Shalysia Leanord is a social worker with DSS and former babysitter for Ryan and Amari.

Finding Work-Life Balance

This past week, I celebrated my birthday, enjoyed a family baby shower, hosted family from out of town, and attended a memorial service. These personal events caused me to pause and think about my role as commissioner. Everyday, I see the highs and lows of the community I have the honor of serving — from celebrating achievements and partnerships to facing tough challenges together. Holding both joy and deep concern at once keeps me grounded and committed to building a stronger Orange County for all of us.

Orange County Forming Tax Assessment Work Group

Along with Commissioners Fowler and Carter, I’ll be serving on Orange County’s new Tax Assessment Work Group. This group will be taking a close look at how our property tax assessments are done — the policies, the process, and how we communicate with residents. Most importantly, it will include community voices. This group will include four residents: two from District 1 and two from District 2.

That means we need two people from District 2 who care about fair and equitable property taxation to step up and join us at the table. This is your chance to help shape how Orange County approaches something that affects every single property owner.

Applications are open now and due by September 30, 2025. If you’re interested, you can apply at www.orangecountync.gov/apply.

Reflections on the Hunt Institute

*Zachary Tucker, Intern at the Hunt Institute*

My Fellowship as a member of the 5th cohort with the Hunt Institute came to a close in Charlotte on September 7th. The experience was invaluable. The focus of the final session was on higher education and workforce development – one of my areas of focus. The legislators who participated in this session were Representative Zach Hawkins (NC House District 31) and Senator Dana Jones (NC Senate District 31). The Resource Experts reminded us of the requirement for 11th graders to take the ACT. As I listened, I kept thinking: How are we helping every student understand their interests and strengths to develop a path after high school, whether that’s work, college, or military service? We need better career assessments and stronger partnerships to ensure students see multiple pathways to success.

Rep. Hawkins also reminded us of something critical: if private industry can leverage AI to respond more quickly and effectively, then government and community leaders should do the same. This isn’t about replacing jobs or people — it’s about using technology as a tool to better serve our communities. I reached out to our Orange County IT Director and learned that he is already assessing this. I look forward to learning how we spot needs faster, respond to questions more quickly, and deliver resources in real time, all while keeping people at the center of the work.

*The 5th Cohort of the Hunt Policy Institute*

This fellowship reinforced something I already believe: education, housing, and community well-being are all connected. When we strengthen one, we strengthen them all. I’m grateful to have been part of this cohort, and I look forward to bringing these lessons back home to Orange County.

The NC Association of County Commissioners Conference (NCACC)

I just returned from the NCACC's 118th Annual Conference, themed Cultivate: Inspire County Growth. It was three days filled with learning, celebrating, and pushing ourselves to think about how to make our communities stronger. Here are a few highlights from the conference:

Disaster Relief and Emergency Preparedness

The recent storms, including Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Chantel, are a sobering reminder that disasters don’t wait until we’re ready. The need for backup communication systems was highlighted in the emergency preparedness session. Folks need to know they can trust the information they’re getting when power or the internet is down. If you have not already done so, please sign up here for the Orange County Emergency Alert Notifications. We also talked about the importance of planning for volunteer and donation management ahead of time, so that when disaster strikes, help goes exactly where it’s needed. I felt a sense of real pride when The Orange County Chantal Community Giving Fund was lifted up as an example of innovative and effective community response to disaster. I am so proud of the way we in Orange County step up for one another.

Housing

I also attended a conference session on housing that focused on supporting middle-income families — first responders, the teachers, and county employees who don’t qualify for subsidies but still struggle to live where they work. This conversation aligns perfectly with what’s ahead in Orange County.

Special Recognition for Orange County

Health Director Quintana Stewart was honored through the Heroic Hands Initiative for her outstanding service.
Orange County Cooperative Extension earned runner-up for the North Central District Extension County Partnership Award, a testament to their collaboration with county government.

**Tiana Oxendine awarded a $2,500 scholarship**. Tiana is a Cedar Ridge student whom I nominated for the award. Watching her be recognized was a powerful reminder of the incredible young leaders rising up in our community, and why investing in them matters so much.

Back in Orange County

At our upcoming business meeting, the BOCC will receive an update on progress toward “Housing for All” and the Partnership to End Homelessness. In the coming months, we’ll hold work sessions as we revise the land use plan to make sure we’re aligned on how to plan for growth, affordability, and resilience.

*Kelly Stait of Piedmont Health attended the Homelessness in OC Town Hall and thanked me for encouraging Commissioner Carter to tour and hear about all the services they provide to the community.*

I attended the Homelessness in Orange County Town Hall, where community members, service providers, and local leaders came together to talk about the real challenges people are facing every day. Hearing those stories calls me to recommit to our Strategic Plan, which prioritizes affordability and availability. In addition to addressing rent affordability, our hope is to help teachers, firefighters, and others who work in Orange County to be able to own homes here.

These conversations — from middle-income families struggling to live where they work, to neighbors experiencing homelessness — are all part of the same housing picture.

Community Challenge: Cut the Idling

At a recent board meeting, we reviewed the 2024 Climate Action Plan, and one thing that stood out was our push to reduce vehicle idling. This hit home for me because in my work as a real estate agent and property manager, I spend a lot of time in the car. In between property tours, following up on maintenance requests, and completing drive-by inspections, I’ve caught myself leaving the engine running while on the phone.

So here’s my challenge to you: the next time you’re waiting in the car — whether at school pickup, in the driveway, or outside the store — turn off the engine with me. It’s a small step that saves fuel, cuts emissions, and makes the air cleaner for our kids, seniors, and neighbors.

Let’s take this simple step together for a healthier, stronger Orange County.

In faith and service,

September Update