News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(April 3, 2025) 

Learn more about climate action and environmental issues in our community while having fun with activities for children of all ages at Carrboro's Earth Day Celebration set for Sunday, April 6! Carrboro has been named as one of the 20 finalists for the prestigious All-America City Award, announced by the National Civic League this week. This recognition highlights Carrboro’s commitment to strengthening democracy through local action and innovation. Keeping with our strong tradition of civic engagement, many thanks to everyone who came to the Town Hall meeting last Saturday. We have published a video and recap from this impactful conversation among concerned residents. 

Carrboro to Celebrate Earth Day/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.   

Celebrate the Earth with Carrboro! 

For more information: 

• Contact Galen Poythress at 919-918-7392 or jpoythress@carrboronc.gov
• Carrboro's Earth Day Celebration website
• Sign up online to volunteer at Earth Day
• Learn more about Carrboro’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution and fight climate change.
• Find public parking at https://townofcarrboro.org/2774/Downtown-Parking 

Carrboro Named Finalist in 2025 All-America City Award

The National Civic League has announced Carrboro as one of the 20 finalists for the prestigious All-America City Award. This recognition highlights Carrboro’s commitment to strengthening democracy through local action and innovation. 

"Communities thrive when all residents have a voice in the policies and decisions that shape their lives,” said Doug Linkhart, president of the National Civic League. “This year’s finalists are leading the way by removing barriers to participation and implementing programs that foster sustainability, resilience, and inclusive engagement." 

“We are honored to be recognized as a finalist for the All-America City Award,” said Town Manager Patrice Toney “Carrboro’s inclusion among the finalists underscores the town’s commitment to strengthening environmental sustainability, using inclusive community engagement to create lasting, impactful solutions.”

The 20 finalist communities, spanning 12 states, range in size from 11,000 residents to nearly one million. Despite their differences, says the National Civic League, they share a commitment to empowering residents, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring meaningful participation in local decision-making.

Read more about the 2025 All-America City Award.

Residents share concerns at Town Hall Meeting 

Town Manager Patrice Toney welcomed about 80 residents for a Town Hall meeting held Saturday, March 29, at the Drakeford Library Complex. 

“We are here to listen,” Town Manager Toney said. “We want to hear your concerns and your questions. Our staff is here to take notes and respond.” 

For several weeks, residents from across town have been reaching out informally with Town leaders to share their concerns over impacts from the reshaping of federal government. There are changes proposed from the state level. NC General Assembly House Bill 244 would allow only “certain flags” to be flown or displayed on state and local government properties. House Bill 171 would prohibit the use of government funds in support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in state and local governments. The bill includes civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance, including a Class I misdemeanor offense. 

Attending the Town Hall to respond to community member questions were Chief Sustainability Officer Amy Armbruster, Police Chief Chris Atack, Economic Development Director Jon Hartman-Brown, Chief Race and Equity Officer Anita Jones-McNair, Communication and Engagement Director Catherine Lazorko, Interim Planning Director Tina Moon, Chief Finance Officer Chaz Offenburg, Fire Chief Will Potter, and Housing and Community Services Director Anne-Marie Vanaman. 

• The complete video of the session is now available.
• A report to summarize the conversation and respond to any outstanding concerns or questions from residents will be posted soon to Engage Carrboro at https://engage.carrboronc.gov/local-government 
• Residents are encouraged to stay connected with the Town of Carrboro. Sign up for Carrboro This Week.

Join Carrboro Police at a Bike Event

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.

Transgender Day of Visibility

Carrboro Celebrates Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month in Carrboro, proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Foushee. 

Residents are encouraged to celebrate poetry and poets by reading, listening to, and sharing poems. 

Free local poetry events this April:

• ‘Writing Together’ workshop on Monday, April 7 with Carrboro Poet Laureate Liza Wolff-Francis
• Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources’ Poets’ Open Mic Night via Zoom on Wednesday, April 2
• Lanza’s Café bi-monthly “Chime In” Poetry Open Mic Night on Fridays: April 11 and April 25
• Earth Day seedling giveaway at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market on Saturday, April 19, where young people can contribute a line to this year’s community poems
• Free generative poetry workshop with renowned visiting poet Steven Leyva on Saturday, April 12
• “Set Free” poetry feature and open mic at 4 p.m. at Bow Bar on Sunday, April 27
• Poetry, Popcorn, & Pie event at the Century Center on Monday, April 28, featuring local poets, including Poet Laureate Liza Wolff-Francis and an open mic.

