On the eve of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt opened Monday night’s Chapel Hill Town Council meeting with an address of his own.
“Chapel Hill faces many challenging, difficult decisions,” Kleinschmidt said in his State of the Town speech.
Despite the tough economic climate, Kleinschmidt said that Chapel Hill has not been as affected as other areas and still has relatively low unemployment.
He also mentioned Chapel Hill’s accomplishments during the previous year, which include passing a $90 million budget.
“We are immune to the challenges faced by other communities,” he said.
Kleinschmidt also said the town has remained a leader in public transportation and protecting the environment.
“We are a town in a forest after all,” he said.
While he said he expected disagreements in the upcoming year, council members were in accord on updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan.
The plan, which planning board Chairman Mike Collins said has not been updated since May 2000, includes goals like creating affordable housing opportunities and establishing a balanced transportation system.