Orange County Manager Travis Myren presented the recommended Fiscal Year 2026–2036 Capital Investment Plan to the Board of County Commissioners during their April 7 business meeting.
The proposed plan outlines about $871.6 million in capital investments over ten years, focusing on supporting strategic priorities, maintaining infrastructure, and preparing for long-term growth in Orange County.
The first year of the plan calls for $150.8 million in total capital expenditures. Investments in schools and public safety make up nearly 79% of planned spending throughout the decade. Major school projects include $105.8 million for elementary school replacements and design work in FY 2026–27, with a total of $300 million planned for school bond investments over ten years. The plan also covers upgrades to emergency services facilities and equipment, including a new headquarters and modern communications systems.
Renovations and expansions are planned for county justice and administrative spaces as part of broader infrastructure improvements aligned with facility plans. The Capital Investment Plan supports priorities such as environmental protection, healthy communities, housing initiatives, multi-modal transportation options, and economic development.
Funding strategies include a mix of debt financing and pay-as-you-go funding methods to balance affordability with sustainability over time. The estimated impact on the FY 2026–27 capital budget is an increase of 2.90 cents per $100 assessed value; debt capacity will be monitored to comply with financial policies set by the county.
Recent education data show that among Orange County students taking the ACT exam during the 2022-23 school year: about half were considered college-ready in science—49.2% of seniors (692 out of 1,407) and 50.7% of juniors (725 out of 1,431), according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. In reading readiness on the ACT, results showed that 56.1% (790 out of 1,407) seniors and 55% (786 out of 1,431) juniors met college benchmarks according to state data. For math readiness on the ACT exam during this period: seniors reached a rate of 46.1% (648 students), while juniors were at approximately 45.1% (645 students), as reported by the same source.
The Board will continue reviewing details through work sessions scheduled for April through June before adopting the first year’s budget on June 16 as part of its annual process.
