November 2011: TCC Luncheon Learn – "The Changing Face of America: Demographic Trends and Implications for the Region ".
Three of the most informed political experts in North Carolina visited the Triangle Community Coalition on November 10, 2011. Joe Stewart, Political Director for the NC Chamber; Brad Crone, Democratic political consultant and President of Campaign Connections; and Paul Shumaker, Republican political consultant and Owner of Capitol Communications, discussed "The Political Environment for Business 2012: NC and Congressional Changes." Joe, Brad, and Paul provided an unvarnished view of political campaign strategy and what to expect for 2012. The panelists answered audience questions and held a lively discussion about how congressional redistricting, North Carolina's marriage amendment referendum, changing demographics and the economy will impact next year's primary and November election.
Spoiler alert: the 2012 election is going to be a blood bath, with unprecedented national attention focused on North Carolina.

A special thank you to our sponsors and guests for attending one of the most compelling Luncheon Learns to date!
Photo Gallery*

October 2011: TCC Luncheon Learn – "The Changing Face of America: Demographic Trends and Implications for the Region ".
Mitchell Silver, the current President of the American Planning Association, visited the Triangle Community Coalition on October 25 for a Luncheon Learn Program.

His presentation was titled ""The Changing Face of America: Demographic Trends and Implications for the Region ". Mitchell presented a provocative and thoughtful discussion of emerging demographic trends from around the country. The main points of the presentation involved the "browning" and "graying" of the American population. These trends raise many planning issues involving access to transportation, cultural assimilation, housing options and homes, as well as public parks and amenities. The presentation was followed by a lively Q and A session relating to housing trends in suburban communities, the national trend of administrative development approvals, and public/private partnerships to ensure collective policy choices and civic involvement.
Photo Gallery*

June 2011: L & L - "Have We Arrived Yet" - An Update on the Future of Transit and Transit-Oriented Development in the Triangle.
On June 9, 2011, the Triangle Community Coalition hosted its monthly Luncheon Learn which was attended by approximately 85 community and business leaders.

The topic of the program was "Have We Arrived Yet: An Update on the Future of Transit and Transit-Oriented Development in the Triangle." The panelists were David King, CEO of the TTA, Ken Bowers, Deputy Director of the Raleigh Planning Department, and Ben Hitchings, Morrisville Planning Director and President-Elect of the NC Chapter of the American Planning Association. Craig Duerr served as the panel moderator.

David King began the program with an overview of the current transit planning process, and outlined the three main components of an effective transit system: 1) light rail; 2) commuter rail; and 3) expanded bus service. David then discussed the need to begin implementing a comprehensive transit plan in order to remain competitive economically. He then concluded with a review of where the region's local governments stand on the key financing component-the 1/2-cent sales tax. He indicated that Wake County had decided to wait until the 2012 election to place the matter on the ballot. Durham is expected to decide by June 27 as to whether to place the matter on the ballot this Fall, and Orange County has decided to wait until the 2012 election as well.

Ken Bowers then discussed in more detail how expanded bus service fits into a comprehensive transit system. He noted that Orange County and Durham had done a better job with bus service and that Wake County, while working intensely on a new bus plan, was not providing the same level of service that Orange and Durham Counties were providing. Ken also discussed how Charlotte had expanded its bus service in conjunction with implementing its light rail system. Finally, he discussed how Raleigh's Comprehensive Plan and Draft Unified Development Ordinance would identify and encourage higher density development in places that will support transit in the future.

Ben Hitchings rounded out the program with a discussion of Morrisville's planning process for land surrounding potential transit stops along the proposed rail line. Some specific points were discussed, including the Town's plan to conduct market analysis, neighborhood compatibility modeling and neighborhood planning that will be used to build community consensus around a regulatory framework that will encourage transit-oriented development that meets the needs of Morrisville citizens and businesses, while maintaining the character of the Town.

The panel then answered audience questions regarding how local governments were coordinating their respective efforts to increase urban densities, right-of-way acquisition, and the cost of a comprehensive transit system.

As always, we are grateful for the support of our sponsor’s!

