2025 All-America City Finalist – Carrboro, NC

Carrboro has long taken intentional steps to build a welcoming, sustainable, and diverse community. Once a small mill town across the tracks from Chapel Hill, its identity began to shift with an influx of UNC students and growing Black, Latino, and refugee populations. Today, Carrboro is known as one of the South’s most inclusive communities.

That reputation is backed by bold action: Carrboro was the first North Carolina town to elect an openly gay mayor (1995) and to offer domestic-partner benefits to same-sex couples. In 2019, it began installing “truth plaques” to confront and share the town’s complex racial history.

Standing on this legacy, Carrboro remains focused on the strategic directions set by its foundational pillars of racial equity and climate action to build a thriving and inclusive community. 

Carrboro in Motion Fest/Festival de la Comunidad en Movimiento (CIM)

In many towns, renters often remain underrepresented in traditional civic engagement forums, such as public hearings, surveys, and planning discussions. These residents often face barriers to participation, limiting their ability to voice their needs and concerns.

In Carrboro, renters—who make up about 58% of the population—are often underrepresented in traditional civic engagement forums, such as public hearings, surveys, and planning discussions. To address this, the Town launched Carrboro in Motion Fest/Festival de la Comunidad en Movimiento (CIM), a series of neighborhood block parties designed to meet residents where they are and foster meaningful community connections.

Held in apartment complexes and other areas with high emergency housing assistance applications, CIM events bring together renters, neighbors, town staff, elected officials, and local organizations in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Activities range from Zumba and bike repair to mobile health clinics, story time, and performances by Takiri Folclor Latino. Services are provided by partners like Chapel Hill Transit, El Centro Hispano, and the Orange County Health Department.

CIM promotes awareness of town services, civic participation, wellness, and sustainable practices. Events include bilingual materials, free food, and giveaways. The program has inspired new initiatives like a bilingual community calendar and an emerging neighborhood liaison program.

Beyond numbers, CIM prioritizes relationships—building trust, amplifying marginalized voices, and making civic life more inclusive. Carrboro in Motion is helping shape a more connected, participatory future for all residents.

Green Neighborhoods Grant Program

To meet its ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 2010 levels by 2030, the Town of Carrboro recognizes the need for widespread community participation. However, residents, particularly in low-income and historically marginalized communities, often lack the resources or support to engage in climate action at the neighborhood level.

In response, the Town launched the Green Neighborhoods Grant Program as part of its Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). The program offers up to $2,500 for resident-led projects that reduce emissions, enhance ecosystem resilience, or raise climate awareness.

Prioritizing equity and environmental justice, the program empowers neighbors to take the lead on solutions that benefit their communities while fostering local connection. Projects must be initiated and implemented by residents and are evaluated based on equity, impact, and engagement. Since its launch, Carrboro has funded 16 projects, including pollinator gardens honoring Black history, neighborhood composting stations, tree planting, and vermicomposting workshops.

The program’s reach extends beyond climate metrics. For example, new compost bins in one neighborhood sparked social connections and inspired other communities to apply. Today, four neighborhoods host similar projects. In 2025, the Town plans to fund up to 10 additional initiatives. The Green Neighborhoods Grant Program is helping Carrboro residents lead grassroots climate action while building lasting community bonds. 

Bolin Creek Watershed Restoration Program

Persistent erosion in Carrboro’s Bolin Forest and Forest Court neighborhoods was damaging land, threatening Bolin Creek’s water quality, and creating safety hazards across both private and HOA-owned properties. Since stormwater runoff ignores property lines, residents recognized the need for coordinated, cross-property action—but lacked the technical expertise and resources to address the issue alone.

In response, the Town of Carrboro’s Stormwater Division launched the Bolin Creek Stormwater Collaborative, uniting HOAs, private homeowners, environmental groups, and state agencies to develop a sustainable, community-based solution. After years of organizing and planning, a grant-funded construction project launched in 2021, resulting in two Regenerative Stormwater Conveyances (RSCs) across three HOA properties. These natural infrastructure systems slow runoff, reduce erosion, and filter pollutants using native vegetation.

Fifteen partners contributed funding, expertise, and in-kind support. The project featured seven community events—including educational workshops, planting days, and a public celebration—which drew over 150 volunteers. HOA boards coordinated maintenance plans, created reserve funds, and installed signage to raise awareness.

This award-winning effort transformed a long-standing problem into a model for local watershed restoration. It strengthened community relationships, increased understanding of stormwater issues, and demonstrated that stormwater management is not just an individual responsibility—it’s a shared, community-wide commitment.

Return to the complete list of the 2025 All-America City Award Finalists.