News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC (March 19, 2025)
Be on the lookout for a news and information postcard coming to your mailbox from Mayor Foushee and the Town Council. If you find Carrboro This Week useful, please let your neighbors know that they can subscribe on our website (locate the "sign-up button" on the homepage - upper left). We are excited for the grand opening of the Drakeford Library Complex! Hope to see you this Friday for the ribbon cutting. Please check this issue for more updates. Have a wonderful week!
March 21: Drakeford Library Complex Grand Opening Celebration
The grand opening celebration of the Drakeford Library Complex located at 203 S. Greensboro St. is set for 11 a.m. Friday, March 21. A previous date for the grand opening was postponed following a winter storm that created hazardous travel conditions.
The complex is the new home of the Orange County Southern Branch Library, the Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department, Orange County Skills Development and NCWorks Career Center, WCOM Radio, and public performance and multipurpose spaces.
The largest public facility in the history of Carrboro, the three-level building was designed by Perkins & Will Architects and built by Barnhill Contracting Company. At about 52,000 square feet, it features a library, workrooms, classrooms, meeting rooms, flex spaces, a radio studio, third-floor terrace, a performance space and more. The building is attached to a parking deck consisting of 171 parking spaces.
Grand Opening
While the facility has been open to the public , the event to mark its completion is cause for celebration. The grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting, remarks by special guests including members of the Drakeford Family, and tours of the building. Refreshments will be provided by Neal’s Deli, Open Eye Café and Glass Halffull.
Officiating the public ceremony will be Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee and Orange County Board of County Commissioners Chair Jamezetta Bedford, joined by U.S. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, Town Manager Patrice Toney, and members of the Drakeford family, including Derrick Drakeford and Bobby Drakeford, sons of the late Dr. Robert Drakeford.
More information:
The Town of Carrboro posts regular updates to the community on the Town website and through social media. Sign up to receive Carrboro Town News updates.
Check your mailboxes for the Annual Community Update from Mayor Barbara Foushee and the Town Council. The dates for the Town Budget Public Hearings are provided, as well as a video message from Mayor Foushee with updates from Town Hall. This is one of many ways that the Town of Carrboro works to keep community informed. Thanks for your interest!
Transgender Day of Visibility
Transgender Day of Visibility is recognized in the Town of Carrboro from Friday, March 28 through Thursday, April 3, 2025, as proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Foushee.
The Town of Carrboro stands with, celebrates, and defends its transgender residents and employees, and supports the mission of the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Residents are asked to celebrate our transgender community, to educate ourselves about the contributions of transgender people, and support our transgender community’s efforts to achieve equity and full inclusion in our society. The transgender community includes all those whose gender does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth, including many non-binary and third gender people.
This observance started in 2009 by trans elder and activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker in response to the lack of visibility for transgender people and the focus of that limited public attention on violence and cruelty against transgender people.
The Transgender Pride Flag will be flown at Town Hall in honor of the holiday.
The proclamation was read on March 18, 2025 by Council Member Catherine Fray, who was joined by members of our community.
Celebrate Creek Week with Carrboro
Carrboro is proud to be a founding partner of Orange County Creek Week. Each year the town joins partners and stakeholders in celebrating the streams, lakes, and rivers that connect our human and non-human communities. Creek Week is a weeklong series of activities like litter cleanups, a community science BioThon, invasive plant removal, green infrastructure tours, and so much more! Visit the Orange County Creek Week website for more details on activities and resources from all the participating partners. All the Orange County Creek Week activities are open to everyone.
Receiving the Creek Week proclamation from Mayor Barbara Foushee was Town of Carrboro Stormwater Manager Dylan Kirk, joined by his children Sedona, 6, and Declan, 4.
This year Carrboro Staff is hosting the following activities, and we hope to see you there!