Presentations:
Ben Hitchings presentation*
David King presentation*
Ken Bowers presentation*

Photo Gallery*

May 2011: L & L - "It Takes Two to Tango” - Public/Private Partnerships
On May 23, 2011, the Triangle Community Coalition hosted a Luncheon Learn entitled "It Takes Two to Tango" that was attended by over 50 business and community leaders. The panelists for the presentation were Mack Paul, a Partner with K&L Gates, Lucy Gallo, a Principal with Development Planning Financing Group, Inc., and Karen Mills, the Town of Cary Finance Director. The program started with a general overview of Public/Private Partnerships and the various tools available to developers and local governments for implementing creative solutions to spur economic development during this prolonged economic crisis. Next, Lucy Gallo discussed the mechanics of implementing various Public/Private partnerships, including Project Development Financing, Special Assessment Districts and Synthetic TIF's. Finally, Karen Mills provided helpful insight into the local government perspective and some of the unique considerations that factor into how and whether a local government would consider using the various tools discussed by Mack and Lucy.

As always, TCC appreciates the generous support of all of our sponsors! Without their continued support, TCC would not be able to continue its mission of:
"Promoting economic development, community vitality, and balanced public policy in the greater Triangle region."

Presentations:
Mack Paul download*
Lucy Gallo download*
Karen Mills download*

Photo Gallery*

April 2011: L&L - "It's the End of the World As We Know it.
Do We Feel Fine About Raleigh's New UDO?”
On April 21, 2011, the Triangle Community Coalition hosted a panel discussion and workshop on Raleigh's new Unified Development Ordinance "UDO". The City is in the process of rewriting it's development regulations for the first time in more than 50 years.
Planning Director Mitchell Silver and Assistant Planning Director Ken Bowers provided the attendees with a detailed overview of the status of the project and how the UDO is a continuation of the process of modernizing the Raleigh land use development framework that started with the adoption of a new Comprehensive Plan in 2009. After the overview, Lee Einsweiler, the lead consultant drafting the UDO, presented a detailed overview of several key provisions in the draft UDO, including a move to allow administrative approval of site plans, added flexibility to develop mixed use projects, and transitions between residential neighborhoods and more intense commercial uses. Finally, Christine Darges, Grant Meacci and Travis Crane reviewed how the new UDO might apply to property located on New Bern Avenue and Hillsborough Street.
Panelists Include:
Lee D. Einsweiler, Principal with Code Studio, Lead Consultant for Raleigh's New UDO
Ken Bowers, Deputy Director, Department of City Planning
Christine Darges, Planning Manager, Department of City Planning
Grant Meacci, Planning Manager, Department of City Planning
Travis Crane, Senior Planner, Department of City Planning
Greg Hallam, Senior Planner, Department of City Planning

March 2011: L&L - "Diamonds in the Rough"
The Triangle Community Coalition hosted a special panel discussion about distressed properties in the Triangle.
On March 23, 2011, the Triangle Community Coalition hosted a panel discussion entitled “Diamonds in the Rough” to discuss how developers, municipalities, and real estate professionals are dealing with distressed properties in light of current market conditions. TCC Board Member Craig Duerr moderated the panel. The panelist included Mark Ward, Partner with Forever Home LLC; Tim Bailey, Director of Engineering at the Town of Cary; and Jason Barron, a Partner with K&L Gates LLP. There were 92 attendees registered for this informative program.

The program began with an initial comparison of the real estate market to the Titanic, but ended on a positive note with various real estate professionals expressing optimism as some distressed properties are beginning to emerge as “Diamonds in the Rough”.
The panelists discussed how the industry got to this point, the lessons learned, and areas to focus on moving forward.

Since ForeverHome was founded in 2007, Mark Ward has been successful transforming a dozen or so neglected communities into vibrant neighborhoods. While acknowledging that a reduced cost basis in land and more reasonable home prices that reflect true market value are fundamental, Mark stressed that each distressed property is unique and thinking creatively is key to a successfully repositioning a project. Mark also noted the importance of building strong partnerships with government staff, consultants, contractors, and investors. A PowerPoint Presentation by Mark Ward is available at www.tricc.org. 

