Longtime Carrboro Town Council member Randee Haven-O’Donnell announced that she will not seek reelection, citing the need for new voices in local government and a desire to turn her attention towards activism.

“I am humbled by the gift of having served with my community folks and treasure all of our work together for our beloved hometown,” her statement read. “At this time, I encourage new voices to step up, collaborate and represent our beloved hometown community through its governance.”

Haven-O’Donnell was first elected to the Carrboro Town Council, then known as the Board of Aldermen, in 2005. Since then, she has served five consecutive terms, during which time Carrboro has grown and added to its community. She was last elected in 2021.

“I’ve been in the room and at the table to guide our ‘little engine that could’ hometown through expansion of her municipal boundary and the densification of her population,” she said of her time on the council. “In my capacity as an elected Town official, I have engaged as a community organizer to build and fortify the community as we became the progressive stronghold we are today.”

During her time on the council, she oversaw the approval of the South Green development, a community safety task force, and greenway projects.

She said that her decision not to run again is motivated in large part by what she sees as the current threat to American democracy.

“It is time to invest more deeply in community awareness, action and advocacy,” she said. “I feel called to act in a different capacity, one that furthers education, seeks to motivate and mobilize our citizenry to be resilient and face the challenges ahead together.”

She specified that her focus after leaving the council will be activism in a few key areas, which she says she was unable to give enough attention to because of her seat. Those include women’s reproductive rights, tenants’ rights, local stormwater mitigation, environmental preservation, water quality, and PFAS pollution.

“Now is the time for me to repurpose [my] early activism with the leadership skills I have developed on the Town Council,” she said. “Therefore, with the urgency of this kind of community work in mind, I am not seeking reelection.”

 

Featured image via Randee Haven-O’Donnell

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
The ArtsCenter Opens, Celebrates its Upgraded Home in Downtown Carrboro
The ArtsCenter officially opened its new location in Carrboro on Saturday, welcoming the public with a celebration full of art and showcases.
The ArtsCenter Shares Details on Grand Opening, Vision for New Carrboro Location
In one week, the ArtsCenter in Carrboro will make its official move to a new home on Roberson Street — the latest in its long, local history.
ArtsCenter Unveils New Sign, Breaks Ground off Roberson Street
From outside, the building at 400 Roberson Street in Carrboro may not look very distinctive to those driving, walking or bicycling by. But on Thursday, the facility gained a major splash of color — one of the first steps of major changes coming and the relocation of a local nonprofit. The ArtsCenter officially revealed its […]
Groundbreaking Scheduled for The ArtsCenter Renovation in Carrboro
A groundbreaking has officially been scheduled for renovations on the new ArtsCenter space in downtown Carrboro. A celebration will take place on Thursday, September 22nd at 4 p.m., after which the work will commence. The event will take place at 400 Roberson Street. ArtsCenter executive director Jenny Shultz-Thomas, Carrboro mayor Damon Seils and Chapel Hill […]
The ArtsCenter Names New Executive Director, Sets Relocation Timeline
The ArtsCenter in Carrboro is ushering in a new era of leadership to go along with its new digs. The nonprofit announced Jenny Shultz-Thomas as its new executive director Monday morning, which was also her first day on the job. Shultz-Thomas previously served as pastor at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Englewood, CO., a suburb […]
The ArtsCenter Receives $1.6 Million Grant For New Building
The ArtsCenter in Carrboro recently received a substantial grant to help build its new home on Jones Ferry Road. The Nicholson Foundation donated the $1.6 million grant in early January, with all of it designated to the new center’s construction. Executive Director of The ArtsCenter Dan Mayer said the two organizations have a history with […]
The ArtsCenter Holding Carrboro Community Meetings About Potential Move
The ArtsCenter has been in the heart of Carrboro since its founding in 1974. It was housed in the same building as Armadillo Grill and then Carr Mill Mall before settling in the 300 building on East Main Street, where it’s been since the mid-1980s. As the art education and entertainment non-profit prepares to move […]
Town of Carrboro Seeking Community Feedback on Downtown Area Plan Draft
The Town of Carrboro is currently seeking public feedback on its Downtown Area Plan. The project seeks to guide future downtown developments.
Biennial Road Work in Carrboro to Begin Soon; Will Bring Sidewalk to Roberson Street
A mix of residential and downtown streets in Carrboro will have significant road work starting next week, according to the town government.
Carrboro Town Councilor Randee Haven-O'Donnell Won't Seek Reelection
Carrboro Town Councilor Randee Haven-O’Donnell will not seek re-election, citing the need for new voices and a desire to return to activism.
›