Activities:
March 22: Joint Cleanup with Carrboro and Chapel Hill 1 - 3 p.m. at 102 Hargraves St., Carrboro, NC Clean up trash along the Robertson Bike Path and/or conduct a trash inventory. Last year we cleaned up and inventoried over 1700 pounds of trash! Trash inventories tell us what exactly is going to our waterways and potentially shows us where the trash comes from. Register Online.
March 22: Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Youth Fish Clinic 9 - 11 a.m. at Anderson Park (302 Hwy 54 West, Carrboro, NC) Parents and children will learn the basics about fishing including different equipment, techniques, sites, and regulations. You may even meet a fishing buddy or two! Located at the Anderson Park pond. Supplies furnished but bring a pole if you have one. Children (participants under the age of 18) must have a parent or guardian to participate. FEE and REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Learn more about our annual Youth Fishing Clinic.
Mayor Barbara Foushee proclaims Tuesday, March 18 to be Transit Operator Appreciation Day in Carrboro.
Communities across the United States observe Transit Operator Appreciation Day each year on this date to recognize transit operators’ dedication, hard work and the essential services they provide.
Here in our community, Chapel Hill Transit operates the second largest transit system in North Carolina as a partnership with funding support from the Town of Carrboro, the Town of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina, providing fare-free, 7-day-a-week transit service to help our communities and the university meet our transportation, sustainability and equity goals.
Carrboro Recognizes International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month
The Town of Carrboro recognizes March 2025 as Women’s History Month.
These observances offer an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that women of every race, class, ethnic background and gender identity have made to the social, cultural and economic life of the community.
The Women’s History Month theme for 2025 is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations – both past and present..
Women are serving in leadership roles throughout the Town of Carrboro organization, including Town Manager Patrice Toney, Assistant Town Manager Marie Parker, and several department heads. Town Manager Toney is the first African American woman to serve as Town Manager, stepping into the position in May 2024 after Marie Parker served as the Interim Town Manager in 2023. Since the election of Alderman Mary Riggsbee in 1971 and Mayor Ruth West in 1975, the people of Carrboro have been proudly electing women to local office, including currently serving Mayor Barbara Foushee and Council Member Randee Haven-O’Donnell.
A great woman poet named Nikki Giovanni once said, “Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way.”
Join Carrboro Police Department and East Cost Electric Speed Shop for a fun morning of bicycles and bicycle safety.
Stop by on Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510.
Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee and mayors from across the country urge Congress to protect SNAP
Mayor Barbara Foushee has joined 112 mayors from across the country to sign a bipartisan letter urging Congress to protect, strengthen and fully fund federal nutrition programs. The mayors are members of the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger, a nonpartisan coalition representing more than 400 mayors across all 50 states and Washington, DC, working in partnership with Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign. The letter comes as Congress is considering massive cuts to nutrition programs.
“We express our concern for the growing number of children in our country facing food insecurity and hunger if these cuts are enacted. There are increasing pressures on the cost and availability of food, including viral illnesses in animals raised for consumption, a diminished number of agricultural workers, and continuing global conflict. Our cities are on the frontline of responding to challenges in our communities, and as mayors, we need every option available to fight childhood hunger,” the letter states.
Read more about Carrboro's commitment to the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger.
Carrboro In Motion is bringing the party to Carrboro neighborhoods!
This Saturday (3/15/2025), the Town of Carrboro with our awesome community partners had a great time at Estes Park Apartments. Thanks to all the residents and property manager Italy Mendoza Martinez for having us!
At this relaxed and intimate community gathering, we get to know our neighbors by creating a setting of fun while offering a variety of services and public information, a fire engine, a Chapel Hill Transit bus, free sno-cones from Pelican's, and a Zumba class from Oscar Cervantes Garcia.
There were bike and ped resources from the Carrboro Planning Department, as well as map and routing resources and reflective gear. Town staff from Carrboro Communication and Engagement showcase volunteer opportunities and ways to connect with service, events and programs. Our community partners include Chapel Hill Transit, Carrboro Police, Carrboro Fire Department, Refugee Community Partnership, Red Ridge Bike Share (Dr. Michael Holland repairing bikes on site), Orange County Housing, Orange County Health Department, and Orange County Public Library, We were also joined on Saturday by the Town of Chapel Hill Planning Department.