Tim Bailey shared his experience as the Town Engineer over the past 3 years dealing with projects that failed at varying stages of development. From Tim’s perspective, the key issue for repositioning a distressed property was research and due diligence. While acknowledging the time sensitivity to distressed property deals, Tim emphasized the risk of hidden costs associated with outstanding zoning conditions, possible infrastructure repairs, and outstanding code violations. Tim concluded by reinforcing Cary’s interest in assisting the development community in repositioning troubled projects in order to maximize the economic development and financial stability of the Town.

Jason Barron wrapped up the panel discussion with a legal perspective on litigation and entitlements associated with distressed properties. With regard to approvals, Jason emphasized the importance of reviewing existing permits and approvals and associated conditions carefully to make sure the an owner or purchaser understands what is actually permitted to be done on the property, rather than what the vision for the project was prior to the economic crisis. He emphasized that understanding all aspects of the existing entitlements may yield unexpected flexibility when viewed in the context of the prevailing economic conditions. If such flexibility allows alternate development scenarios that are legally permitted under existing entitlements, obtaining financing will be much easier. Jason also stressed that the most effective way to resolve lien disputes associated with a failed project was through open, honest and frank discussions among all parties seeking payment in order to set realistic expectations for immediate payment balanced against preserving existing relationships and future business opportunities.

Thank you to our sponsors and attendees for the generous support of this event!

PowerPoint presentation download*
Photo Gallery*

February 2011: L&L - "Walking the Budget Tight-Rope:
How Will Elected Officials Balance Citizen Demands With the Fiscal Reality in 2011?"
Keynote Speakers:
Mayor Bill Bell, City of Durham
Mayor Pro Tempore Mary-Ann Baldwin, City of Raleigh
Councilor Jennifer Robinson, Town of Cary, District A
Commissioner Tony Gurley, Wake County
On February 22, 2011, the Triangle Community Coalition hosted a panel discussion entitled "Walking the Budget Tight-Rope: How Will Local Elected Officials Balance Citizen Demands with Fiscal Reality in 2011?" The panel was moderated by TCC Chair Eric Braun. The panelists included Durham Mayor Bill Bell, Raleigh Mayor Pro-Tem Mary-Ann Baldwin, Cary District A Councilor Jennifer Robinson and Wake County District 3 Commissioner Tony Gurley.
The program began with initial comments by each panelist. One common theme that quickly emerged was each elected officials' acknowledgement that the State's budget process could have a significant impact on local government service delivery. Additionally, each panelist reiterated the desire to maintain the present level of taxation for operating expenses, and would only consider a tax increase if approved through a bond referendum for capital improvements. As the panelists responded to various questions from the audience, several other themes emerged.

First, the last three years of budget cuts were made with little or no impact on service delivery to citizens. However, each elected official suggested that if economic conditions did not improve soon or if the State imposes unfunded mandates on localities, then tough decisions would be required regarding either the need to either cut services or to increase taxes.
The panelists also explained how Triangle local governments were coordinating efforts to communicate to the General Assembly how any unfunded mandates or revenue reductions imposed upon local governments would impact service delivery to citizens.

Second, each panelist described how their respective local government had eliminated significant numbers of vacant positions and some had also instituted staff layoffs in the past three years to maintain a responsible financial position in light of the challenging economic times.

Finally, each elected official recognized that maintaining a business-friendly regulatory environment is crucial to the Triangle's future economic success. Overall, the program provided a thoughtful discussion of the financial issues facing local governments and how elected officials balance the demands of citizens and the fiscal realities facings us all.

Thank you to the sponsors for their support!
Photo Gallery*

January 2011: L&L - "The State of the State: Getting North Carolina's Fiscal House in Order"
On January 13, 2011, the Triangle Community Coalition hosted a public forum on the State budget crisis. The purpose of the forum was to provide an opportunity to educate the public about the budget crisis and how the General Assembly may seek to resolve the looming budget gap. Senator Neal Hunt and Representative Paul "Skip" Stam provided an overview of their respective views of the budget situation and then fielded questions from the 80 attendees. A more detailed summary can be found at the following link : http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/14/919448/gop-sees-opportunity-in-crisis.html

Congratulations to Laurie Donofrio for receiving the 2010 JAMES R. WAHLBRINK GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP AWARD!