Learn more about Poetry Month in Carrboro.

Carrboro Fire installs fire alarms 

The Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department partnered with the Red Cross for its “Sound the Alarm” event on Saturday, March 29. A team of about 30 Red Cross volunteers and nine Carrboro Fire-Rescue members visited 22 homes, interacted with 56 people, and installed 44 smoke alarms – all free of charge for the good of community. Thank you! 

Carrboro Community Egg Hunt Celebration

The Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department is hosting a spring celebration for children ages 2-10 years. Free activities including a Giant Egg Hunt for three age groups, arts & crafts, and face painting. Fun for the whole family!  

• Ages: 2-10
• Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
• Time: 12 - 2 pm
• Location: Hank Anderson Park, 302 Hwy 54 West Carrboro, NC 27510
• Cost: FREE!

Celebrating Carrboro’s new affordable homes

The newest tiny homes for Carrboro – built by Pee Wee Homes, a Chapel Hill nonprofit – will soon be welcoming residents on Hill Street. 

The Town of Carrboro is grateful to have played a small role in the development of these tiny homes by donating the land on Hill Street and providing affordable housing grants. Our community is lucky to be in partnership with such an innovative organization that prioritizes equity and the wellbeing of tenants. We are excited to welcome three new residents to Carrboro!

Pee Wee Homes has a mission of creating dignified, affordable, tiny homes in a caring community for, and with, people transitioning out of homelessness. 

Town Council Update

CARRBORO, NC -- The Town Council is scheduled to meet for a work session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8.  Public comment is not accepted during work sessions, and votes are not taken.

The Town Council meets at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or can view the livestream www.YouTube.com/CarrboroNC  OR at https://carrboro.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx   

• The agenda for this meeting will be available at https://carrboro.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
• Access the livestream direct link to view the meeting at https://youtube.com/live/hogxTdzDHpA  

Past Meeting Recap 

The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, April 1 and took the following actions on the agenda available at https://ecs.page.link/NcQf1  

• Heard the Poetry Month, Earth Month, Food Waste Prevention Week, and Sexual Violence Awareness Month proclamations. Find all at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions
• Authorized an amendment to Independent Audit Contract for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024
• Adopted the Triangle West TPO (TWTPO; formerly DCHC MPO) Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Vision Zero Action Plan and Supporting SS4A Demonstration Grant Application
• Received a presentation on the Police Department Equity Report & Carrboro Cares Update
• Made appointments to Stormwater Advisory Commission, Climate & Environmental Advisory Commission, and Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Advisory Board

Watch the livestream at https://youtube.com/live/d8fhaEcLV40

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.
• Agendas (and meeting videos) are posted at https://carrboro.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
• The Town of Carrboro offers free language translation and interpretation services to residents. Information: 919-918-7391 or info@carrboronc.gov 
• Sign up to receive Council Updates with meeting agendas and post-meeting recaps at www.carrboronc.gov/signup (choose Carrboro Town News)
• Learn more about your Town Council.
• Questions? Reach Town Clerk Lamar Joyner at 919-918-7309 or townclerk@carrboronc.gov 

Suspect sought in armed carjacking 

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 5:02 pm, the Carrboro Police Department responded to a report of a carjacking in a private parking lot in the 200  block of Roberson Street. The victim was sitting in their vehicle and was approached by an unknown male. The suspect brandished a firearm and stole the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle, a gold 2008 BMW, was last seen traveling east on Roberson St. The suspect is described as a thin Black male in their late teens to early 20s wearing a ski mask. 

This case is being actively investigated, and the police department will provide updates as needed. This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no current threat to the community. The police department cautions everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and to report any suspicious individuals or circumstances by calling 911 promptly.

If you have any information on this case, please contact Investigator Trombley (rtrombley@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7415) or Crime Stoppers at 919-942-7515.

Media Point of Contact: Chief Chris Atack, 919-918-7407

Traffic Alert: Expect delays on Jones Ferry Road between Barnes and Bim streets April 7-11

Carrboro Public works will be doing work adjacent to Jones Ferry Road to remove a failing retaining wall from Monday to Friday, April 7-11. 

During the work, traffic on Jones Ferry Road will be controlled by flaggers from 9 am. to 4 p.m. with alternating one-way traffic between Barnes and Bim streets. 

There will be a dedicated pedestrian lane to detour the sidewalk traffic around the work area.

Please be patient with the crew as work takes place and obey all flaggers.

For more information, contact the Carrboro Public Works Department at pworks@carrboronc.gov 

Carrboro Celebrates Earth Month

Mayor Barbara Foushee proclaims April to be Earth Month in Carrboro.

