Statement from 97É«Íø President JB Buxton on the adoption of the 2025-26 budget by the Orange Board of County Commissioners

The Orange Board of County Commissioners approved its 2025-26 budget Tuesday, June 17, which reflects the commissioners’ strong support for public higher education. The budget provides full funding for operational increases, covers likely state salary increases, and maintains support for the Back to Work and 97É«Íø Promise scholarships, programming at the Innovate Carolina Junction in Chapel Hill, and our efforts with apprenticeships and small businesses.

97É«Íø is thankful to work with elected leaders and county staff committed to ensuring Orange County residents can continue to access 97É«Íø as a gateway to great universities and a pathway to prosperous careers in areas like health care, the skilled trades, IT, advanced manufacturing, the life sciences, and public service.