Civic — Page 13 — Hey Durham

Board of Education

Special Meeting · February 15, 2024

Durham Public Schools board members postponed action on a "meet and confer" policy after raising concerns about whether the Durham Association of Educators adequately represents all district employees.

Durham Planning Commission

Regular Meeting · February 13, 2024

Durham's planning commission unanimously rejected a 702-unit Sheffield Farms rezoning despite the developer's $300,000 affordable housing commitment, citing outdated traffic studies and incomplete sewer infrastructure guarantees.

Board of Education

Work Session · February 8, 2024

The board delayed a major compensation decision until Feb. 22 after a failed motion for immediate 15 percent raises, as over 30 workers described financial hardship from January salary cuts that reversed October promises.

City Council

Work Session · February 8, 2024

Durham City Council heard over 90 minutes of opposing testimony on a proposed Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire resolution, with Jewish residents divided on whether the city should address international conflicts.

Board of Education

Special Meeting · February 7, 2024

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education convened in closed session on February 7, 2024. Closed sessions are held under N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 for matters such as personnel, legal consultation, or student records. No public recording is available.

Board of Commissioners

Work Session · February 5, 2024

Durham County commissioners approved nearly $400,000 in emergency spending for jail and youth home services as school employees pleaded for intervention in a salary crisis affecting over 1,300 workers.

City Council

Regular Meeting · February 5, 2024

Durham City Council rejected a controversial 282-townhouse rezoning for Cortez Drive in a 3-2 vote after residents warned of traffic dangers, environmental damage, and insufficient affordable housing.

Board of Education

Special Meeting · February 2, 2024

Durham Public Schools' board voted 4-3 to postpone classified employee salary decisions until February 8, delaying action after two hours of heated public comment over promised raises that exceeded the district's budget by $9 million.

Board of Education

Regular Meeting · January 25, 2024

Durham Public Schools unanimously approved $4.5 million in emergency salary relief after a payroll error stripped years of service credit from classified staff without notice.

Board of Commissioners

Regular Meeting · January 22, 2024

Durham County Commissioners unanimously approved an $87 million bond package for infrastructure projects including elections office renovations, a pump station, school safety improvements, and downtown parking.

City Council

Work Session · January 18, 2024

Durham City Council unanimously approved a $6 million Federal Aviation Administration grant for airport improvements while coordinating emergency shelter and meals for thousands affected by a Duke Energy power outage.

City Council

Regular Meeting · January 16, 2024

Council unanimously approved $13.7 million in street repairs and infrastructure contracts, plus $2.78 million for fire trucks and $380,000 for emergency shelter funding.

Board of Education

Work Session · January 11, 2024

Durham Public Schools missed its 90% graduation target and 60% grade-level proficiency goal in its 2018-2023 strategic plan, prompting board members to demand deeper analysis and changes in the next five-year plan.

City Council

Special Meeting · January 10, 2024

Durham City Council heard three hours of testimony Wednesday for four Ward 3 candidates, with supporters emphasizing Shanetta Burris's two-decade community involvement and Chelsea Cook's tenant protection work.

Durham Planning Commission

Regular Meeting · January 9, 2024

The Planning Commission unanimously rejected two massive residential projects citing inadequate affordable housing, environmental damage, and minimal school contributions.

City Council

Special Meeting · January 8, 2024

Four candidates to fill Durham's West 3 council seat clashed sharply on housing, police reform, and poverty solutions during interviews, advancing to a public hearing January 10th before a final vote.

Board of Commissioners

Regular Meeting · January 8, 2024

Durham County Commissioners approved $109.2 million in bond funding for Durham Technical Community College's new science and health facilities.

City Council

Work Session · January 4, 2024

Durham City Council approved approximately $22 million for street repaving and sidewalk repairs, marking a historic infrastructure investment despite one council member questioning whether all targeted streets needed repairs.

City Council

Regular Meeting · January 2, 2024

Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton publicly challenged Mayor Leonardo Williams over the removal of ShotSpotter gunshot detection sensors, citing faster police response times and benefits to violence prevention.

Board of Commissioners

Work Session · January 2, 2024

Durham County Commissioners approved a $27 million affordable housing partnership with the City of Durham targeting 600 new affordable units, though Commissioner Jacobs questioned protections after affordability agreements expire.

City Council

Work Session · December 19, 2023

Lede available after transcription.

City Council

Regular Meeting · December 18, 2023

Durham City Council unanimously approved over $7 million in spending on affordable housing, transit modernization, tenant protection and downtown revitalization.

Board of Education

Regular Meeting · December 14, 2023

Durham Public Schools unanimously adopted policies requiring parental notification when students request different names or pronouns, complying with state law that transgender students and advocates warned could endanger vulnerable youth.

Board of Commissioners

Regular Meeting · December 12, 2023

Lede available after transcription.

Board of Commissioners

Regular Meeting · December 11, 2023

Durham County commissioners approved a controversial development amendment 3-1 that simplifies building codes but lacks affordable housing protections, drawing accusations it will accelerate gentrification.