Durham City Council unanimously approved $10 million in affordable housing funding and debated a contested plastic bag fee that council members said would disproportionately burden low-income families.
City Council unanimously approved $10 million in affordable housing funding from American Rescue Plan Act funds for four projects including Durham Tech's Mosaic development with 124 units.
Council debated a contested 10-cent plastic bag fee, with members Leonardo Williams and Mayor Pro Tem raising concerns that low-income families would disproportionately bear costs while wealthier residents absorb the fee easily.
An eviction diversion program reported preserving tenancies in 45 percent of cases overall and 72 percent when rental assistance was available, though council acknowledged systemic barriers remain for tenants facing February-to-March eviction deadlines.