THE CHAPEL HILL INSIDER
FROM THE INSIDE…
Inside this week’s Chapel Hill Insider:
Meet cartoonist Ed King, whose hand-drawn Chapel Hill map captures our town’s quirks and truths.
See how Chapel Hill is investing $4.185 million to create and preserve affordable housing.
Mark your calendar for upcoming events: Frankenweenie under the stars, the new Police HQ opening, and Take a Child Outside Week.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
Feature Story
Ed King’s Chapel Hill
A Cartoon Mapmaker’s Legacy of Lines, Laughter, and Local Truths
Meet Ed King, 74, the man who put Chapel Hill’s quirks and corners on the map — literally.
Meet Ed King: The Chapel Hill Cartoon Map Maker
In a time when algorithms define our maps and GPS voices guide our turns, Ed King prefers to draw us home—by hand.
At 74, Ed King is the kind of artist who carries stories in his sketch lines. Known for his recently completed Chapel Hill cartoon map, Ed doesn’t just illustrate cities—he interprets them. He documents not just geography, but personality, culture, and history through his art.
Upcoming Events
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Courtesy of the Town of Chapel Hill
Good Neighbor Initiative Community Cookout Today
When: Thursday, Sept. 26, 5:30–7:30 pm
Where: Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson St.Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson St.
Bring your appetite and your neighbors! The annual Good Neighbor Initiative Community Cookout is back with free food, games, and music. It’s a chance for longtime residents, new students, and everyone in between to meet, mingle, and celebrate Chapel Hill’s community spirit.
FRI, Sept 26 — Movies Under the Stars: Frankenweenie
Carolina Square Lawn
6:30–9:30 pm, Carolina Square Lawn. Free, family-friendly fun with adoptable pups on site. Movie at sundown.
Sept 28 – Oct 4 — Take a Child Outside Week
IN CARRBORO
This weeklong initiative encourages families to step away from screens and enjoy the simple joy of being outdoors together. From local trails and parks to backyards and neighborhood walks, it’s about rediscovering nature right where we live.
Chapel Hill and Carrboro are joining in with activities, resources, and gentle reminders that outdoor play doesn’t need to be complicated — a picnic, a short hike, or even stargazing in your driveway can spark wonder. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and create memories that last far beyond the week.
BUSINESS NETWORKING
IN CHAPEL HILL AND ONLINE
Since 1998, Chapel Hill Leads Group has been the go-to networking hub where Chapel Hill entrepreneurs and business owners build real connections with each other and their customers. Join us every Wednesday from 8:30 - 9:30 AM for networking with light refreshments in a relaxed, business casual setting. New members welcome - your first meeting is free!
Community Update
Chapel Hill backs 194 affordable homes with $4.185M plan
Town Council has approved $4.185 million to support nearly 200 affordable units across Chapel Hill. This is the first major allocation from the 2024 affordable-housing bond, pushing the Town closer to its goal of 900 new homes in five years. Projects will include new construction, preservation, and targeted support for residents with disabilities.
📊 You can explore the interactive housing tracker on the Town’s website to see where funding has gone since 2020.
Reader Poll Results
BRING BACK OLD FAVORITES?
A special thank you to Julie R. for responding to our reader poll! Julie shared that she’s most interested in local news, politics, events, and arts & culture — and that’s exactly the kind of coverage you’ll continue to find here in The Chapel Hill Insider.
This newsletter is built for neighbors like Julie (and you!). Keep sending us your feedback — it helps us shape each issue to what matters most in our community.
A Final Note
INsight FROM THE INSIDER
“Sit at your desk and draw. That’s it. If you’re not sitting there, nothing’s coming. And if you are? Something might.”
— Ed King
Until next time,
Be in the know!