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Resolution to Adopt the Orange County Heat Action Plan
PURPOSE: To approve the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Town Manager’s Office
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
_X__ Race/Equity __X__ Climate __X__ Comprehensive Plan ____Other
Council Direction Statement
Preparing to protect the public against extreme heat risks aligns with several of the Town Council’s strategic objectives. Chapter 4 of the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan (Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan | Carrboro, NC - Official Website <https://www.carrboronc.gov/2389/Carrboro-Connects-Comprehensive-Plan>), Climate Action and Environment, contains core strategies to build resilience, including initiatives to “build infrastructure and community systems that can withstand the inevitable impacts of climate change.” It includes a focus on low-income and historically marginalized neighborhoods that are disproportionately impacted by urban heat islands. The Comprehensive Plan calls for the development and implementation of an Urban Forestry Master Plan to prioritize tree-planting programs in those areas to reduce extreme heat. It also integrates hazard preparation into its broader climate resilience framework, focusing on ensuring Town facilities remain operational during extreme weather events. Finally, the Housing and Public Services sections of the Comprehensive Plan advocate for expanding weatherization to protect residents from extreme heat and updating the UDO to include climate-smart development standards that reduce heat-absorbing surfaces.
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Information
INFORMATION: Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives in most years than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. In Carrboro, it poses serious health risks, especially for residents most vulnerable to heat related illness, outdoor workers, the unhoused, and those without adequate cooling and insulation or the means to afford high summer energy bills. As summer temperatures continue to rise and misconceptions about heat risk persist, the need to cool the community and educate the public has become increasingly urgent.
Orange County is experiencing more days and nights of dangerously high temperatures. Globally, calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025 were the three hottest years on record, and in 2024, Orange County experienced twelve (12) days above 95°F - compared to a historical average of eight (8) days. By the 2060s, that number is projected to increase to 28-41 days annually, along with more days above 90°F and nights above 70°F, limiting the body’s ability to recover and increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
In response, the Orange County Heat Action Plan provides a comprehensive, cross-municipal strategy to protect residents from extreme heat. The plan outlines coordinated actions before, during, and beyond the heat season, combining short- and long-term strategies to increase public awareness, strengthen emergency response, and cool homes and neighborhoods. It builds on initiatives such as Heat Awareness Week and the Beat the Heat campaign, reinforcing public education and preparedness efforts.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the Orange County Heat Action Plan at their 3/17/2026 business meeting. The Towns of Hillsborough and Chapel Hill will also consider approval of the Heat Action Plan for their respective jurisdictions.
Recognized by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resilience as a “gold standard” for other communities, the Plan aligns with state and national best practices and reflects input from community meetings, survey feedback, and the Orange County Heat Task Force. By encouraging advance preparation and coordinated action, the Plan aims to reduce health risks and save lives.
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the approval of this plan, though budget requests, grants, and community support will be sought to support portions of its implementation.
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Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the Council approve the 2026 Orange County Heat Action Plan.
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