Durham City Council's September 3 meeting centered on competing visions for housing policy, with Council Member Chelsea Cook pushing for stronger tenant protections even as the council approved significant affordable housing funding.
Cook questioned whether a $650,000 grant to Legal Aid of North Carolina for eviction defense services went far enough. The funding, which passed 5-0 with Cook recusing herself, will help low-income renters facing eviction due to late or non-payment of rent. Cook wanted the city to add written language guaranteeing that evictions wouldn't occur after the city distributed money to the Durham Housing Authority, but staff instead committed to referencing the authority's existing policy protecting tenants who miss payments without being contacted.
Key Votes (5)
Contract
passed6-0
FAA Airport Improvement Grant - $1M+
$1.0M
Accept a $1 million federal grant to improve Durham's airport and allow the city manager to sign the grant agreement.
Contract
passed6-0
Microsoft Software Licensing Agreement
$2.9M
Approve a multi-year Microsoft software license agreement for up to $2.6 million.
Resolution
passed6-0
Water Lead Service Line Loan
$1M
Accept a $1 million state loan at no interest to test and replace lead pipes in the water system.
Contract
passed6-0
Utility Easement Maintenance Project
$3.9M
Approve a $3.5 million contract to maintain and repair city water and sewer easements.
Contract
passed6-0
FAA Airport Improvement Grant - $35M+
$35.5M
Accept a $35 million federal grant for major airport improvements and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement.
Other Items (18)
AppointmentWorkers' Rights Commission - Vaughn Appointment