Carrboro in Motion will be traveling around town this summer, and we're looking forward to bringing block parties next to Carolina Apartments, Royal Park Apartments and Collins Crossing, among others! Learn more about Carrboro in Motion.
Carrboro Recognizes World Water Day
Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Saturday, March 22, 2025, as World Water Day in Carrboro.
The theme of World Water Day 2025 is "Glacier Preservation."
With 70% of the Earth’s freshwater existing as snow or ice, glaciers are critical to life because their meltwater is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production and healthy ecosystems. As the planet gets hotter, countless communities and ecosystems are at risk of devastation.
For billions of people, meltwater flows are changing and causing floods, draughts, landslides and sea level rise. Glaciers also reflect sunlight, helping to regulate Earth’s temperature. As they melt, this reflective surface shrinks, causing more heat absorption and accelerating global warming.
As we work together to mitigate and adapt to climate change, glacier preservation is a top priority. We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow down glacial retreat. Saving our glaciers is a survival strategy for people and the planet.
Carrboro to Celebrate Combined Earth Day and Open Streets!
Celebrate Earth Day with an event that brings people together for an afternoon of eco-friendly activities and outdoor fun. Enjoy a car-free Weaver Street on Sunday, April 6 from noon to 4 p.m. as downtown Carrboro transforms into vibrant spaces for cycling, walking, and exploring green initiatives. Let’s make Earth Day a celebration of nature, sustainability, and collective action toward a greener future!
This fun event will feature a variety of interactive activities to help you take action to create a cleaner, greener Carrboro. Learn more about climate action and environmental issues in our community and enjoy activities for children of all ages, including a bicycle obstacle course, Earth Day themed arts, crafts, and games, sing-a-longs, an EV Rodeo, and a rock-climbing wall.
There will be planet-friendly vegan and vegetarian food for purchase and great local bands on the Earth Day stage. The event will end with a parade down Weaver Street.
This year’s Earth Day theme is: Our Power, Our Planet. Grassroots people-power has always been at the heart of Earth Day. As Earth Day turns 55 this year, the Town of Carrboro’s Earth Day Celebration is all about encouraging everyone to take action on Earth Day and every day.
Learn more about Carrboro’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution and fight climate change.
Mayor Foushee signs onto Monarch
Butterfly Pledge
Mayor Barbara Foushee has joined mayors and leaders from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in signing the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayor’s Monarch Pledge . This pledge aims to protect the iconic butterfly, which has experienced a 90-percent decrease in eastern population in recent years.
Through the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, U.S. cities, municipalities, and other communities commit to creating a habitat for the monarch butterfly and pollinators, and to educating community members about how they can make a difference at home and in their community.
CARRBORO, N.C. – The Town Council has designated Saturday, March 22, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. as Earth Hour in Carrboro.
Earth Hour 2025 aims to be an unmissable global reminder of the importance of our planet, the need to protect it, and how little time we have to do so.
Participating in Earth Hour involves two simple actions—turning off lights for one hour and giving an hour for Earth by spending 60 minutes doing something positive for our planet.
The lights in front of Town Hall will be turned off from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. The Town Council encourages all residents and businesses of Carrboro to join in supporting the aims and goals of this effort.
Cities and states across the country and around the world are joining with Carrboro to demonstrate a commitment to addressing climate action by supporting Earth Hour.
Help Develop Carrboro's New Unified Development Ordinance
The Town of Carrboro is hosting its first series of public events to replace the Carrboro Land Use Ordinance with a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The adoption of new land use regulations is a key part of implementing the visioning spelled out in the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan.
You’re Invited! Join the Public Forum on either Thursday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m., or Saturday, March 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both forums are being held at Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Carrboro, NC 27510.
How does this affect you?
