Conversations with the Mayors

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, June 13, discussing town news and events. She discussed some upcoming weekend evens, including the Pride Piper Walk, as part of Pride Month celebrations. She also talked about upcoming Juneteenth celebrations in the community. She discussed the downtown area of Carrboro, updating potential development on a couple of highly visible parcels and discussing the effect of the Drakeford Library Complex on downtown, and more. The post Carrboro: Pride Month, Juneteenth, The Drakeford Effect appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 12, discussing town news and events. She discussed her experience at the Mexico vs. Turkiye soccer friendly at Kenan Stadium on Tuesday; she outlined the town council's meeting from earlier in the week, including a preview vote on the budget; she discussed Karen Stegman's legacy on the Town Council as she is set to depart later this month. She also previewed upcoming community events and more. The post Chapel Hill: Budget Vote, International Soccer, Karen Stegman appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford joined 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, June 11. The post Orange County: Re-evaluating Property Valuation, Juneteenth Events and Adopting Animals appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 10. He discussed the Hillsborough Town Budget, which the board of commissioners passed unanimously. He outlined the tough decisions that had to be made on revenue and delaying projects, particularly given federal budget cuts. He also talked about Last Friday Art Walk being featured on North Carolina Weekend, an upcoming open house at the Rural Orange Fire Department, and more. The post Hillsborough: Budget, North Carolina Weekend, Orange Fire Department Open House appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, June 6, discussing town news and events. She discussed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which was passed by the council earlier this week. She talked about what she like in the budget, and why it is the right budget for Carrboro right now. She also talked about weekend events and more. The post Carrboro: Positives from the Town Budget, Weekend Events, and More appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 5. She discussed the upcoming Mexico vs. Turkiye soccer friendly coming to Kenan Stadium on Tuesday, June 10. She talked about the impact on downtown, parking recommendations, and more. She also discussed the Town Council's budget meeting last night, with the budget on pace to be passed in the next couple of weeks. She updated the search for a new long-term Town Manager, with an announcement expected sometime soon. She also previewed upcoming community events including Gun Violence Awareness Day, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Mexico vs. Turkiye Soccer, Budget Updates, Town Manager Search appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, June 4, discussing county news and events. She discussed Tuesday night's business meeting, which saw proclamations passed for Pride Month and for Juneteenth. She discussed the latest on the county's solid waste master plan, and other business from the meeting. She also discussed the board's intent to adopt the budget at their meeting tomorrow night, but with some amendments still to resolve, and more.  The post Orange County: Pride & Juneteenth, Solid Waste Plan, Budget appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 3, discussing town news and events. He discussed a recent op-ed he penned urging FEMA to reconsider funding cuts that are hurting communities across North Carolina. He also updated the budget process, with the budget for the next fiscal year expected to be passed at their next meeting. He also discussed the summer rotation of banners through downtown, with pride banners currently up in Hillsborough. He also discussed other upcoming events and more. The post Hillsborough: FEMA Funding, Budget Update, Summer Banners appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, May 30, discussing town news and events. She talked about the town council's decision to pass a proclamation declaring themselves a 4th Amendment workplace, citing the constitutional guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure. She also discussed the honorary designation of Strayhorn Drive to recognize one of Carrboro's original black families. She also previewed upcoming weekend events and more. The post Carrboro: 4th Amendment Proclamation, Honorary Strayhorn Drive, Weekend Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 29, discussing town news and events. She discussed the latest on the town's Land Use Management Ordinance rewrite. She also discussed a new tool for identifying natural areas in the community. She talked about the Cupola coming down from Historic Town Hall for safety reasons, and more. The post Chapel Hill: LUMO, Historic Town Hall, Natural Areas Model appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 28, discussing town news and events. After a rare Tuesday Commissioners' meeting due to the Monday Holiday, Mayor Bell discussed a proclamation honoring recently passed former mayor Horace Johnson ahead of his funeral Saturday. He also discussed the board's recent budget work session, including the timeline for the budget's likely passage. He discussed some opportunities to give feedback on the town's parking study, the upcoming Last Friday Art Walk, and more. The post Hillsborough: Honoring