Earth is our shared home and we must all work together to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The month of April is recognized as Earth Month and is a time to focus on environmental awareness and action.

All residents are encouraged learn about environmental issues and share that knowledge with their communities, make sustainable choices in their daily life, participate in community climate action initiatives and advocate for State and Federal legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate harms.

In 2025 we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day and millions of people worldwide will come together for Earth Day activities, events, and to take action. The theme of this year’s Earth Day is Our Power, Our Planet, reminding us that grassroots people-power has always been at the heart of Earth Day. When concerned individuals unite with a common purpose, their collective voice can push governments and corporations to make bold commitments and take decisive action.

Climate action is a pillar of the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan and the Town is committed to reducing community carbon emissions and to making our community more resilient to climate change.

The Carrboro Town Council invites everyone to attend Carrboro’s Earth Day and Open Streets event on Sunday, April 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. on Weaver Street. Enjoy a car-free Weaver Street as downtown Carrboro transforms into vibrant spaces for cycling, walking, and exploring eco-friendly activities, and learning about opportunities to take action toward a greener future.

Read the full proclamation.

Food Waste Prevention Week In Carrboro

Mayor Barbara Foushee proclaims April 7 -13 to be Food Waste Prevention Week, urging all citizens to commit to reducing food waste.

Food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills and municipal landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. Over one-third of the food produced in the United Stated is never eaten and North Carolina residents generated about 2.7 billion pounds of food waste in 2021. 

While North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for food insecurity, particularly among minority and low-income populations, a family of four could save an average of $1,500 a year on uneaten food.

Preventing and reducing food waste presents opportunities to increase food security for all, foster productivity and economic efficiency, preserve our natural resources, promote energy conservation, and address climate change.

Preventing food waste will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Carrboro’s Community Climate Action Plan goal for the Town and community to reduce 2010 levels of greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2030. A reduction is also integral in meeting the goals of the Carrboro Connects comprehensive plan.

Read the full proclamation.

Carrboro Mayor Proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the Town of Carrboro.

Over half of women and almost one-third of men in the United States have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetimes. Women and racial and ethnic minority groups, trans and gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, and children experience a higher burden of sexual violence.

The Orange County Rape Crisis Center, a nonprofit agency that has served this community since 1974, is working to stop sexual violence and its impact through support, education, and advocacy.

The Orange County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Committee (DVSARC) brings together members of law enforcement, the medical community, the legal system, and community advocates to improve services for survivors of sexual assault who come forward.

Resources and Information:

• The Orange County Rape Crisis Center
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• Read the full proclamation.

25th Annual Mildred Council Community Dinner

Each year, we come together to honor the legacy of Mildred Council--affectionately known as "Mama Dip"--by sharing a meal and strengthening our community. This event, sponsored by the Town of Carrboro with other local jurisdictions, brings together neighbors, friends, and families for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and giving.

The Community Dinner is scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at McDougle Middle School, 900 Old Fayetteville Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

Your generosity makes this event possible! Donations help provide meals, support local vendors, and ensure that everyone in our community can participate.

Click Here Donate Today

For sponsorship opportunities or general inquiries, visit www.communitydinner.org or contact Nerys Levy at rilevy@mindspring.com or (919) 932-1533.

Superintendent Search Underway

News from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is searching for its next superintendent. The Board of Education is looking for the qualities and characteristics that our community believes will be most important in the next leader of CHCCS. The best way to gather that is by completing a survey that should take only five minutes or less.

• To go directly to the survey, use this link (SurveyMonkey)
• Read additional information about the Superintendent search process.

Carrboro Police Host Medication Drop

Bring your used or expired medications to Carrboro Harris Teeter, 200 N. Greensboro St, on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help keep  our community safer and healthier. Disposing of used or expired medications properly can help reduce overdoses, overdose deaths, and drug-related violence.

Freight Train Blues is coming! 

Friday evenings on May 16, 23, 20; and June 6, 13 

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.

Get the schedule at  https://www.musicmaker.org/freight-train-blues/ 

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.

Check out our Monthly Events Newsletter to discover all the exciting programs and special events that are coming up!  

Please note that our Summer Brochure will be released in mid-April. Registration for our Summer programs begins on May 7 for Carrboro residents, and May 8 for all others. 

2025 Winter-Spring Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Program Guide 

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.

Learn more about the Program Guide and How to Register.

Public parking available in downtown Carrboro

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.

Find more information including an interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking webpage.