• Hey Durham
  • Posts
  • 🌳 Durham County Approves $1.04B Budget

🌳 Durham County Approves $1.04B Budget

Author

Jordan Parker
June 12, 2025

In this issue:

  • Triangle Protests Rise Ahead of D.C. Parade

  • Duke Prepares Layoffs Amid Funding Cuts

  • Durham Street Takeovers Spark Safety Fears

  • County Approves $1.04B Budget for FY25–26

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

Triangle Protests Rise Ahead of D.C. Parade

Protests are building across the Triangle in response to federal immigration raids and a planned military parade in Washington, D.C., with activists organizing coordinated events in multiple local cities this week. Demonstrators in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond are joining a national movement pushing back on the Trump administration's second-term deportation policies.

  • "No Kings" Actions Planned: More than 100 advocacy groups are backing protests in Durham, Raleigh, Hillsborough, and Morrisville as part of the national “No Kings” campaign.

  • Moore Square Rally Held: Hundreds gathered in Raleigh on Monday to protest the arrest of L.A. union leader David Huerta during an anti-ICE demonstration.

  • More Rallies Coming: Organizers say a second Moore Square rally is happening.

Duke Prepares Layoffs Amid Funding Cuts

Duke University is bracing for another wave of layoffs this summer, citing deep federal funding cuts. While leadership says they’re prioritizing voluntary retirements first, faculty and staff are raising alarm over the lack of transparency and growing fears of forced separations.

  • Smaller Workforce Expected: President Vincent Price said Duke must “do our work with fewer people,” hinting at involuntary layoffs if voluntary departures fall short.

  • Pushback Over Process: A coalition of faculty and staff groups—via a letter titled “Duke, Don’t DOGE!”—is calling for transparency, shared decision-making, and pay cuts for top earners.

  • Concerns Over Coercion: Critics argue the term “voluntary” masks pressure, with many staffers fearing worse terms if they don’t opt in now.

Durham Street Takeovers Spark Safety Fears

A detailed report from The News & Observer sheds light on a growing trend of dangerous “street takeovers” in Durham—where groups of cars block intersections to perform stunts, race at high speeds, and ignite fires, often for social media clout. A February incident near the Durham Bulls stadium involved more than 100 vehicles and ended with arrests, damage, and a citywide trail of chaos.

  • Cars, Fire, and 100 mph Races: The February 22 takeover spanned multiple sites, from Fayetteville Street to the Durham Freeway, and even included a flaming ring of fire near Blackwell Street.

  • Instagram-Fueled Spectacle: Police investigated 40+ Instagram accounts promoting the events; one suspect flew branded flags while drifting and sold merch tied to his social media handle.

  • New Felony Charges Apply: NC law now makes street takeover participation a Class A1 misdemeanor, with repeat offenses or assaults on officers rising to felony status and vehicle seizure.

County Approves $1.04B Budget for FY25–26

The Durham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $1.04 billion budget on June 9, which is 7.48% more than the previous year’s budget. Commissioners framed the spending plan as a moral document shaped by tough economic choices, while educators and public employees filled the chambers urging full school funding and community investment.

  • $224.5M for Durham Public Schools: The budget boosts DPS funding by $15.9 million, raising the local per-pupil investment to $5,561. It includes $6.35 million in continuation costs and $6.5 million for raises and supplements.

  • Tax Rate Adjustment: A 3.5 cent tax increase above the revenue-neutral rate was approved, with commissioners citing inflation, property revaluations, and drying federal funds.

  • Expanded County Staffing: The budget authorizes 44.5 new positions (net 11.2), including 12 new EMS roles, 5 deputies for RTP coverage, and 8.5 positions for Youth Home programming.

Office Medical Director at One Medical
Lead clinical operations and care delivery at One Medical’s Durham office.
Apply >>

Assistant Director of IT – Information Security Officer at Durham County
Oversee cybersecurity strategy, regulatory compliance, and digital risk management across all county departments.
Apply >>

Director of Durham United
Leadership role at a new nonpartisan PAC in Durham.
Apply >>

Scientist at Genomics
Analyze complex genomic data to drive discovery in personalized medicine.
Apply >>

Rollin’ with Pride
Wheels Fun Park, Durham
Saturday, June 15 · 6:00–10:00 pm
A family-friendly Pride Month skate night featuring music, drag performances, food trucks, and community vibes.
Details >>

Downtown Durham Food Tour with Taste Carolina
Downtown Durham
Saturday, June 15 & Sunday, June 16
A guided walking tour through Durham’s vibrant food scene with artisan bites, local history, and optional craft cocktail pairings.
Details >>

American Dance Festival: 2025 Performance Season
Various Venues, Durham
June 12 – July 26
ADF returns with 40 performances, 10 world premieres, and a global lineup of top choreographers—celebrating 91 years of modern dance innovation.
Details >>

What did you think of this week's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.
Interested in advertising? Reach out.
Story idea? Send us a note.