Horace Johnson, Budget Work Session, Last Friday Art Walk appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, May 23, discussing town news and events. She discussed a couple of ribbon cuttings for park improvements, including new inclusive playground equipment at Baldwin Park. She discussed feedback received from the community at the Town Council's recent public hearing; the next steps on the Downtown Area Plan, and more. She also discussed upcoming community events including the Freight Train Blues Series. The post Carrboro: Park Improvements, Budget Public Hearing, Downtown Area Plan appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 23, discussing town news and events. She talked about a proclamation honoring Bill Massengale, gave an update on the town's budget conversation including feedback and timeline. She also gave an update on the Greene Tract, discussing the next steps as the town partners with Carrboro and Orange County to eventually develop the area into a large park and housing. She discussed some upcoming weekend events and more. The post Chapel Hill: Honoring Bill Massengale, Budget Updates, Greene Tract appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 21. She discussed the latest on the county's budget, as that process continues with community feedback and board input. She also further discussed the results of the recent property revaluation and its impact on historically black communities. She talked about the county leasing land for TABLE to farm, and more. The post Orange County: Budget Updates, Revaluation, Farmland for TABLE appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 20, discussing town news and events. He discussed Town Manager Eric Peterson's budget proposal for the next fiscal year, which the board received in the middle of last week. He discussed the key takeaways, including a tax hike, and talked about the timeline for a vote.  He also remembered former Mayor Horace Johnson, who was the town's first Black mayor, and served for decades in local government, and more. The post Hillsborough: Budget Highlights and Timeline, Remembering Horace Johnson appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell over the phone on Friday, May 16. The post Carrboro: Freight Train Blues Begins, Different Takes on Downtown Area Plan, and ‘Move With The Mayor’ appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 15, discussing town news and events. She talked about the latest budget conversations for the council, including what trade-offs might have to be made, and how to keep town staff compensation competitive within the region. She also talked about the Parks Master Plan and upcoming opportunities for community feedback. She also talked about upcoming town events and more. The post Chapel Hill: More Budget Updates, Parks Master Plan, Town Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 15, discussing town news and events. She reviewed the latest on the county budget, including highlight's from the budget public hearing the commissioners held on Tuesday night. She also previewed an upcoming budget work session on Thursday night. She also previewed some upcoming weekend events, including the Pauli Murray Awards and more. The post Orange County: Budget Public Hearing, Upcoming Budget Work Session appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 13, discussing town news and events. He discussed the recent meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, which saw a preview of the Budget proposal for next year, with hopes of the full document being available later in the week. He also talked about storm damage in Hillsborough, as overnight weather caused some downed trees in town, and more. The post Hillsborough: Budget Updates, Federal Funding Cuts, Storm Damage appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, May  9, discussing town news and events. She discussed her announcement this week that she will be seeking a second term as mayor, and how she arrived at that decision. She also discussed the first look at Town Manager Patrice Toney's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. She discussed major takeaways from the budget, the use of the fund balance, the challenges presented by the current economic landscape, and more. The post Carrboro: Barbara Foushee on Running for Reelection, Initial Look at Budget appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 8. She announced her campaign for re-election for another two years as Mayor. She also shared details of a recent visit to Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal transportation funding, particularly for the Bus Rapid Transit line the town hopes to have on MLK Blvd. She discussed the budget proposal from town manager Mary Jane Nirdlinger, including the next steps and timeline for community feedback. She also discussed upcoming town events and more. The post Chapel Hill: Re-election Run, Budget, Trip To Washington appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 7, discussing county news and events. She discussed County Manager Travis Myren's proposed budget for the next fiscal year, including the latest on the revenue neutral tax rate, and more.  