Carrboro has a long history of supporting immigrant communities and creating a welcoming town to all, no matter their place of origin. Learn more about the town’s support of immigrant communities and Carrboro’s status as a 4th Amendment Town. Lots of news in this issue! Catch up on Town Council actions and note that the Downtown Area Plan has been adopted. Bring on the smiles when you see the sweet photos of the Carrboro Police Department Social Work team's hosting of a Community Baby Shower. Enjoy the weekend!
Carrboro Town Council Voices Support for Immigrant Communities and 4th Amendment Rights
The Carrboro Town Council passed a resolution on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, that reaffirms the town’s support of immigrant communities and Carrboro’s status as a 4th Amendment Town, urging business, schools, and governments to adopt similar policies.
The resolution responds to current events in North Carolina as we see US Customs and Border Protection agents launching operations to detain, arrest and harass immigrant communities, resulting in arrests of undocumented and US citizen residents, as well as heightened fear and distrust in law enforcement. The Town Council condemned all discriminatory actions.
Carrboro has a long history of supporting immigrant communities and creating a welcoming town to all, no matter their place of origin. The resolution cites actions of the Town of Carrboro that support immigrant communities, including the adoption of a Language Access Plan, the Racial Equity Action Plan, and the Carrboro Comprehensive Plan.
On May 20, 2025, the Town Council voted unanimously to designate the Town of Carrboro as a 4th Amendment City, reinforcing the town's commitment to honor and uphold the 4th amendment rights of all residents.
Photos -- The Town of Carrboro hosted a 4th Amendment Workplaces Workshop on Sept. 24, 2025 for local businesses and town staff led by Siembra NC. Attendees learned the protections individuals and businesses hold because of the 4th Amendment; how to protect against illegal search and seizure operations; how to help deter other kinds of unconstitutional overreach; and how to create a sense of safety and security for people currently being targeted. A previous workshop was held for Town staff in July 2025. View https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQLh3BsE9x/?igsh=YXk2Z3NhMmlqeTRr
Joint Message from Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Orange County
A Joint Message from the Mayors of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and the Chair of the Orange
We reaffirm that in Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and across Orange County, our communities are made better by the diversity of people within them.
We understand that federal immigration authorities are active in the Triangle, causing fear and creating uncertainty in our communities. Their operations in other cities have used racial profiling to detain legal and law-abiding community members, without cause or due process.
We strongly denounce actions that sow fear among community members, undermine our local community safety efforts, and infringe on the human rights of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.
Regardless of where you live, work or play, here is some important information to know:
It's important to know your rights and have a plan.
Our local law enforcement agencies do not participate in Immigration and Customs (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operations.
If you need the police, EMS, fire, crisis response or other emergency service, call 911.
We know that many of you want to speak out, and we ask that you do so peacefully.
We ask that community members rely on trusted organizations that provide accurate information and assistance
We are monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with our partners. We will continue to share additional resources.
Mayor Barbara Foushee Town of Carrboro
Mayor Jess Anderson Town of Chapel Hill
Chair Jamezetta Bedford Orange County Board of Commissioners
Carrboro receives high score in the 2025 Municipal Equality Index
The Town of Carrboro is pleased to announce a score of 93 in the 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI).
The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities on how inclusive cities’ laws, policies, and services are of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people.
Since 2014, the Town of Carrboro has been rated by the Human Rights Campaign in their annual report of the MEI. The index examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
“Carrboro’s commitment to equity is not just a value—it’s a practice.," said Town Manager Patrice Toney. "This high Municipal Equity Index score reflects the work of an entire community that believes every person deserves to feel safe, affirmed, and fully included. We will continue strengthening our policies, services, and partnerships to ensure Carrboro remains a place where everyone can thrive.”
To see the Town’s score, and how Carrboro compares to other cities across the nation, please visit: www.hrc.org/mei
Carrboro Honors Transgender Day of Remembrance
Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 to be Transgender Day of Remembrance in Carrboro.
The proclamation was received by Town of Carrboro transportation planner and trans woman Becca Eversole-Robinson, who during the Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, addressed the Council and members of the public:
“Since my transition journey began, I’ve struggled to find a safe space, a place I felt at home. Carrboro has become that home, that safe space, but even a safe space isn’t perfect. There are far too many dark corners of the world where it’s dangerous to be trans. The Day of Remembrance honors the lives of trans people lost to violence, but one day, may we no longer have to mourn those we’ve lost but instead celebrate our joy.”
The proclamation notes the rapid rollback of the rights of transgender Americans in the past year, with restrictions at the federal level such as serving in the armed forces, obtaining a passport or visa with an accurate gender marker, limiting federal funding to be used for transgender healthcare, and in the case of transgender youth, attempting to ban transgender healthcare altogether.
