Chatham Citizens for Effective Communities (CCEC) is a grass roots citizen action group initiated in 2003 by four neighbors concerned with a proposed large residential/commercial development known as Briar Chapel.  Soon others joined the cause, and CCEC was born.

CCEC is composed of two distinct groups.

CCEC, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) advocacy/legislative arm of the organization. CCEC - Institute, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) is tax exempt educational aspect of the organization. Both organizations have the mission to empower citizens to enhance Chatham's future. This empowerment is accomplished in several ways:

CCEC, Inc., the advocacy/legislative group, is proactive and speaks out on issues of concern throughout the County, working to promote well-planned conservative growth, protection of our natural resources and diverse culture.

CCEC - Institute, Inc. is the educational arm of the organization and accomplishes this mission by conducting seminars, forums and courses.

Both CCEC groups are issue oriented and do not endorse candidates for political office (neither is a Political Action Committee –PAC).

CCEC seeks to empower citizens to enhance Chatham’s future.  This is accomplished in a variety of ways:

CCEC fosters communication between citizens and their government, and provides information pertinent to issues affecting the well being of the county.

CCEC provides opportunities for citizens and governing officials and staffs to learn how to better manage residential/commercial development through the practice of “Smart Growth” principles, and to become more effective citizens.

CCEC advocates on behalf of the citizens of the entire county on issues that threaten to impact the well being of the county.

CCEC collaborates with other citizen action groups to monitor all issues that come before county government, and coordinate efforts to speak on behalf of the citizens.

 

Growth, usually referring to residential growth, is a fact of life. Given Chatham’s rural character, natural and recreational resources, and its location along major highways and proximity to the Triangle and Triad, it is no wonder that Chatham County is the second fastest growing county in North Carolina, and among the top 100 in the United States (according to statistics from the US Census Bureau).

Chatham has always been growing, but never in its history has it grown at the astounding rate it now is, or with the density of residential development that is now seen.  CCEC does not oppose residential development.  However, CCEC is a proponent of development that is built upon Smart Growth principles and designs, and development that is not greater than the land and the people can bear.

To this end, CCEC is in favor of well developed planning that produces ordinances that will ensure the quality of life that makes Chatham County unique. 

CCEC is not a PAC (Political Action Committee).  CCEC is an apolitical grass roots citizens' action group. CCEC has both a state and federal non-profit status as both a 501(c) 3 and 501(c) 4, neither of which allows it to operate as a PAC, although the 501 (c) 4 designation allows for influencing legislation.

CCEC Board of Directors
Co-Presidents - Gary Simpson, Caroline Siverson
Treasurer - Joe Fraser
Secretary - Esta Cohen

CCEC Board Members
Janet Abreu
Evy Barrow
Judith Butt
Esta Cohen
Kate Dunlap
John Graybeal
Rich Hayes
 

 

Get involved and become informed:

• Serve on a Town or County Advisory Committee
• Attend meetings and hearings
• Attend CCEC-Institute's Citizens' College
  
   

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We welcome monetary contributions by all who wish to support CCEC’s mission.