The post Orange County: Jamezetta Bedford Discusses Proposed County Budget appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bells spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 6, discussing town news and events. He talked about a traffic accident from earlier in the afternoon that has closed parts of I-85 and Orange Grove Road, and diverted traffic downtown. He talked about the opening of a Graffiti Art park at Cate's Creek park near the skate spot. He also previewed next week's Hillsborough Board of Commissioners meeting, which will continue budget talks, and more. The post Hillsborough: Graffiti Art at Cate’s Creek, Orange Grove Road Closed, Meeting Preview appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, May 2, discussing town news and events. She talked about an upcoming series of events the town is holding for Mental Health Awareness Month called Mental Health Mondays. She also talked about Carrboro Police's Diversion Social Worker Monrita Hughes and the works she does. She previewed this weekend's Carrboro Day festivities, looked ahead to other Carrboro events coming up in the summer festival season, and more. The post Carrboro: Mental Health Mondays, Carrboro Day, Upcoming Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 1, discussing town news and events. They discussed Chapel Hill's new e-bike library. She also gave an update on the budget process, with a draft due from the interim county manager in the next few weeks. They also discussed summer in Chapel Hill, highlighting some of the upcoming events in the community, and more. The post Chapel Hill: E-Bike Library, Budget Update, Summer in Chapel Hill appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 30. She discussed the business of this week's Board of Commissioners meeting, which also included the boards of education from Orange County School and Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. The school boards submitted budget requests for the upcoming year, and all three boards heard a presentation on the impact of federal spending cuts, and more. The post Orange County: School Board Requests and Federal Funding Cuts appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 29, discussing town news and events. He discussed the events of the recent board of commissioners meeting, where they talked about the end of a federal block grant program. He also discussed some annexation being considered by the town, some rezoning requests from residents, a briefing on some bills in the General Assembly that would affect the town's ability to plan for growth, and more. He also talked about a parking survey, as the town gathers more information about parking habits in the community, and more. The post Hillsborough: End of COVID Aid, Annexation, General Assembly Briefing appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Friday, April 25. The post Carrboro: Weighing Budget Priorities, Celebrating Communications and Black Restaurants appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, April 24, discussing town news and events. She discussed a recent visit with Dublin Lord Mayor Emma Blain after the announced UNC football game in Dublin to start the 2026 season. She also discussed this week's town council meeting, which saw approval of "Maddry Meadows," which will be 54 affordable housing units for seniors on Homestead Road, and more. She also talked about the start of the Parks Master Plan, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Lord Mayor of Dublin, Maddry Meadows, Parks Master Plan appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Orange County Commissioner Sally Greene spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 23, discussing county news and events. She talked about the commissioners' recent work session in which they hear from County Manager Travis Myron on the 10-year capital  budget. The post Orange County: Capital Plan, Budget, Property Revaluation Outreach appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 22. He discussed the recent loss of FEMA funding for a couple of crucial projects for the town of Hillsborough. He also discussed a recent sewage spill and the subsequent cleanup. He talked about the Hillsborough Climate Challenge, which wraps up today, including the likelihood that the challenge will be repeated next year, and more. The post Hillsborough: FEMA Funding Pulled, Sewage Spill, Climate Challenge Concludes appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, April 18, discussing town news and events. She discussed an update from town staff on some bills going through the General Assembly that would limit the scope of local and county governments. She also discussed an update from OWASA, talking about the likelihood that their budget will include raised rates. She also discussed some of the town advisory boards, and more. The post Carrboro: General Assembly Bills, OWASA Update, Advisory Boards appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell in-studio on Thursday, April 17. The post Chapel Hill: Balancing Budget Shortfall with Adjusted Property Taxes + Opening An Inclusive Playground appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell over the phone on Wednesday, April 16. The post Orange County: The Site of the Future Crisis Diversion Facility + Discussing Tax Rates and Revaluation appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, April 11, discussing town news and events. She talked about the recent Town Council work session, in which the looked at the budget big picture. She also discussed recent open streets events that closed Weaver Street to vehicle traffic, and talked about the long-term possibility of that becoming permanent. She also responded to the number and scope of bills introduced to the General Assembly, and more. The post Carrboro: Budget Talks, Weaver Street Reimagined, Response to General Assembly appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, April 