CARRBORO, NC – June 2025 — Patrice Y. Toney, the first woman and first African American woman to serve as Carrboro’s Town Manager, has completed a milestone first year defined by bold leadership, equity-centered progress, and transformative accomplishments.
“This first year has been about building trust, elevating equity, and laying a strong foundation for Carrboro’s future,” Toney said. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what’s next.”
Advancing Sustainability and Racial Equity
Toney’s tenure began with a powerful climate justice milestone—supporting the Town Council in a landmark lawsuit against one of the nation’s largest utility companies. Under her leadership, Carrboro launched its first Office of Sustainability and hired its inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer.
She ensured racial equity remained central, with 100% of police staff and all new employees completing racial equity training, and that the Green Neighborhood Grants initiative included more diversity in its resource allocation. She also facilitated the first Race Equity-focused Town Hall which yielded a large crowd of highly engaged residents who made meaningful contributions to the conversation on topics affecting local government.
Today, 50% of Carrboro’s workforce identifies as ethnic minorities.
Strengthening Organizational Leadership
Toney prioritized strong internal leadership by hiring a new Chief Financial Officer, creating a new Deputy Finance Director/Budget Manager position, and implementing phase one of a staffing study. She led efforts to modernize operations, including enhanced use of technology. She advanced progress on major planning studies such as the Downtown Area Plan and Unified Development Ordinance.
She also deepened internal relationships through management team retreats, staff appreciation events, bi-weekly Manager’s e-newsletter, and department site visits. Toney supported the expansion of the Social Work Diversion Program in partnership with Orange County to reduce the need for police response to low-risk mental health-related calls.
Under Toney’s guidance, Carrboro scored an impressive 95 out of 100 on the Municipal Equality Index. She helped complete a Disparity Study, expanded language access and inclusion efforts, and launched the Carrboro Rise Student Academy at Carrboro High to cultivate civic engagement among youth.
During Toney’s tenure the Town earned national recognition—including the ETC Institute’s “Leading the Way” Award (where the Town of Carrboro ranked top 10% nationally in resident satisfaction) and All-America City Winner for race equity and sustainability work.
Elevating Community Engagement
Community celebrations and town events were reimagined and expanded, from the mergers like Open Streets and Earth Day, to newly reimagined events let the indoor Elizabeth Cotten Birthday Celebration (with music by her descendants) and the Braxton Foushee Day of Service.
Toney and her team also rolled up their sleeves volunteering with community agencies such as Inter Faith Council (IFC) and the Diaper Bank and partnering with non-profits like the Recyclery at MLK Park to offer free bike repairs near the Town’s new bike pump track.
Investing in Infrastructure
A major point of pride this year was supporting the grand opening of the Drakeford Library Complex—Carrboro’s largest public facility and first free-standing library.
Toney’s first year included the completion of multiple infrastructure wins, including a refresh of the Council Chamber, completion of Baldwin Park Playground, a newly paved (with recycled asphalt) MLK Park Pump Track, new downtown wayfinding signs, and an award-winning and environmentally friendly town-wide street resurfacing project.
Personal and Professional Milestones
Toney was named to the 2024 Black Business Inc Power 100 NC list and became an ICMA Credentialed Manager Candidate. She remains active in professional development and service through the NFBPA, National League of Cities, ICMA, and NCCMA.
As she moves into her second year, Toney remains committed to driving excellence, ensuring inclusive governance, and preparing Carrboro for a thriving, sustainable future.