Around the world, many countries make it illegal for transgender people to live as their authentic selves.
The Town of Carrboro urges all residents to reflect on the challenges facing the transgender members of our community, and to work to ensure that social, cultural, and legislative progress continue to be made so that all people can safely live as their true selves.
Town of Carrboro Participates in Verizon’s “Beyond the Storm” Event
On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, the Town of Carrboro participated in Beyond the Storm: Supporting Community Disaster Resilience and Long-Term Recovery, a statewide convening hosted by Verizon’s Responsible Business Team in Cary, N.C.
Town Manager Patrice Toney delivered remarks on behalf of Carrboro and residents impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal, highlighting both the community’s ongoing recovery and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Carrboro residents, Chea and Stan followed Toney to share their story of resilience through the storm and gratitude as recipients of Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair Support, partly funded by the Town of Carrboro's Human Services Funding.
The event also brought together public officials, emergency management leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to discuss strengthening North Carolina’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery infrastructure. More than 60 volunteers joined the convening, collectively assembling 300 disaster relief kits in just one hour—demonstrating the power of coordinated community action.
“Resilience is not built in isolation,” said Town Manager Patrice Toney. “It is built through sustained partnership, shared responsibility, and the willingness of government, volunteers, nonprofit, and industry leaders to show up for communities before, during, and after a disaster. We are grateful to Verizon for creating a space for meaningful dialogue and practical solutions.”
Toney shared insights from Carrboro’s experience with Tropical Storm Chantal, emphasizing the need for equitable preparedness strategies, long-term recovery support, and infrastructure planning that reflects the realities of a changing climate.
Verizon also shared updates on their ongoing work with local partners, including Habitat for Humanity and the Coastal Carolina Disaster Resilience Agency, to support families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by severe weather events.
“Mayor Foushee and Carrboro Town Council remain committed to strengthening disaster resilience across all neighborhoods,” Toney added. “Events like this ensure that communities have the resources, relationships, and support systems necessary to recover stronger than before.”
Carrboro Town Council Organizational Meeting set for Tuesday, Dec. 2
The Carrboro Town Council will hold an Organizational Meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. The agenda will be available online.
Scheduled to take their oaths of office are Mayor-Elect Barbara Foushee, Council Member-Elect Fred Joiner, Council Member-Elect Danny Nowell and Council Member-Elect Cristóbal Palmer.
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 livestream online.
Put your ideas into action! Apply to serve the Town of Carrboro
Carrboro local government has various advisory boards and commissions that advise the Town Council on a wide range of issues. We are currently looking to fill vacancies!
When you serve, you become an advocate for the Town of Carrboro, provide feedback to the Council, and help strengthen the community with your unique perspective. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people as you put your ideas into action.
The Town of Carrboro strives for diverse representation on volunteer boards and commissions. Residents of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply. Volunteers are appointed by the Town Council and have the opportunity to directly influence local decisions, policies, and priorities.
Thanks to everyone who walked or rolled over to the Libba Cotten Bikeway and joined us for this year's Lighten Up event.
Town staff distributed bike lights, vests, and other visibility accessories.
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.
Town of Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources is the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the North Carolina Amateur Sports Association (NCASA). These funds will be used to remodel the batting cage facility at Henry Anderson III Community Park.
The remodel will address existing drainage and logistical issues that limit use. The Town indents to upgrade the facility and allow for skill development stations. Additional funding is set aside for athletic field safety improvements such as protective fence toppers for ballfields.
Town Manager Patrice Toney and two staff members from the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department, Emily Boykin and Adam Roberts met with NCASA President, Chuck Hobgood at Henry Anderson III Community Park to receive the grant.
Carrboro Police Department Social Work team hosts Community Baby Shower
On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Carrboro Police Department Social Work team proudly hosted its first Community Baby Shower at the Drakeford Library Complex.
The event welcomed 10 mothers and provided them with essential resources, including diapers, car seats, educational materials and more. It was a day filled with support, connection and celebration.
Be sure to follow the Carrboro Police Department on Facebook to see more photos and learn about upcoming events.
Thank you to our sponsors. We are deeply grateful for the organizations and businesses that made this event possible:
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Mu Omicron Omega Chapter
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the Carrboro Fire Department, the Race and Equity Division of the Town Manager’s Office, and the Communication and Engagement Department for having representatives on site to assist and present as needed.
We look forward to celebrating more Carrboro moms next year!
Care to Share Day in Carrboro
Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, to be Care to Share Day in Carrboro, in conjunction with the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA).