A special thank you to our sponsors and guests for attending the Annual Meeting and Luncheon Learn!
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November 2010 - L&L - The State of the Regional Banking Industry
An excellent group of TCC members and guests attended an informative panel discussion about the state of the banking industry at the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® building in Cary. The panel discussed how banks are dealing with the current economic and regulatory environment and the factors influencing their decisions to lend (or not lend).

Martin Borden with Paragon Commercial Bank served as the moderator for this panel discussion. Questions were first asked of David Ruffin who is a Partner in the firm Credit Risk Management, LLC. David spoke to the challenges facing banks within the current credit and regulatory environment. After David, the audience heard from Bill Honaker a VP in the Owned Real Estate group of Wells Fargo/Wachovia. Bill updated the group on the issues banks are dealing with in their portfolios with troubled loan assets and real estate that they now own. The attendees also heard from Bill Wagner a Managing Director with the investment banking firm Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett.

Bill specializes in advisory services primarily for the community banking industry. Bill provided insight to the current capital markets and the tough environment banks are finding in their attempts to raise additional capital and why capital is important as it relates to banks lending money. Finally, Todd Crouse a SVP and Senior Director with Northmarq Capital addressed questions as it relates to the state of commercial real estate as well as the present permanent lending market.

The panelists each showed from their unique perspective how there are a myriad of issues facing banks and how each of their areas are influencing the ability of borrowers to access loans. We did hear that there are some loans available in the commercial sector and that some in the regulatory side feel that we may have hit the bottom as it relates to more recent vintage loans. All panelists remain concerned about how long it will take for us to get back to a more free flowing debt market. That being said, we are in one of the best markets to face the challenges.

An enormous thanks to our panel and attendees! We sincerely appreciate your taking time from your busy schedules to participate in this event.

Also a special thank you to our sponsors, Coldwell Banker Advantage New Homes, JPM South Development & Shanahan Law Group.
We greatly appreciate your support!

Photo Gallery*

October 2010 - L&L - Regional Candidate Forum
On October 6, 2010, The TCC hosted a “Regional Candidate Forum” which gave members an opportunity to hear from candidates running for County Commissioner in Wake, Chatham and Orange Counties. Steve Daniels, ABC11 News was the moderator and asked the panel questions that address various issues of regional impact. A Meet & Greet for all candidates running in the fall elections was held prior to the forum, which gave the candidates an opportunity to talk about their campaigns with our members and guests. Thank you to everyone for taking the time from your busy schedules to meet with our group!

ABC11 News also had coverage that evening on the 11 o’clock news, here is the link for the newscast: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/video?id=7720736

Thank you again to all our sponsors for your support to make this unique forum a success! 

September 2010 - L&L - Municipal Budgets
TCC members and guests joined local government managers in a discussion of the “Great Recession” and how the economic downturn continues to put pressure on Triangle municipal and county budgets. Wake County Manager, David Cooke started the program with an overview of Wake County’s budget and revenue forecast. Russell Allen, Raleigh City Manager, Ben Shivar, Town Manager for Cary and Keith Caldwell, Durham Deputy City Manager, each updated the audience with their respective fiscal forecasts and ongoing cost control efforts. Each panelist agreed that the slow economy will continue to impact municipal budgets for the next 1-3 years. They also expressed concern about how the state's upcoming budget process will negatively impact local government budgets. In addition, Keith Caldwell summarized Durham's new Multi-Year Financial Plan and it's linkage to the City's budgeting process. The model includes the current budget year and forecasts five years into the future in order to identify financial concerns earlier in the planning and budgeting process.
Cary Presentation download*
Durham Presentation download*
Raleigh Presentation download*
Wake County Presentation download*
Photo Gallery*

August 2010: TCC members join key town staff to discuss their current sustainability programs.
TCC members join key staff from the City of Raleigh, City/County of Durham and the Town of Cary to discuss their current sustainability programs. Keynote Speakers Julian Prosser , Assistant City Manager, City of Raleigh, Tobin Freid, Sustainability Division Manager, City/County of Durham, Emily Barrett, Sustainability Manager, Town of Cary and Jeff Ulma, Planning Director for the Town of Cary discussed their current sustainability programs and offer some insight on what the future holds for stimulus funding and possible influence on development policies.
Photo Gallery*

July 2010: Western Triangle Community Update
On July 15, 2010, TCC members and guests gathered to hear a special presentation about what’s going on in the growing communities of the western part of the Triangle.

