Jamezetta Bedford Announces Re-Election Bid to Orange County Commissioners

GOVERNMENT

The following is a press release provided by Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford announcing her plans to run for re-election in the 2026 election cycle.

I’m excited to announce I am running for re-election to the Board of Orange County Commissioners District 1 seat to ensure a safe, healthy, thriving Orange County that’s inclusive and sustainable.

My experience serving on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, as a local CPA, as a mother of an adult daughter with autism and intellectual developmental disability, and as a grandmother of two children enrolled in CHCCS has definitely helped me perform the duties of commissioner. Seven years of Commissioner experience, two as vice chair and three as chair, and serving as liaison on many of our county and regional committees have deepened my understanding of these complex systems.

My first campaign focused on health and safety, public education, senior and disability services, affordable housing and economic development which remain key topics. Four years ago the global pandemic highlighted core issues faced by families in our county like food insecurity, the need for basic utilities like clean water, access to mental health services, lack of broadband, the need for expanded transit options, how to address the climate crisis and how racial justice intertwines across all. We have made progress in these areas, and I’d like to help several projects come to fruition.

• In my first year, I spearheaded the issue of providing additional school capital funding to repair our crumbling school buildings.
• Initially, the BOCC budgeted $30 million over three years to the two school districts for the most critical capital repairs.
• Added another $30 million to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
• Voters approved $300 million in school bonds last November to replace schools and fund major renovations. Let’s get these built!
• CHCCS and OCS continue to rank in the top five for NC local county per pupil funding.

Mental health needs continue to grow, especially among our youth. I have served on the County DSS Board, the JCPC, the Partnership to End Homelessness, the Orange County Board of Health, and the Behavioral Health Task Force. A gaps analysis revealed the need for a behavioral health diversion facility. I want to be part of bringing that facility to a ribbon cutting opening as a welcoming community-facing safe place where residents and visitors can receive services. The task force will next work on a gaps analysis specifically for children’s mental health needs.

On the affordable housing front the BOCC is

• Funding $15 million in three equal tranches in the 10 year Capital Improvement Plan;
• The first $5 million was distributed two years ago; and replenished in the CIP;
• Partnering with Chapel Hill and Carrboro on the Greene Tract feasibility study;
• Dedicating federal dollars to repair and rehabilitation of low-income residents’ homes;
• Increasing our Longtime Homeowners Assistance program for tax relief.

I petitioned the county to develop a Climate Action Plan and it was adopted in November 2023. I also urged the Board to develop our first County Strategic Plan which was approved in February 2024. We have tied our budget to core mandated services and to these two key plans. We are working together on updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. We have revived the Broadband Task Force and started up a Tax Valuation Work Group including key community representatives. It’s rewarding to work with such a dedicated group of commissioners and staff.

The BOCC stepped in to help with funding and social work coordination after Tropical Storm Chantal and the recent delay in SNAP benefits, highlighting our commitment to residents. I would be honored to continue to be part of the Board making these key decisions on behalf of residents in partnership with the municipalities, the schools, many nonprofits and other agencies. I appreciate your support as I seek re-election to a third term.

Jamezetta Bedford can be contacted on her campaign website: https://www.jamezettaforcommissioner.org