Know your local governments.

The Orange County Board of Commissioners weighs fire district tax increases, the local cost of state-promised teacher raises, and housing assistance changes, while also confronting detention center staffing shortages and shifts in library funding. Commissioners debate how to fund public safety, schools, and services without pushing residents out through higher taxes.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education hears emotional testimony from students, educators, and families as it weighs closing one elementary school to address long-term budget and enrollment challenges. Speakers press the board for clear data, transparent decision-making, and recognition of the impact on programs like Mandarin immersion and on the communities tied to Ephesus, Glenwood, and Sewell.

The Durham City Council wrestles with renewing an Axon surveillance technology contract, weighing AI safeguards, civilian oversight, data control, and competing visions of public safety while hearing sharply divided public comments. The council also reviews rising election costs and considers major charter changes—including ward representation, term lengths, voting methods, and even-year elections—alongside updates on homelessness strategy and industrial pollution at a long‑running Brenntag site.

The Springfield City Council confronts a racist letter attacking Ward 2 as members debate long-delayed investment on the east side and political games over an economic development consultant. Public commenters press the council on police accountability, a controversial hotel project, and what they describe as racism and power plays from county leadership.

The Carrboro Town Council reviews a balanced FY27 budget with no property tax increase while grappling with a proposed 45% cut to Human Services funding, weighing options from one-time funds to a small rate hike. Council members also hear sharp public concerns about the Bolin Creek greenway and move ahead with board reappointments amid questions about applicant diversity.