On September 9, 2026, the Chapel Hill Town Council held its first fall session meeting at 6:00 PM in Council Chamber. The meeting included three proclamations, public comments on the People's Channel, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and a detailed discussion on the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) update. The council also voted to enter closed session.
Following public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Berry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Miller-Foushee, to direct staff to provide more information about funding challenges and possibilities for the People's Channel. The motion passed 8-1 (Council Member Rivers opposed).
The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a motion from Council Member Ryan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. It included:
Staff presented an overview of the draft LUMO, focusing on three key interests: user friendliness, economic development and land use, and built environment/public realm. The presentation covered buy-right development thresholds, incentives for community benefits, new zoning districts (e.g., RD), transition rules, and design standards.
Council members asked clarifying questions about:
Public Comments on LUMO:
Council Discussion and Straw Polls: Council debated process for making changes to the draft LUMO. They agreed to use straw polls to gauge interest on further information requests. Key outcomes from straw polls:
Staff confirmed all requests were reasonable but noted timelines for detailed proposals.
Testing testing one two three testing testing one two three. Testing testing testing and testing testing testing testing testing. Testing testing trusting testing. Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the September 9th meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council. This is our first meeting of our fall session, and we're glad to have you join us and welcome back, Council. This evening we have one item on our discussion agenda, which is the land use management ordinance or LUMO rewrite. Then Council members immediately immediately following, we will recess the meeting to room one oh two for a closed session. To get us started, we have three proclamations to announce. Marking this as a time to celebrate the histories, culture, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities. With this proclamation, we want to focus on this year's theme, Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together, which highlights the enduring leadership, creativity, and advocacy of our Hispanic and Latino members who continue to open new pathways for opportunity, strengthen civic life, and inspire a shared vision for a more inclusive future. Additionally, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding, inclusion, and equity through community partnerships and outreach that promote diversity and civic engagement. And finally, we encourage all residents to participate in events and activities that honor and celebrate the lives, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino people. Thank you. Thank you for joining us for this announcement tonight. And Amelia, if you will please share with the members of El Centro team how much we appreciate all your amazing hard work and partnership with the town. Tonight we are proud to recognize Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week and honor our community's longstanding commitment to compassionate early intervention for mental health and substance use needs. Often in very difficult situations. Then our final proclamation is for Patriot Day, and I'd like to invite members of the Chapel Hill Police and Fire Departments to join me up front for that announcement, followed by a moment of silence and a group photo. Come on back up. Tonight we are proud to recognize Patriot Day and Day of Service as we commemorate commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, when nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken in unthinkable attacks on our nation. This proclamation honors the 343 New York City firefighters and 23 police officers who died. Responding heroically, as well as the many who have suffered or passed away from related illnesses in the years since. It acknowledges the Americans, including heroes here in Chapel Hill, who were inspired to serve their communities and country as military members and first responders. And it reminds us of the families who continue to carry extraordinary grief. As we observe Patriot Day and Day of Service, we invite our community to pause for a moment of silence, engage in acts of service, and recognize the nearly 200 first responders in Chapel Hill who embody courage, sacrifice, and the enduring resolve to never forget. If you'll please join me for a moment of silence. And council, if you'll come on up for a group photo. And I see Chief is already aligning herself in the front. And of course, a huge round of applause, of course. Oh, who wants to hold this? Chief, Chief, anybody. Oh, I see Selise's the first. Competitive. Thank you. For members of the public, uh, each year as we come together to remember September 11th, uh, we are also reminded of the care, compassion, and sense of community that emerged in the days that followed. We'll continue that remembrance this Friday at police headquarters on Mill House Road from 9 to 10 a.m. where we'll gather to honor the heroes and remember those we lost. So please join. And that brings us to announcements. Um I do have two quick things to share from the town calendar. Um, first, for anyone wanting to go behind the scenes and learn more about town services and to meet the people who keep Chapel Hill moving every day. The town will be hosting Open Chapel Hill Days on September 19th and October 3rd. The lineup of activities on September 19th includes a public works touch a truck, always popular, um, visit to the transit maintenance barn, a tour of Chapel Hill's emergency and command center, and activities at our new police department headquarters. Visit to the transit maintenance barn, a tour of Chapel Hills Emergency and Command Center, and activities at our new police department headquarters. And for more details, we have flyers available, or you can chat check out the Open Chapel Hill Days website. And both days will be fun and informative for people of all ages, so please check it out. Also, council meets again next Wednesday, September 16th at 6 p.m. in the library for a work session. We have two topics on our agenda for that night.