🌳 Durham Primary Sends Incumbents to November

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It’s been a week of close calls and big decisions across Durham — from election results that set up a spirited November showdown to a major health care deal and a possible citywide wildlife ban. Meanwhile, the city’s power dynamics are under the microscope ahead of early voting, and one of downtown’s landmark towers just changed hands for $72 million.

Here’s what’s happening around Durham this week.

- Jordan

Durham Primary Sends Incumbents to November

All four incumbents in Durham’s city primary will advance to the November general election, though two face tight races ahead. The results set the stage for a decisive vote on the city’s leadership and its direction on growth, policing, and development.

• Mayor’s Race: Incumbent Leonardo Williams led with 55%, advancing alongside challenger Anjanée Bell, who earned 30%.

• Close Council Contests: Ward 1 incumbent DeDreana Freeman trails Matt Kopac 41–39%, while Ward 2’s Mark-Anthony Middleton faces a strong challenge from Shanetta Burris (49–40%).

• Low Turnout: Roughly 25,000 residents voted — about 12% turnout, consistent with past odd-year elections. Early voting for the general election runs Oct. 16–Nov. 1, with Election Day on Nov. 4.

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Duke Health, Aetna Strike New Deal

Duke Health and Aetna reached a multi-year agreement keeping all Duke providers in-network, ending months of tense negotiations that threatened to disrupt care for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians.

• Coverage Secured: The deal ensures Aetna members (including about 750,000 teachers, state employees, and retirees under the State Health Plan) can continue seeing Duke doctors.

• Contract Dispute: Talks centered on reimbursement rates, with Duke citing rising care costs and Aetna warning about high hospital prices driving up premiums.

• State Response: Treasurer Brad Briner, who manages the State Health Plan, praised the resolution and said it reflects Duke’s “commitment to serve North Carolina.”

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City Council Weighs Wildlife Feeding Ban

After a yearlong squirrel saga in the Trotter Ridge neighborhood, Durham City Council is considering an ordinance to prohibit residents from feeding wildlife in their yards, though the measure’s support remains uncertain.

• Neighborhood Complaints: Resident Steven Harris reported more than $50,000 in property damage allegedly caused by squirrels drawn to a neighbor’s 20 wildlife feeders.

• Proposed Ordinance: Would ban feeding non-domesticated animals, with exceptions for elevated bird feeders; violators would have 48 hours to comply once notified.

• Council Split: Some members favor education over enforcement, while resident Kaya Manson’s petition opposing the ban has already drawn hundreds of signatures.

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How Durham City Council Actually Works

As Durham voters head into the general election, Indy Week offers a refresher on how the city council functions and where its powers end.

• Structure: Durham has a “weak mayor” system with a seven-member council, including three ward seats and three at-large members. The mayor serves a two-year term but holds the same voting power as other councilors.

• What Council Controls: Members approve budgets, contracts, rezoning, and annexations, and appoint residents to local boards. The city manager oversees daily operations and staff.

• Limits on Power: State law restricts inclusionary zoning and new tax structures, meaning the city can’t mandate affordable housing quotas or create progressive tax rates. Durham also can’t tax Duke University’s exempt properties, though activists continue to push for voluntary payments.

• City vs. County: The city handles services like water, police, and trash, while the county manages health, schools, and libraries. Both frequently collaborate on planning, transportation, and emergency services.

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555 Mangum Sold for $72M

The downtown Durham office tower 555 Mangum has been sold for $72 million to the real estate investment firm Accesso, marking one of the city’s largest commercial real estate deals of 2025.

The 10-story, 251,000-square-foot Class-A building, completed in 2019, houses major tenants including Tanium and Regus. The building will continue operating as a premier office property, with amenities such as The Lenny rooftop restaurant and flexible workspace options.

The purchase underscores continued investor confidence in downtown Durham’s office market, even as new construction remains limited.

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