CARRBORO, NC -- 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 members of the Town of Carrboro management team -- 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 at https://youtu.be/obeCSqc5bVs 
• Thank you to all who participated! 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 at https://www.carrboronc.gov/list.aspx