Conversations with the Mayors

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, July 11, discussing town news and events. She talked about the damage assessment in Carrboro this week after several homes were flooded, as well as the town's public works facility. She described the process of getting trash pick up back up and running after most of the garbage truck fleet was ruined. She talked about the resource center at the Drakeford Library Complex that is set up through Saturday for folks affected by the flooding. She also talked about filing to run for reelection as Mayor, and more. The post Carrboro: Tropical Depression Chantal Recovery, Public Works, Filing for Reelection Run appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, July 10, discussing the ongoing recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Chantal. She discussed visiting Camelot Village apartments, and the challenges faced by that community after the latest flood. She also discussed University Place and the flooding there. She talked about Eastgate Shopping Center, which saw catastrophic flooding. She suggested ways the community could help support these businesses and displaces residents, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Storm Recovery at Camelot Village, Eastgate Shopping Center, and More appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 9th. She discussed the continued recovery from Tropical Depression Chantal. She discussed the stage water restriction in Mebane, which has led to the closure of some of Orange County's large employers. She also talked about services disrupted by the storm, and services the county is providing for folks who have been displaced, and more. The post Orange County: Storm Recovery Continues appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, July 8, discussing town news and events. He recounted his experience with Tropical Storm Chantal, and the realization that this was more than an ordinary tropical rain event. He discussed some of the long term challenges facing the town's water infrastructure, as well as the short-term implications of the town's boil water notice. He shared the probable timeline for the lifting of the boil water notice, and more. The post Hillsborough: Flood Damange Assessment, Boil Water Notice appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tem Amy Ryan spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, July 3. She discussed the rapid progress on the South Creek development across from Southern Village, how that fits in with the future of southern Chapel Hill, and how the Land Use Management Ordinance fits into all of that. She also discussed the upcoming 4th of July festivities for Chapel Hill, and more. The post Chapel Hill: South Creek Development, LUMO, 4th of July appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 2, discussing town news and events. She discussed her experience with other Carrboro representatives in Denver for the National Civic League's All-America City competition. She discussed the benefits of exchanging ideas with representatives from other municipalities, as well as what the honor means for the town. She also discussed 4th of July festivities in Carrboro coming up this holiday weekend, and more. The post Carrboro: Lessons Learned from All-America City Competition, 4th of July appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 2, discussing county news and events. She talked about a recent award Orange County won for government achievement. She also discussed Carrboro's recent designation as an All-America City, the first Orange County town to earn that distinction. She talked about some events and closures for the upcoming 4th of July holiday, and more. The post Orange County: Orange County Recognized, Carrboro Recognized, 4th of July appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, July 1, discussing town news and events. He talked about his recent decision to run for another two-year term as Hillsborough's Mayor. He discussed when he made the decision, the challenges of balancing public office private life, what he's most proud of during his first 18 months, and more. He also mentioned upcoming town events, a recent ribbon cutting, and more. The post Hillsborough: Mark Bell on Running for Re-election appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, June 27, discussing town news and events. She was in Denver with other representatives from Carrboro, preparing for the town's presentation to a panel of judges for the "All America City Award" from the National Civic League, interacting with other cities up for the award, and more. She also discussed upcoming 4th of July festivities in Carrboro, and more. The post Carrboro: Barbara Foushee From Denver For the All America City Awards appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 27, discussing town news and events. She discussed the council's hiring of Ted Voorhees as the new Town Manager, effective August 11. She also discussed Karen Stegman's final meeting on the Town Council, as she prepares to move to Carrboro. She also talked about money being issued from recent voter-approved bonds, and more. The post Chapel Hill: New Town Manager, Karen Stegeman’s Last Meeting, Bond Money 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 25, discussing county news and events. She discussed several recent ribbon cuttings, including a new Orange County EMS station, a park on the Alamance County line, and a news circulator bus in Hillsborough. She also discussed a recent partnership with TABLE that will allow the nonprofit to farm on some county owned land, and more. The post Orange County: Ribbon Cuttings, Cooling Stations, TABLE Partnership appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 24. He discussed the recent board of commissioners meeting which saw an update on the town's Unified Development Ordinance rewrite. They also discussed plans for next summer's America 250 Celebration, and more. He also discussed the extreme heat and how it is affecting Hillsborough, and more. The post Hillsborough: Extreme Heat, UDO, America 250 appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, June 20, discussing town news and events. She talked about the combined Juneteenth celebration with Chapel Hill, which was at Carrboro Town Commons on Thursday. She also discussed a report from town staff on the Downtown Area Plan, which could include turning Weaver Street into a pedestrian mall. She discussed approval of a residential building on North Greensboro St., prepping for the All-America City Awards presentation in Denver, and more. The post Carrboro: Juneteenth Celebration, Downtown Area Plan, All-America City Awards appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tem Amy Ryan spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, June 20. She discussed yesterday's Juneteenth celebration in Carrboro, which was combined celebration for the two towns. She also discussed the town budget, which narrowly passed the town council in a vote on Wednesday. She discussed the challenges the budget process posed, and how that may affect future budgets. She also previewed some upcoming community events, and more. The post Chapel Hill: Budget Narrowly Passes, Juneteenth, 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, June 18. She discussed details of the county budget, which passed with unanimous support this week. She also talked about the opening of a new EMS station in Orange County, a new affordable housing development from Orange Habitat, an upcoming Job Fair, and a new mini-park opening this weekend. She also talked about upcoming community events and more. The post Orange County: Budget Passes, New EMS Station, Job Fair appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 17, discussing town news and events. He told the story of seeing an incapacitated individual and calling first responders, who ultimately administered a life-saving dose of Naloxone. He talked about the need for more awareness around what to do in a situation like that, and the value of having overdose treatments available. He also discussed a recent assault in a a homeless encampment on the south side of Hillsborough. He also discussed upcoming community events and more. The post Hillsborough: Mayor Mark Bell Helps First Responders Save Overdose Victim appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

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.