribute to the values they represent.

Learn more about the Veterans Memorial at ocveteransmemorial.com

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on those who have courageously served our nation in the armed forces. Thank you to our veterans, past and present, for your service and sacrifice. 

Carrboro Town Council passes resolution in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans

The Carrboro Town Council has passed a resolution for Nov. 4-12 to be a time to honor the service and sacrifice of individuals in uniform transitioning from active service.

In observance of Operation Green Light, the Town of Carrboro, will display green lights on Carrboro Town Hall. The Town Council encourages residents to participate by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence from Nov. 4-12.

Learn more about Operation Green Light for Veterans.

Join the 2nd Friday Art Walk on Nov. 14

Join the 2nd Friday Art Walk around downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill on Friday, Nov. 14. 

Explore art galleries, artist studios, shops and restaurants. There will also be live music, performances, spoken word poetry and more. Venues are generally open late afternoon and evening hours. Exhibits at Carrboro Town Hall and the Drakeford Library Complex are open from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Check out all the participating venues and their exhibitions!

Save the Date: Abolition Day 2025 Events

The Fire of Freedom, Performed by Mike Wiley

• Dec. 5, 2025
• 6 p.m. at Kenan Theatre, UNC
• Registration Required

Gather at Carrboro’s Century Center for a symposium featuring a multiracial lineup of distinguished professors of law and history. Through varying perspectives, they will emphasize the generations of work and sacrifice that enslaved Black people endured in fighting for freedom.

Beyond the Thirteenth Amendment: Reclaiming the Promise of Freedom

• Dec. 6, 2025
• 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Carrboro Century Center
• Registration Encouraged

2025 Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade Participant Application Now Open

Walk, dance, bike, and scoot your way through the 2025 Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.!

We’re looking for local organizations with diverse cultural, faith, and community traditions to participate. We hope you’ll consider joining. A few things to keep in mind:

• Get festive. Decorate your parade unit with a winter theme and add entertainment value. Be a spectacle!
• Get creative. Describe how your unit will entertain/engage spectators. Show us what you got!
• Get ready. This year’s parade will be non-vehicular. Stay on foot, bike, or scooter.
• Please, no ads. No entries for strictly advertising, fundraising, or recruitment activities. No political campaigning or electioneering.

Apply online today to participate in the 2025 Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade. 

Check out our Monthly Events Newsletter to discover all the exciting programs and special events that are coming up!  

Halloween Carnival 

Thanks to everyone who came out for the annual Carrboro Halloween Carnival, hosted by the Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department at Town Commons. Staff offered a variety of carnival style activities that reward the children’s participation with a wickedly good prize bag. 

2025 Fall Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Program Guide 

The Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department’s Fall program brochure is now available! This includes registration for the 2025-2026 Youth Basketball Leagues.

Learn more about the Program Guide and How to Register.