Orange County Commissioner Valerie Foushee, Chatham County Commissioner Sally Kost, Mayor Randy Voller, Town of Pittsboro, Mayor Mark Chilton, Town of Carrboro, Mayor Charles Johnson, Town of Siler City and Commissioner Eric Hallman, Town of Hillsborough shared information about how their communities are handling today’s economic environment, the outstanding qualities that benefit both residents and the business community and about future plans in regards to infrastructure improvements as their area continues to grow.
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June 2010: "Triangle Economic and Employment Outlook"
with Dr. Michael Walden, NCSU Economist and Kenneth Atkins, Wake County Economic Development. The TCC held their June Luncheon Learn on June 10, 2010.
It's on everyone's mind as we all scan the latest news reports looking for the 'silver lining' for our economy here in the Triangle.
Dr. Michael Walden Presentation download* (PDF format)
Ken Atkins Presentation download* (PDF format)
Ken Atkins Presentation for the Interactive Software Industry Video  link.
Photo Gallery*

May 2010: Jordan Lake Rules: The TCC held their May Luncheon Learn on May 13, 2010. Water Quality, Land Development, and You: Why you should care about the future of Falls Lake.
The State Environmental Management Commission is developing new rules to reduce nutrient loading from development and other sources within the Falls Lake Watershed.
The Commission is proposing far-reaching measures aimed at improving water quality in one of the region’s primary water supply watersheds. This program will provide insight into what owners and developers can do to influence the process and steps to take now to try to protect themselves from , or plan for, the impact of these changes.
News 14 video coverage link.
Todd St. John of Kimley Horn & Associates Presentation download* (PDF format)
Steven Levitas of Kilpatrick Stockton Presentation download* (PDF format)
Photo Gallery*

April 2010: The Triangle Expressway: The TCC held their April Luncheon Learn on April 8, 2010. After Years of Anticipation, North Carolina’s First Modern Toll Road is Being Built in Wake and Durham Counties. What is the Status of the Project? What Will it Mean for the Triangle? What Comes Next?
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority plans to complete a 18.8 mile toll road stretching from Holly Springs to Durham by 2012. The Triangle Expressway will connect Triangle communities and expand transportation choices in the region.
NCTA Presentation download* (PDF format)
Regional Transportation Alliance Presentation download* (PDF format)
Apex Handout download*
Triangle I-85 Connector Handout download*
Google Earth Video of Triangle Expressway Corridor view
(Click on “High Quality” under “Has a protected corridor been established?”)
Podcast audio play... (low volume)
Photo Gallery*

March 2010: The TCC held their second Luncheon Learn on March 11, 2010 regarding the new changes that have been made to the Raleigh Development Service Review Process. In 2005 the TCC took the first steps by surveying a targeted list of members- those that dealt with the approval process directly. From that survey the City of Raleigh has have been working for more than a year with the members of the Raleigh Development Service Advisory Group. This group was form to develop a revised and enhanced development plans review process. On March 11, at a forum sponsored by K&L Gates, Dan Howe, Assistant City Manager, Hamid Dolikhani, Development Service Manager and Stephanie Currier, Customer Service Manager presented to the audience the new changes that have been made through these efforts.
PowerPoint presentation download* (PDF format)
Members only attachments download*
Photo Gallery*

Feb 2010: The Triangle Community Coalition hosted a luncheon to discuss "Building our Schools & Educating Our Kids: Should the School Board do Both?" on February 9, 2010. The program featured Wake County Commissioners Paul Coble, Lindy Brown & Betty Lou Ward and Wake County School Board Members, Chairman Ron Margiotta, Kevin Hill and John Tedesco discussing whether the County could help build schools. The panel also addressed these questions: “How do we make the transfer of responsibility from the school board to the County; and whatever happened to public/private partnerships as a tool to help build schools?”

Photo Gallery*

The following links are from two of the local TV networks coverage of the event. ABC also covered the event..
NBC link 
http://wake.mync.com/site/Wake/news/story/47981/wake-county-leaders-consider-who-should-build-new-schools 
News14 link
http://news14.com/triangle-news-30-content/top_stories/?ArID=621975.

