EPA Advisor, Former Professor Louie Rivers III Announces Bid for Chapel Hill Town Council

Louie Rivers III, a social science advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and former professor, announced his bid for the Chapel Hill Town Council this week. Rivers is one of six candidates who have announced bids for the four available seats on the council this fall.

“Since the last presidential election, I have become increasingly concerned if Chapel Hill is ready for an uncertain future,” Rivers told Chapelboro, noting that the federal and state governments may be less willing to support the town as in years past. “I think that I have the relevant expertise and the temperament to work with other members of the council, town staff and the broader Chapel Hill community to make sure that our community is getting ready for the future.”

In addition to his work with the EPA, Rivers has served on the town’s Planning Commission and with the Booker Creek Watershed working group. Prior to joining the EPA, Rivers was a professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State University for nine years and in the Environmental Science program at Michigan State University for five years. He holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in natural resources management and policy from Ohio State University.

Rivers described his leadership style as “collaborative and inclusive,” citing his prior experience in local governance as a key factor in his decision to run.

“It is important that people know that they will be taken seriously in Chapel Hill governance and that they can influence local decision processes,” Rivers said. “For many people, town governance is a bit of a black box. I want to open up that black box and make participation in Chapel Hill government easier for busy people with limited bandwidth.”

For more information on who is running for local seats around the Orange and Chatham County communities, click here.

Featured image via Louie Rivers III

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.

‹

Blue Sky Robotics Expanding Chapel Hill Headquarters, Moving to Rosemary Street

Blue Sky Robotics, which has been headquartered in downtown Chapel Hill since its founding in 2023, will be moving to the Innovate Carolina Junction building at 136 East Rosemary Street. The company is currently located in the Hill Commercial Building on 142 East Franklin Street. In a presentation to the Chapel Hill Town Council Wednesday […]

No Tax Increases and Increased Spending Featured in Chapel Hill Staff's Proposed FY27 Budget

Following a year with improved revenues and a new town manager at the helm, the Town of Chapel Hill may go into the next fiscal year without a tax increase or significant cuts.

Impassioned Public Comment Leads Chapel Hill Town Council to Drop Discussion of Downsizing

A discussion by the Chapel Hill Town Council about trimming its seats and extending the length of mayoral term was met with swift, vocal opposition during a public hearing last week.

Orange County Clerk of Court Mark Kleinschmidt Wins State, National Honors

Orange County Clerk of Superior Court Mark Kleinschmidt has been recognized with two awards – one statewide and one national – in recognition of his service. Kleinschmidt received the North Carolina Guardianship Association’s Trailblazer Award last week in Asheville, recognizing his two terms as Clerk of Superior Court and Probate Judge. In legal terms, guardianship […]

Climate Action, A New Hotel and Downsizing Council? Highlights from Chapel Hill Town Council's Apr. 15 Meeting

The Chapel Hill Town Council held its first official business meeting of the month on Wednesday, Apr. 15 to cover a full agenda — which included discussing affordable housing funding, ongoing climate action efforts, parking incentives for a hotel project, and more.

Our Town: The Story of Ted Voorhees, Chapel Hill Town Manager

The Town of Chapel Hill in collaboration with 97.9 The Hill WCHL & Chapelboro.com present “Our Town: Stories of Chapel Hill.” Each month you’ll hear from the people at the heart of your local government who are learning, serving, and working together to build a community where people thrive. This month, Ted Voorhees reflects on his first six months serving as town manager; and tells the story of why he chose to come to Chapel Hill. 

Berry, Miller-Foushee Reelected to Chapel Hill Town Council; Newcomers Rivers, McMahon Earn Most Votes

With the early vote totals and nearly all of Chapel Hill's precincts reported on Tuesday night, the Chapel Hill Town Council election appears unofficially decided.

2025 Candidate Introductions: Chapel Hill Municipal Races

Five candidates for Chapel Hill Town Council are vying for four seats — two of which are open — while the mayor's election is unopposed.

Chapel Hill: Mayor Pro Tem Amy Ryan on Good Neighbor Initiative, Flood Response and Upcoming Events

Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tempore Amy Ryan joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Thursday, August 14.

EPA Advisor, Former Professor Louie Rivers III Announces Bid for Chapel Hill Town Council

Louie Rivers III, a social science advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and former professor, announced his bid for the Chapel Hill Town Council this week. Rivers is one of six candidates who have announced bids for the four available seats on the council this fall. “Since the last presidential election, I have become […]

›