While the UDO in concerned with land use, it’s more than a tool for homeowners and developers. We want to hear from you about how this tool can realize the various climate, race and equity, stormwater, and sustainable development goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
The UDO will …
contain local zoning and subdivision regulations and associated permitting procedures
govern everything from what kind of new housing developments are easiest to build in Carrboro to how simple it is to add a shed behind your house.
include provisions designed to incentivize the creation of attainable and affordable housing options
dictate what kind of stormwater and flooding protections will be installed with new and infill developments
prescribe standards for the preservation of trees, planting of new ones, and how much shade and canopy coverage lots and developments will need.
The UDO may update street standards, including the establishment of sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and traffic calming throughout town.
How can you get involved?
Visit engage.carrboronc.gov/udo to learn more about the project, sign up for updates, and stay up to date with future engagement opportunities.
Call the project information line at 919-913-3181 to leave a comment by voicemail, learn about upcoming events, or connect with planning staff if you have a question.
Join us at one of our many opportunities to get involved over the course of this 18-month project. The schedule of these can be found on the project webpage at engage.carrboronc.gov/udo
Town Council Update
CARRBORO, NC -- The Town Council is scheduled to meet next for a work session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21.
ABOUT CARRBORO CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. You can reach the Town Council with your ideas, views and questions anytime at Council@carrboronc.gov Meetings are open to the public to join in person at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. OR via Livestreaming at YouTube.com/CarrboroNC
ABOUT CARRBORO CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. You can reach the Town Council with your ideas, views and questions anytime at Council@carrboronc.gov Meetings are open to the public to join in person at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. OR via Livestreaming at YouTube.com/CarrboroNC
Regular business meetings are generally held the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Work sessions are generally held the second Tuesdays of the month. Public comment is not accepted during work sessions, and votes are not taken.
Maybe it's because we're coming out from all that cold weather, but spring definitely brings out the weird and wonderful in us. Which means it's prime time for you to experience only-in-Carrboro free festivals and events. Join us as we play in our public spaces, celebrate Elizabeth Cotten, and feel that small town pride. Who’s ready to play Giant Jenga?
Carrboro Earth Day Celebration & Open Streets: Sunday, April 6
Celebrate Earth Day from noon to 4 p.m. with an event that brings people together for an afternoon of eco-friendly activities and outdoor fun. Enjoy a car-free East and West Weaver St in downtown Carrboro transformed into vibrant spaces for cycling, walking, and exploring green initiatives. Let’s make Earth Day a celebration of nature, sustainability, and collective action towards a greener future!
Freight Train Blues: May 16, 23, 30, and June 6
Join the Music Maker Foundation at the Carrboro Town Commons on Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the 11thannual celebration of Carrboro blues legend Elizabeth Cotten. The series honors her contributions to the American roots genre by highlighting the cultural significance of the Carolina Piedmont style and its connections to current artists like Diana Tuffin bringing Blues & Jazz, to Conjunto Breve bringing in the Salsa night.
Seeking Vendors for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration returns with food, fun, music, and more! We need vendors, nonprofits, and food trucks to participate in our 4th annual edition of this event.
Please note the new location of this year’s event at Carrboro Town Commons.
Note: No ads. No entries are permitted for strictly advertising or recruitment activities. No political campaigning or electioneering. Local vendors, nonprofits, and food trucks will be prioritized.
Apply Online. Application deadline: Friday, April 4, 2025 at 5 p.m.
2025 Winter-Spring Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Program Guide Now Available
The 2025 Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Winter-Spring Program Guide is now available! This guide covers programs and events from January through April, including Spring Athletic Leagues, and registration for 2025 Summer Camps.
Register at the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 S. Greensboro St. during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.) and online via RecConnect at www.carrbororec.org
If you are a new participant who wishes to register online, please be sure to set up via our online registration site (linked below). Please allow at least 3 business days for account review and approval.
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department at 919-918-7364.
It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at 11 public lots all over town.
Please remember that the Carr Mill Mall parking area is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing. When in doubt, always park in public lots, and enjoy a hassle-free and relaxed shopping and dining experience.
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