Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell over the phone on Tuesday, July 9. With the summer temperatures once again reaching triple digits on the heat index, the local governments of Orange County have set up cooling stations to help provide anyone access to air conditioning and water — with Bell sharing Hillsborough’s locations. The town is also getting ready for its first meeting about affordable housing in the community, where local experts will present to the board of commissioners. Bell helps preview that event, and shares what he’s looking forward the most to learning about from the series.

Conversations With the Mayors is an ongoing series on “News on the Hill” where host Andrew Stuckey visits with the local government leaders who help shape our communities. Each Tuesday he visits with Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell; Wednesdays feature a conversation with Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford; Thursdays feature Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson, and Fridays include a conversation with Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee. You can access previous “Conversations With the Mayors” here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough: An Early Look at the Town's Affordable Housing Strategy (Aug. 25, 2026)
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, August 25.
'Daunting Issue': Hillsborough Hosts First Workshop of Affordable Housing Series
The Town of Hillsborough recently held its first Affordable Housing Workshop, the first of several that the town plans to host.
Hillsborough: Affordable Housing Earmarks and Kayak Rentals
Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, February 28, to share highlights from last night Board of Commissioners meeting.
Change to Hillsborough Ordinance Could Lead to More Affordable Housing, Apartments
The Town of Hillsborough has revised one of its ordinances to allow for more multi-family housing units per acre of land. This revision also provides a density bonus, which would let developers build even more units if they include affordable housing as part of their projects. For many years, the town’s zoning ordinance […]
Carrboro, Hillsborough Adopt Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budgets
The towns of Hillsborough and Carrboro both recently adopted their budgets for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which will go in effect July 1.
Hillsborough Mayor Calls for Release of 19-Year-Old Orange High School Graduate Detained by ICE
Hillsborough mayor Mark Bell has issued a statement in support of 19-year-old Isaac Gallegos, an Orange High School graduate and Hillsborough resident who is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gallegos has been detained since Wednesday, Oct. 7. Read Bell’s full statement below: On behalf of the Town of Hillsborough, I […]
The Morning News: Election Approaching, Stolen Car Crashing - New Cradle Opening?
Get-out-the-vote efforts are underway for the 2026 election - including a concert at the site Cat's Cradle is developing as a third venue.
The Morning News: Faith Hedgepeth Trial, Affordable Housing, UNC Football
In today's news: the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial continues, and a local nonprofit cuts the ribbon on four affordable homes.
The Morning News: Chatham Housing, UNC Football Preview
In today's news: Chatham County officials tackle affordable housing, and UNC football prepares to tackle Notre Dame.
Hillsborough Asks Residents to Help Identify Upcoming Town Priorities With Community Survey
Hillsborough is asking residents to take its community survey. This year, the input will help inform the town’s upcoming strategic plan.
›