OWASA has worked since 1997 to provide water and sewer bill assistance to community members through the Care to Share program.
In 2024, Care to Share donations exceeded $25,700 and provided utility bill support to 84 households.
Providing equitable drinking water and wastewater services to the community requires investment in the community’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Clean water is critical to public health and the vitality of our community.
Donations can be made to the program by OWASA customers as part of their monthly bill or by a one-tie donation. All funds donated to the program will directly help local residents in need.
Reminder: Please Remove Vehicles from Town Hall EV Charging Stations before 3 am on Saturdays
A reminder to users of the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at Town Hall, please remove your vehicles from 3 to 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Carrboro Farmers’ Market vendors need the spaces to have room to set-up and operate their vehicles and equipment. Your courtesy is appreciated!
If you need to charge your electric vehicle during these times, the Town has other public EV charging stations available at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the Drakeford Library, and the Rosemary Street public parking lot. To find the locations of these and other nearby EV charging stations, use the map on this page: https://www.carrboronc.gov/2777/Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Stations
Carrboro community members, Helen Galbreath, Joy Gattis and William Gattis were honored this month with The Chapel Hill Historical Society's 2025 Community Treasures Award.
The Chapel Hill Historical Society’s Community Treasures program, formerly known as Town Treasures, recognizes individuals and couples for their contributions to the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and the surrounding area over the years. The program began in 2008, and continues to be one of the Historical Society’s most well-attended events. Each individual receives a proclamation from the office of their Mayor or County Commissioner, which is read aloud at the event.
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.
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
The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, Nov. 18, and took the following actions:
Passed resolutions in Support of Immigrant Communities and, Adequate Affordable Housing, and heard proclamations for Care to Share Day, Small Business Saturday, Transgender Day of Remembrance and the US Post Office 250th Anniversary.
Adopted the 2026 Meeting Calendar and the 2026 Town Event Calendar.
Received an Annual Title VI Compliance Report, summarizing implementation updates from the past year, and readopted the Title VI Plan with updated goals for the coming year.
Amended the Town Code to restrict on-street parking on Roberson Street.
Entered into a license agreement with Chapel Hill Transit for the improved bus stop on West Main Street in front of Town Hall (Site 157).
Authorized staff to submit a request for additional funding for the South Greensboro Street Sidewalk project as part of Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization's call for projects for Regional Flexible Funding
Adopted the Carrboro Downtown Area Plan which explores opportunities for growth in the downtown area and along Jones Ferry Road in line with the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan.
Adopted an ordinance for the voluntary annexation of the 36.7-acre property located along Old NC 86 and known as the Jade Creek development.
Received an update from OWASA Representatives.
Received information about the Town's partnership with the Center for Policing Equity, a policing policy non-profit that adopts a scientific, data-driven approach to understanding inequities in law enforcement and gaps in public safety data collection.
Received information about the Town's implementation of Automatic Vehicle Locator/Telematics (AVL) technologies in the Town of Carrboro's fleet vehicles.
Thanksgiving Holiday Service Changes and Facility Closures
Town of Carrboro offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28.
Due to the holiday, household trash collections are two days early the week of Thanksgiving.
Wednesday’s waste collection route will be collected on Monday, Nov. 24; Thursday’s waste collection route will be collected on Tuesday, Nov. 25; and Friday’s waste collection route will be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Yard waste, loose leaves, and bulk waste will not be collected during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 24-28).
Support Small Business Saturday in Carrboro
Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) as Small Business Saturday in Carrboro.
Carrboro is home to more than 300 small businesses employing thousands of residents. These small businesses directly contribute to the Town’s economic viability, cultural identity and quality of life.
Sixty-eight cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in the local community and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business purchasing local goods and service.
The Town of Carrboro recognizes the importance of supporting local businesses not only on Small Business Saturday but throughout the holiday season and year-round.
'Tis the season of giving to a good cause! November 20 is Care to Share Day, celebrating OWASA's water bill community assistance program. Last year, OWASA helped 84 families cover their water bills during tough times thanks to your donations to Care to Share. Support Care to Share by donating monthly through your OWASA bill or make a one-time donation. Visit owasa.org/help-my-neighbor-care-to-share to learn more and donate.
Gallop & Gorge 8K scheduled
for Thanksgiving Day
The final race of Le Tour de Carrboro series is the Gallop & Gorge 8K scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27. The race will begin and end on Weaver Street in downtown Carrboro so expect traffic delays in that area.
There will also be an opportunity to give back to your community. Collection boxes will be available for non-perishable food items to be donated to the Interfaith Council Food Pantry.
Grab a cup of coffee, some non-perishable items to donate, and come out to cheer on the runners before you begin your Thanksgiving festivities at home.
