October Update
Paint it Orange Event by the Orange County Arts Commission
“Who’s Picking Your Pocket?”
Please join me on Tuesday, October 28th, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough as I moderate, “Who’s Picking Your Pocket?” — a non-partisan panel and Q&A hosted by the N2N Rural Organizing Community. We’ll discuss how new federal spending laws impact rural and small-town communities. This event will be a space for respectful listening and honest conversation. Please come out to hear from the panelists. Civil discourse will help us build a stronger Orange County.
October Awareness
Please join me in lifting up our neighbors and friends during October which has been declared as Indigenous Peoples’ Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. I am both humbled by and grateful for the culture and wisdom both groups bring to our community, and I believe they deserve our respect and appreciation every single day.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer has affected my family profoundly. Just three years ago, we lost my youngest sister and my husband’s oldest daughter to breast cancer. Remember, early detection through screenings, access to good healthcare, and family support are so important.
NCACC Advocates for Healthcare Access
Data from the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) shows that the NC Medicaid expansion provided a lifeline to working families and individuals who were previously uninsured. Today, federal spending disputes are the cause of the current federal government shutdown. Congress's inability to agree on a budget is largely over health care spending - with Medicaid in the balance. But right now in North Carolina, providers are facing new challenges. The 3–10% Medicaid provider rate cuts mandated by the NC General Assembly took effect on October 1st, impacting agencies across the state. Though the NC Department of Health and Human Services has decided to continue paying providers at the higher rate through October, the department plans to recoup those funds in November, meaning providers will still take the cut. So Medicaid is being threatened at both the state and national levels.
To this end, the NCACC has created President Wallace Nelson’s initiative, called “NC Counties Care: Access Within Reach.” The effort underscores the importance of assessing healthcare access across all 100 counties and focuses on lobbying the NCGA for every provider, not just hospitals or large health systems. Our advocacy also includes behavioral health professionals, home care workers, and community-based organizations who provide vital services every day. I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the NCACC which provides a strong voice of advocacy for all North Carolinians who benefit from Medicaid.
NCACC Board of Directors’ meeting
Orange County Tax Revaluation Update
The Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition and the many residents concerned about the significant increase in property tax values following the 2025 revaluation spurred the Board of County Commissioners to establish a Tax Assessment Work Group that will “review and evaluate the policies, processes, and procedures used by the Orange County Tax Office to assess property values” to ensure the process remains fair, accurate, and consistent.
Additionally, the Orange County Tax Office is conducting a detailed review of more than 170 neighborhoods using updated data and market analysis. Some neighborhoods will be reassessed, and affected residents will receive updated property values — along with the opportunity to appeal if they believe their reassessment does not reflect fair market value. The goal is to complete this work by the end of November. This work aims to restore trust and ensure transparency in how property values are determined.
If you need help paying property taxes, reach out to the Longtime Homeowners Assistance Program. And for renters facing eviction, our Eviction Diversion Program can provide support.
In faith and service,
P.S.: Consider Serving On A Board or Commission
We need your voice! Orange County has openings on several boards and commissions, and we’re looking for residents who want to make a difference. We prioritize new applicants who aren’t currently serving to ensure broad community representation.
Serving on a board or commission is a great way to help shape the future of our county. One to note — the Orange County Broadband Task Force, which has been re-established to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet across all communities.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now’s the time! Learn how to apply here.
