Pittsboro, NC – On November 17, 2025, Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair Karen Howard presented the 2025 State of Chatham County Report at the Board’s Regular Session in Pittsboro.
The State of Chatham County is the county’s annual report covering July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and for the first time provided in both English and Spanish.
The report highlights how the County is progressing in alignment with the Board of Commissioners’ four goal focus areas – Environment & Land Use, Governance & Public Safety, Resilience & Well-Being, and Economy & Infrastructure. By organizing the report around these goals, the County provides a clear, accountable, and transparent update on initiatives, services, and accomplishments across departments. This structure ensures that all efforts are directly tied to the broader vision for Chatham’s future.
“As Chatham County continues its historic growth, we are taking decisive steps to guide development in a way that safeguards the heritage and natural beauty that define our community,” said Karen Howard, Chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners. “Through thoughtful planning and strategic investment, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant economy and a brighter future for all who call Chatham home. My fellow commissioners and I are incredibly proud of the outstanding work of our staff, and we remain fully committed to ensuring that future growth reflects the community-driven vision set forth in Plan Chatham.”
The report includes key highlights:
Environment & Land Use
Chatham County is working to promote sustainability, equity, and conservation countywide.
- Electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to rise across Chatham County, reflected in a 15% increase in energy distributed through the County’s four public charging stations, which collectively delivered over 23 megawatt-hours of electricity this year. This clean energy use prevented the release of an estimated 19 tons of CO₂.
- The County’s two solar energy systems generated 230 megawatt-hours—enough to power the equivalent of 13 homes for a year.
- The Agricultural Preservation & Development Trust Fund awarded $325,000 for four conservation easements, securing 174 acres, with 330 additional acres pending protection.
Governance & Public Safety
Chatham County is building a safer, stronger, and more connected community for all.
- Secured three new broadband grants, bringing high-speed internet to 2,043 homes and businesses projects by December 2026.
- Launched Chatham County Information Hub, a centralized online resource for exploring the county’s goals, services, and administration.
- Opened county’s first transitional home with Love Chatham, providing shelter to people experiencing homelessness in Chatham County.
- Expanded bilingual outreach in English and Spanish through targeted press releases, social media messaging, and public information campaigns in both English and Spanish.
- Responded rapidly to Hurricane Helene with multi-county support. Seventy-two Chatham County employees selflessly dedicated more than 1,200 hours to disaster relief and recovery, providing essential support to the affected communities in western North Carolina.
- Modernized every dispatch console in the Emergency Operations Center with advanced communications equipment—positioning the facility as a statewide model for innovation and resilience.
Resilience & Well-Being
Chatham County is expanding its services and programs to meet the needs of its diverse and growing community, fostering a vibrant, connected, and resilient future for all.
- Center for Active Living in Siler City earned statewide recognition with the Ann Johnson Senior Center of the Year Award.
- Chatham County Schools achieved a record 90.4% graduation rate.
- Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) educated nearly 2,000 Chatham residents and 16,000+ region-wide through credential and continuing education programs.
- Served 85,000+ visitors at libraries and issued 10,000+ new cards, saving residents $3.36M.
- Engaged 2,500+ residents through Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources events, including the new Arts Center opening.
- Welcomed 414,000+ park visits and launched key trail and facility upgrades.
- Identified top health priorities—substance use, access to care, and youth needs—through the 2024 Community Assessment.
- Assisted 837 veterans and spouses with benefits, healthcare, and housing services.
Economy & Infrastructure
Chatham County is promoting inclusive and smart growth while maintaining financial excellence and strong community leadership.
- Invested $300K in long-term affordable housing through the Housing Trust Fund.
- Completed and occupied major projects like Inspire, YMCA, and Northwoods Landing.
- For the first time Pittsboro surpassed unincorporated areas in new home permits.
- Achieved a 99.47% property tax collection rate, demonstrating strong efficiency and resident trust.
- Launched a full-service Drone Program, boosting data collection, field operations, and service delivery.
- Strengthened cybersecurity with a formal incident response plan and key infrastructure upgrades.
The community is encouraged to read the full 2025 State of Chatham County Report, available in English and Spanish, along with previous editions, on the Chatham County website.