Everyone, welcome to the March twenty-fifth meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council.

We are glad to have you join us.

Um, this evening we have two items on our agenda for discussion or action.

Um, first, we'll be discussing appropriation of three million dollars in excess fund balance from the twenty twenty-five, twenty twenty-six fiscal year.

Second, we have the town's public housing program, annual plan, admissions, and continued occupancy policy.

Um, for the clerk, council member Ryan will not be joining us this evening.

And as a reminder to council members, we will go into closed session immediately following this meeting.

Um, before we get underway, we did want to take a moment to share that we are deeply saddened by the passing of Miss Mae McClendon, um, a remarkable leader, whose dedication and service helped shape the Chapel Hill community for the better.

Her legacy of compassion, advocacy, and leadership will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her and benefiting from her work.

On behalf of the town of Chapel Hill, uh, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her daughter, um, Anissa or Nisi, and all and all who loved her, um, as well as her sister, Helen.

Uh, Miss May's contributions to our community will not be forgotten, and her impact will be felt for many generations to come.

We will honor her life and legacy more formally at a town council meeting in April when her family will hopefully be able to join us.

And with that her spirit in mind, we will move on to tonight's proclamations.

So, first up, we have an announcement for National Library Week.

Um, in the audience, we have Assistant Library Director Laura Brown, who will receive the proclamation.

Uh, Miss Brown and other library staff who are here.

Would you please join Councilmember Knollert up front for this announcement?

All right.

Good evening, everybody.

National Library Week.

Libraries spark creativity.

They fuel imagination and they inspire lifelong learning, offering welcoming spaces where community members of all ages can find joy through exploration and discovery.

They serve as vibrant community hubs, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement and cultural enrichment.

They support job seekers and lifelong learners, and they nurture young minds through programs that spark curiosity and a love of learning.

As we celebrate National Library Week, we encourage all residents to visit the Chapel Hill Public Library, explore its resources and find your joy.

And that week is April nineteenth to twenty-fifth, twenty twenty-six.

So thank you very much to our librarians and to everybody who visits the library.

Thanks to the amazing staff who are always coming up with new ways to engage our curiosity and keep us reading and learning.

So please let your entire team know how much we appreciate them.

For our second proclamation, I'd like to invite Miss Dolores Bailey and the entire Empowerment Inc.

team and all of the the super fans to join.

Please join Councilmember Millie Miller Fushi up front, who is also on brand in her red and black and white.

Pardon me, ma'am.

Yes.

Come on, all right.

It's only been 30 years.

This is really exciting.

Is everybody in place?

No, Mary's coming.

Okay.

Oh, yes.

Come on.

Minister Campbell, please.

Come on, don't make me call you out.

Come on.

Yes.

Before I begin with the proclamation, I just want to say how excited we all are that on April 1st we will be able to welcome new tenants into the peach apartment.

So evening everyone.

On behalf of the mayor and town, council of Chapel Hill, we are proud to recognize an organization that has been a cornerstone of community strength and opportunity for three decades.

Since its founding in April 19th, 1996, Empowerment Inc.

has been guided by a powerful mission to empower individuals and communities through affordable housing, grassroots economic development and advocacy.

Born from the vision of two master of social work students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and shaped by the voices of Northside, Pine Knowles, Tin Top, and Carver Street neighbors.

Empowerment has remained deeply rooted in community.

Through its work, empowerment has helped families achieve homeownership, expanded access to affordable housing, and supported small businesses, particularly those led by women and entrepreneurs of color.

Today, the organization manages dozens of affordable housing units across Orange County, provides HUD certific certified housing counseling with one hundred percent foreclosure prevention rate, and supports local entrepreneurs through innovative programs like Bright Pat Bright Path Solutions.

Strengthening neighborhoods through community watch programs, youth career development, and partnerships that foster connection safety and opportunity.

Now, therefore, with deep gratitude, the Chapel Hill Mayor and Town Council do hereby proclaim Wednesday, March twenty-fifth, twenty twenty-six as empowerment day in Chapel Hill.

And encourage all residents to celebrate its lasting contributions to building stronger, more equitable communities.

Congratulations.

Thank you.