Nov 2009: The Triangle Community Coalition hosted a forum on November 10, 2009 to discuss the opportunities, limitations and implications of Senate Bill 831 and House Bill 1490. The NC General Assembly passed sweeping legislation intended to preserve and extend development approvals. Attendees heard presentations from keynote speakers, Jessi Hayes, NCHBA, Director of Political Affairs and Eric Braun, K&L Gates, LLP.

May 2009: The Triangle Community Coalition Hosts Forum on Affordable Housing for the Triangle’s Workforce. “Balanced Solutions for Workforce Housing” explored creative and functional affordable housing solutions for the Triangle’s workforce, particularly during the economic downturn. 
Speaker Bios
Photo Gallery
Podcast play ...

Feb 2009: Lunch & Learn - Comprehending Raleigh’s Comprehensive Plan:  
What Does the Plan Mean for Citizens and Businesses?
mp3 audio download  for this TCC Lunch & Learn.
Photo gallery*

December 2008: The Elections are Over & NC Just Turned Blue:
What Does it Mean for Growth, Our Economy & the Triangle?
mp3 audio download  for this TCC Lunch & Learn.

August 2008: TCC/NAIOP Lunch and Learn Big Hit with Triangle Business Leaders: Gubernatorial candidate Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory was the featured speaker at a forum held to discuss key regional issues today in Raleigh.
read more on our blog
Photo gallery*

April 2008: Bringing Green to the Mainstream: The TCC & The Triangle Commercial Association of REALTORS held their Lunch & Learn on April 17, 2008 --
Going Green with “Green Globes”.
The guest speaker was Kevin Stover of The Green Building Initiative<.



Photo Galleryyy*
Presentation*
Flyer & Registration form*
Article:  Read more ...
To learn more about the Green Building Imitative, please visit:  www.thegbi.org/home.asp .

Aug 2007: The Downside of Development Moratoria
We discussed the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with development moratoria. Our expert panel included:
• Eric Braun, Land Use Attorney with Kennedy Covington;
• Rick Zechini, Director of Government Affairs with the NC Association of REALTORS®;
• Bill Coleman, Cary Town Manager; and
• Rick Hester, Johnston County Manager
Info flyer download*
Picture gallery*

April 2007: TCC’s First Lunch and Learn of 2007:
This informative forum, entitled “Protecting the Environment and Property Rights: Is there a Balance?,” discussed current and pending environmental regulations and what they mean for local property owners, citizens and business owners. We’ve invited a distinguished panel of state and local experts who will discuss the following: Federal and state storm water regulations; River and stream buffer protection programs; Environmental mitigation programs; and other environmental rules and regulations.
Photo gallery... Flyer* ..

Dec 2006: Public-Private Partnerships for Schools: Now that we have it…what do we do with it? Presentation (PowerPoint)

Oct 2006: Guest Speakers Warn of the Dire Consequences of Smart Growth at the TCC Lunch and Learn. The TCC and over 100 community leaders recently heard the sometimes inherent and disparaging conflict between managing growth and so called “smart growth” policies. more ...

June 2006: “Creating Open Space Networks Through Conservation Subdivision Design” with guest speaker and national expert on conservation design, Randall Arendt more ...

Feb 2006: Planning and Land Use Laws Have Changed…
What Does it Mean for the Triangle, Growth, Development & YOU?
Featured speakers:
Eric Braun, Land Use Attorney, Kennedy Covington
Jason Barron, Land Use Attorney, Kennedy Covington spoke at TCC's Lunch and Learn on February 22. As of January 1, 2006, a series of planning and zoning laws went into effect across North Carolina---including the Triangle. In addition to providing for mandates on how local governments can implement moratoria and rezone property, the new legislation also authorizes developers and local governments to enter into development agreements.
More information* ...

