Orange County Commissioners

Your representatives in D.C., N.C. and O.C.

These government officials represent UNC students at the local, state and national levels.

Meet the four women who applied for the Board of County Commissioners seat

Four women have filed an application to be considered for the opening left by Mark Dorosin, who announced he would step down from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners — Rani Dasi, Marilyn Carter, Anna Richards and Penny Rich.

Orange County Commissioner Mark Dorosin to step down; Penny Rich considering role

Dorosin was reelected to the BOCC in November after beating Rich in the primary by a seven-vote margin. Rich said she is considering a run particularly because of her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ll certainly put my name in because there were 12,400 people that voted for me, and I think it would be a letdown to those people who supported me to not put my name forward,” Rich said.

Open letter calls for FCC investigation in digital redlining, N.C. politicians sign on

The focus of this letter calls for an investigation into “digital redlining,” a practice that perpetuates socioeconomic inequality through lack of access to digital resources such as the internet.

‘Avoided a disaster’: Efland residents reflect on Buc-ee’s station, future development

Community organizers in Efland rallied an opposition strong enough to fend off Texas gas giant Buc-ee’s. But what voices were left unheard in the discussion, and what is the future of development in western Orange County?

Buc-ee's withdraws zoning application for its contentious Efland Station development

Future of Buc-ee's Efland Station remains unclear after Tuesday's BOCC meeting

The project, if passed, would include a Buc-ee's travel center, hotel, restaurants and commercial space. It's received vocal opposition from some Orange County residents. 

Residents raise concerns about proposed gas station in Efland ahead of BOCC meeting

Despite the company’s claims of bringing jobs and tax revenue to the area, community activists say the proposal to bring the largest gas station in the world poses more threat than opportunity. 

Orange County Board of Commissioners passes resolution in support of reparations

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met Monday night to pass a resolution on reparations, elect new members to the board and listen to public response over the proposed Buc-ee’s gas station on Interstate 85.

Orange County Board of Commissioners election shaped by local endorsements

Jean Hamilton and Amy Fowler will be joining the Orange County Board of County Commissioners after unseating incumbents Mark Marcoplos and Penny Rich. Here's what led up to these events. 

Approval of Research Triangle Logistics Park concerns Hillsborough residents

Groups like Save Hillsborough believes the approval of  Research Triangle Logistics Park will harm the environment and safety of Orange County. 

Here's what issues matter most to the Orange County Board of Commissioners candidates

The November election is coming up, so The Daily Tar Heel is breaking down every state and local office on the ballot, from governor to county commissioner. Here, we broke down who the candidates are for Orange County Board of Commissioners districts one, two and at-large. 

Column: I'm leaving my commissioner-at-large vote blank for Mark Marcoplos

The OC Voice is a portion of the OC Report newsletter where local residents may have a platform to talk about local issues they care about. Maria Palmer is a former member of the Chapel Hill Town Council.

BOCC considers development opposed by residents and a resolution about marijuana

The Orange County Board of Commissioners decriminalized marijuana and held a hearing for the Research Triangle Logistics Park at a Tuesday meeting. 

Hillsborough group fights proposed development, cites health and environmental concerns

Sarah Shore, who lives along Old NC Highway 86, said her property and livelihood would both be impacted by the development. “It would be 250 feet from my back porch to this six-story warehouse,” she said. “And it would directly impact the safety of my children. I wouldn’t be comfortable having them play outside when semi-trucks are constantly going in and out of the park.” 

Orange County Board of Commissioners returns to session with a packed agenda

The Orange County Board of Commissioners discussed commemorating the Voting Rights Act of 1965, decriminalizing marijuana and the county's response to COVID-19 at a Tuesday meeting.

The need for affordable housing in Orange County rose during the pandemic

Several low-income households struggling to afford rent during the pandemic are facing the threat of eviction as legal protections expire and governmental financial cushions run out. “COVID just intensified the panic if you were already financially worried for your family,” said Delores Bailey, executive director of EmPOWERment Inc. 

Orange County Commissioner Renee Price honored as N.C. Commissioner of the Year

Renee Price, vice chairperson of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, was awarded the M.H. "Jack" Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award on Aug. 15.

Local officials called on UNC to close before it went remote

The University's decision to switch to remote instruction for all undergraduate classes came after several weeks of Orange County officials and town councils expressing concern over the return of students to the area. 

Orange County officials aim to quell late-night crowds with new order

If you want a late-night bite in Chapel Hill these days, you'll need to make it at home or order it to go. In response to concerns from residents, University officials and local law enforcement regarding crowds at local restaurants, Orange County restaurants have been prohibited from serving dine-in alcohol or food orders after 10 p.m, as per a declaration added to the county's state of emergency order.