Reflecting on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day: Moving forward, "hands-on" with urgency. January 20, 2026

Dear Friends,

I hope you had restful holidays and are off to a purposeful start in 2026.

Last year presented us with numerous challenges that continue. These included federal funding changes, recovering from a record-breaking storm, the continuing mental health crisis, and historic property valuation increases that are exacerbating the housing crisis.

Yet, I am committed to making significant progress here in Orange County, and approach that work with hope.

Some of that hope is inspired by the words of fellow Commissioner Dr. Phyllis Portie-Ascott on Monday, when she addressed attendees of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP's Martin Luther King Day event at First Baptist Church.

She spoke of how we all need to be "hands-on" in this moment, taking action to rebuild our community and the walls of protection - with the story of Nehemiah to guide us.

Nehemiah lived in the 5th century BCE during the Persian Empire's reign. He served as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I. He knew that the walls of Jerusalem were down, and he used his access to take action to protect the community.

2025 was a year filled with challenges that continue to impact us. Here's my "hands-on" plan in four key areas.

The White House and Congress passed a Budget Bill last year that significantly undermines the social safety net and shifts new financial burdens onto Counties.

Last year in the face of unprecedented threats to the social safety net during US budget discussions, Commissioners from across North Carolina gathered in Washington, DC to voice our concerns.

As the returning Orange County Delegate to the National Association of Counties, I will again travel to Washington, DC to advocate on behalf of our residents. Commissioner Portie-Ascott, who serves as the District 9 Director for the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), will also be in attendance.

Despite our 2025 advocacy efforts resulting in the removal of proposals like the taxation of municipal bond interest, the budget bill passed in Congress has far-reaching impacts. The bill included new work requirements with stricter criteria for accessing SNAP benefits and Medicaid. They also require increasing Medicaid recertification for eligibility every six months instead of annually.

As a result, county staff across North Carolina are compelled to dedicate time to prepare for these changes, detracting from their ability to deliver essential services. Additionally, without action by the NC Legislature, the changes jeopardize Medicaid expansion in our state.

Our county suffered the brunt of an historic storm in July and Emergency Responders met the moment. Additional action can mitigate future risks.

A tour of the damage wrought by Tropical Depression Chantal with Congresswoman Valerie Foushee and other elected officials underlined how the heroic work of County and municipal first responders, the efforts of Orange County's Department of Social Services and sound investments in infrastructure spared us from worse tragedy.

At the same time, many residents and businesses who were impacted are still in the process of recovery. The Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce played an important role in connecting businesses to available resources, including federal Small Business Administration loans. However, SBA loans are pending for many business owners due to processing delays like receiving IRS transcripts.

While budget pressures this cycle will be intense, I will support mitigation efforts to shore up swift water rescue capabilities and will advocate for increased ongoing collaboration between the County, municipalities and at the regional level to pilot new approaches for resilience.

The effects of the mental health and housing crises continue to impact our community.

For those suffering a mental health crisis, quickly getting the right care can make all the difference in their recovery.

Because emergency care begins the moment a call for help is placed, I sponsored a County budget amendment to extend a pilot program that places a crisis counselor in our 911 Call Center as part of the Crisis, Assistance, Response and Engagement (CARE) team.

Since then, a grant funding this work was reinstated, and the Town of Carrboro has joined the CARE team partnership with Orange County and Chapel Hill. The results of the pilot later will be available later this year. which may support expansion of operating hours and county-wide service.

The County's commitment to addressing the mental health crisis was also demonstrated by the BOCC's vote to invest in the Orange County Behavioral Health Crisis Center. Other counties are also innovating in mental health care, and as a new member of the Health and Human Services Steering Committee of the NCACC, I look forward to sharing information as we learn about these efforts.

A future update will cover what we can do to alleviate the pressure on housing access, which is contributing to the mental health crisis. The BOCC is already taking action on property reappraisals, as highlighted next.

Massive property value increases across the state and here at home are exposing the need for changes in how we reappraise property.

Last year, when the county's overall valuation increase exceeded 50%, the Commissioners limited the Orange County tax increase to 1.09 cents above the revenue neutral tax rate. We also limited the increase in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Special District tax. (Municipal tax rates are established independently by each of the Towns).

When the Commissioners began receiving feedback about neighborhood property valuations, I attended meetings of Justice United and also visited a community leader in Councilville to hear and see those concerns first-hand.

In response to feedback, the Commissioners formed the Tax Assessment Workgroup, on which I now serve. The Workgroup will evaluate the policies, processes, and procedures used by the Orange County Tax Office to assess property values. To ensure that broad perspectives inform that effort, it includes community representatives, county staff, the NC Housing Coalition, the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition and a nonprofit housing provider.

In December, WCHL hosted a community conversation on Property Reassessments with myself and retired Judge Beverly Scarlett, Hudson Vaughn, Shereese Alston and Commissioner Amy Fowler.

LISTEN

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And - the way forward to positive change is still through elections - despite what some individuals in Washington are saying.

Make your Voting Plan for the upcoming Primary Election.

Early, in-person voting begins on Thursday February 12.

Election Day is Tuesday March 5.

You can multiply your impact in this election - by finding 3 other people in your network and making sure they get to the polls.

Orange County continues to be a place that can determine outcomes for federal and statewide elections. There are also a number of important races at the local level - including for County Commissioner!

Find out more, here:

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS

As always, your feedback is welcome at marilyncarterforoc@gmail.com.