10, discussing town news and events. She discussed the business of this week's Chapel Hill Town Council meeting, including a 7-2 council approval of a zoning request for a 350 unit development on South Elliot Road. She also discussed an upcoming public feedback period for bike lanes on West Cameron Avenue. She also discussed upcoming events including this weekend's "Touch A Truck" event, and more. The post Chapel Hill: South Elliot Development, Cameron Avenue Bike Lanes, Touch a Truck appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 9, discussing county news and events. She talked about the commissioners Land Use Plan, which they will continue discussion of in September. She also talked about a 34 acre soccer complex in western Orange County and how that fits into the budget going forward. She talked about the county's recent property revaluation, revealing the revenue-neutral tax rate for the county, and more. The post Orange County: Land Use Plans, Soccer Complex, Revenue-Neutral Tax Rate appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 8. He previewed a Hillsborough Police event coming up at Gold Park this weekend that will include an easter egg hunt and a dog costume contest. He also discussed several of the Hillsborough Climate Challenge Events coming up this week. He talked about a virtual public meeting on mitigating hazards in the Haw and Eno rivers, previewed the next board of commissioners meeting, and more. The post Hillsborough: Dog Costume Contest and Easter Egg Hunt, Climate Challenge, River Hazard Mitigation appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Friday, April 4. The post Carrboro: Inclusive Engagement, Affordable Housing and A Walkable Weaver Street Event appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Temp Amy Ryan joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell in studio on Thursday, April 3. The post Chapel Hill: Amy Ryan on Town Budget Discussions, New Playground Equipment, and A E-Bike Library appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 2, discussing county news and events. She discussed the recent meeting of the county board of commissioners, which included decisions about transportation priorities for the county, a presentation on the county's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, and more. The post Orange County: Transportation Priorities, Capital Improvement 10 Year Plan appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 1. He discussed the ongoing Hillsborough Climate Challenge which continues through Earth Day on April 22. He discussed upcoming events in the Climate Challenge, and the broader intent of the program. He also updated a pump station replacement project, discussed the timeline for the town's participation in the America 250 Celebration coming up next year, and more. The post Hillsborough: Climate Challenge Continues, 250th Celebration, Water Infrastructure appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, March 27, discussing town news and events. She discussed a preview of the town's budget  from the town manager as budget talk picks up this spring. She also gave an update on the town-owned Legion Road property, as the next steps involve draining the pond on the property in advance of the creation of a wetland on the site. She also discussed the reopening of the Homestead Aquatic Center, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Budget Preview, Legion Road Property, Homestead Aquatic Center appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 25, discussing town news and events. He talked about the proclamation of Duane Hampton Day on March 24. He also discussed a presentation on the upcoming Orange County property revaluation. He discussed the upcoming Hillsborough Climate Challenge returning to the community in April, and more. The post Hillsborough: Duane Hampton Day, Property Revaluation, Return of Climate Challenge appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, March 20. She discussed a recent controversy around the town's website, in which several pages celebrating the town's LGBTQ+ history were archived. She also talked about the recent authorization of a Brownfields agreement on what needs to happen at the 828 MLK Jr. Boulevard site. She discussed upcoming town events, including creek week and more. The post Chapel Hill: Website Controversy, Brownfields Agreement, Upcoming Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, March 19. She discussed the recent meeting of the Orange County Commissioners, which included a report on Medicaid expansion in Orange County, an update from OWASA, a proclamation for child abuse prevention month, and more. She also talked about the ongoing property revaluation which had notices sent out to property owners this week, the ribbon-cutting for the Drakeford Library Complex, and more. The post Orange County: Property Revaluation, Future of Medicaid Expansion, Drakeford Library Opening appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 18, discussing town news and events. He talked about the town's participation in the county-wide Creek Week celebration. He also talked about King's Highway Park, which recently had an upgraded kayak launch installed after the previous one washed away in a flood last year. He also discussed some utility work going on around town, including several streets being resurfaced, Google Fiber installation continuing, and more. The post Hillsborough: Creek Week, King’s Highway Park, Resurfacing Streets appeared first on Chapelboro.com.