Dear Chapel Hill neighbors

GUEST COLUMNS

Dear Chapel Hill Neighbors,

Over the past few months, we’ve been visiting neighborhoods across town, sharing our vision for a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable future. On Tuesday, Chapel Hill responded by overwhelmingly voting to move forward—together—toward this exciting new vision.

Thank you so much for your belief in our message and campaign. I’m humbled and honored that you’ve elected me as your next mayor!

Since I announced my campaign in July, this has been a full-time, all-hands-on-deck effort. My endless gratitude goes to:

• my family for their support while we juggled campaign, work and home life,
• my campaign team who left it all on the field,
• the countless residents who helped us spread the word by hosting events,
• the volunteers and interns who canvassed thousands of homes,
• the donors who gave what they could to keep us competitive, and
• the endorsers who lent their names and wrote letters of support.

Finally, I want to say a special thank you to Mayor Pam Hemminger for her 37 years of service to our community, including eight as mayor. Her support and mentorship have made it possible for me to step into this role. I hope you’ll join me in showing her lots of love and appreciation over the coming months.

I’d also like to congratulate all the winners last night! I’m thrilled that Amy Ryan, Melissa McCullough, and Theodore Nollert will be joining me on the next Council (the fourth spot is still a little too close to call). We’re deeply fortunate to have such thoughtful, experienced, and dedicated individuals who are willing to serve our town. I can’t wait to see what we achieve together!

In the wake of this hard-fought victory, I want to acknowledge the very real divides that still exist in our community. As a mayor for all, I remain committed to bridging these differences so we realize shared progress. This begins with clearer communication so we are all starting from a shared understanding of the facts, as well as our choices and their associated trade-offs.

We have a lot of exciting work ahead of us! As we embark on this journey together, please remember that your input and feedback are always welcome.

Thank you once again for your support. It’s time to move forward, Chapel Hill!

Warmly,

Jess Anderson
Mayor-Elect, Chapel Hill