Dec 2005: Making the Development Process Predictable:
Approximately 100 community leaders packed the meeting room at the RRAR building in Cary to hear how Durham and Raleigh are addressing the challenges with what is currently a slow development approval process in both jurisdictions. Dan Howe (Raleigh Assistant City Manager), Jim Tschupp (Raleigh Assistant Inspections Director) and Ted Voorhees (Assistant City Manager of Durham) outlined what changes they have implemented to improve the process since the first of the year. Jim Tschupp of Raleigh outlined what he called “low hanging fruit” in terms of immediate changes to the approval process, including the attorney certification program for storm water documents for new developments. Ted Voorhees explained how Durham has addressed several changes in its newly adopted unified development ordinance. Voorhees also said that the development community could see improvements in the approval process when Durham gets its “one-stop” permitting program implemented in 2006. All of the attendees expressed their appreciation of TCC keeping the issue front and center!.

August 23, 2005: Thinking Outside the Box:
TCC Explores Solution to School Overcrowding.
The Heritage Foundation’s Ronald Utt was the featured speaker at the
TCC’s Lunch and Learn. On August 23, 2005, Dr. Utt spoke about the use of public-private partnerships for building schools. The TCC has formally adopted a position paper* on the use of public-private partnerships. A panel of local officials and opinion leaders  followed Dr. Utt’s presentation.
Download Flyer & Registration*
Summary of the meeting*

Apr. 11, 2005: Mayors of Raleigh Cary and Durham Talk About Growth: Click here* for highlights of TCC's first Lunch and Learn of 2005.

Dec. 28, 2004: Read All about TCC’s Lunch and Learn on NIMBYISM more* ...

Nov. 1, 2004: From Not in My Back Yard to In My Back Yard: Michael Thomsett has just written a book about turning opponents to development projects into partners. His new book, entitled "NIMBYism" will be the feature of our December 2 lunch and learn. However, to learn how you can order your copy of his new book click here* ...

Sept 9, 2004: NEW! TCC Teams Up With Raleigh Chamber to Discuss Transit Oriented Development: In place of our third quarter lunch and learn, the TCC is part of the Raleigh Chamber's Community Success Forum scheduled for September 30, 2004. Please click on the link for more information or visit www.raleighchamber.org for registration information more* ...

July 7, 2004: Learning from Portland Oregon’s Planning Experiment: Read more about TCC’s Second Quarter Lunch and Learn and Planner Rich Carson’s presentation more ...

April 1, 2004: Guest Speaker and Economic Expert William Fruth Speaks at TCC’s Lunch and Learn:
On March 29, 2004, William Fruth told a packed full room of Triangle leaders about how growth management regulations impact a local economy. Download* a copy of his presentation more ...

Mar 2004: TCC’s June Lunch and Learn:
A Tale of Two Cities: How Clark County, Washington & Portland Oregon Manage Growth w/Guest Speaker Richard Carson, AICP, March, 2004 (register today*)

March 2003: Smart Growth and Its Effects: A spokesman for the National Center for Public Policy Research warns Triangle Leaders about the “Unintended Consequences" of Smart Growth Regulations---Read More about What Triangle Leaders Learned at TCC’s First Lunch and Learn of 2003, March 2003 more ...

Sept. 2003: TCC's Lunch and Learn: Mayor Meeker vs. John Odom  more ... 

May 2002: Our May Lunch & Learn featured “Restoration Economy…” with internationally acclaimed author and expert on revitalization, Storm Cunningham. Cunningham addressed what he feels is a key untapped economic sector that deals with rebuilding cities, counties and rural economies…all while rehabilitating our ecosystems, fisheries and watersheds. Visit www.restorationeconomy.com for more information about this exciting new movement!

What others say about Cunningham’s new book and theory:

“This is an original, a first! Cunningham convincingly demonstrates that tremendous markets for new products and services hide just beneath the surface of the deteriorating assets in our natural and built environments.”

- William H. Hudnut, III, four-term Mayor of Indianapolis;
Past President, National League of Cities

“Storm Cunningham really nails it: This is THE book for 21st century corporate and political leaders!”

- Dr. Bob Rosen, CEO H.C. International; author of Global Literacies &  Leading People

Read all About TCC's Lunch and Learn Featuring Governing Magazine's Otis White...more* 

Nov. 2001: A Recent Study Makes Case Links Higher Housing Costs to More Regulation/Suggests Reforms: 
A recent study suggests that housing costs in certain areas of the country are higher than in other areas because of a direct correlation to an extended permit process or additional regulations (see TCC November 2001 Lunch and Learn summary ). Click here* for details of the survey.