The race's 2025 Community Partners include Carrboro Boy Scout Troop 845, Carrboro Family Garden, Meals on Wheels of Orange County, Optimist Club of Chapel Hill, Orange County Rape Crisis Center, Table, and UNC Get Real & Heel Cancer Exercise Program.
Celebrate Holiday Magic at the Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade
The annual Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Get festive and watch arts, cultural, and community groups make their way through our community downtowns!
The parade begins at 501 W. Weaver Street in Carrboro, continues onto E. Main Street in Carrboro, and travels eastward along Franklin Street to end at 140 W. Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
Arrive early to grab a spot and plan to stay after the parade to explore restaurants and shops.
Parade Traffic Alerts
Starting at 7 a.m., W. Weaver Street to Greensboro Street will be closed for parade participants to assemble. Country Junction business traffic will be able to access the restaurant up until 9:15 a.m. from W. Main Street.
Starting at 9:30 a.m., note that roads closed to motor vehicle traffic are W. Main Street from near the CommunityWorx Thrift Shop and E. Main Street in Carrboro moving eastward toward Chapel Hill and W. Franklin Street.
In Chapel Hill, W. Franklin Street and Church Street between Rosemary Street and Franklin Street) will be closed as the parade moves through.
Carrboro Farmers’ Market Traffic: We highly encourage early morning Farmers’ Market traffic to access and exit the market via Jones Ferry Road from the NC-54 Bypass due to the W. Main Street closure during the parade.
Please remember there is no event parking at Carr Mill Mall. Parking is for mall patrons only while on premises. Leaving the site may result in your vehicle being towed.
Parking along Rosemary Street or outside of designated spaces is not permitted.
Beyond the Thirteenth Amendment: Reclaiming the Promise of Freedom
The Town of Carrboro is a co-sponsor of the community history event “Beyond the Thirteenth Amendment: Reclaiming the Promise of Freedom” offered from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St.
On December 6, 1865, the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. As we reflect on this dark chapter in our nation’s history, join our continued work to build a nation that protects the rights of all its people.
This symposium will feature panel discussions with renowned legal scholars and historians, as well as a keynote conversation between Dr. Martha Jones and NC Supreme Court Justice, Anita Earls.
Dr. Martha Jones is an American historian and legal scholar. She is the Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor and Professor of History at Johns Hopkins University. She studies the legal and cultural history of the United States, with a particular focus on how Black Americans have shaped the history of American democracy. She has published books on the voting rights of African American women, the debates about women's rights among Black Americans in the early United States, and the development of birthright citizenship in the United States as promoted by African Americans in Baltimore before the Civil War.
Anita Earls is an American civil rights attorney who has served as an associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court since 2019. She previously served as the executive director of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, as well as a deputy assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice during the Clinton administration. On Nov. 6, 2018, Earls defeated Republican incumbent Justice Barbara Jackson in a three-candidate election to win a seat on the state's highest court.
Program partners for Beyond the Thirteenth Amendment symposium include:
Orange County Community Remembrance Coalition
Orange County Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life
Carolina Public Humanities & Carolina K-12
Town of Carrboro
Chapel Hill Public Library's Community History Program
Carrboro joins regional partners in resolution for adequate affordable housing
The Town of Carrboro passed a resolution on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 promoting the development of adequate affordable housing. Carrboro joins with other regional partners, including the Orange County Board of Health, in recognizing the lack of affordable housing in Orange County as a threat to public health.
The resolution outlines recommendations for local municipalities, including Carrboro, to adjust their land use plans and zoning ordinances.
Town of Carrboro Recognizes 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service
The Carrboro Town Council has adopted a resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and honoring its historic and ongoing public mission.
Created in 1775, one year before the nation’s founding, the Postal Service has played a critical role in connecting communities, supporting commerce, and enabling secure and accessible communication for all residents.
Today, USPS serves 169 million addresses and operates without taxpayer funding, sustained instead through postage and postal products.
The resolution highlights the Postal Service’s role in supporting a $1.3 trillion mailing and package industry and millions of jobs, including many Veterans. It also emphasizes the importance of the Postal Service’s Universal Service Obligation, which ensures equal and affordable access regardless of location.
While communication habits are always changing, the USPS remains a vital source of communications, the exchange of ideas, financial transactions, private and secure correspondence, mail-order medications, mail-in voting and e-commerce packages, and a host of opportunities for new and expanded services
The Town Council salutes the hard-working postal workers from all walks of life who serve the people and business community and supports a robust and thriving public Postal Service for generations to come.
Check out our Monthly Events Newsletter to discover all the exciting programs and special events that are coming up!
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.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
