Back-to-Back Council Meetings Addressing Key Durham Initiatives

This week, Durham City Council holds two meetings. A regular session is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m., followed by a work session on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 6: Regular Meeting

Monday’s meeting will feature ceremonial recognitions, key appointments, and project updates:

• Ceremonial Items: The council will honor student artists, participants in the Vegan Chef Challenge, and recognize "Veganuary 2025." New City Manager W. Bowman Ferguson will be sworn in.
• Appointments: Tammie E. Hall is up for reappointment to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, while Shannon M. Jones is expected to join the Racial Equity Commission.
• Contracts: The council will review significant agreements, including $3.9 million for parking facility maintenance and $2.27 million for dam inspections.
• Federal and Local Funding: Updates include a $123,600 HUD fair housing grant and an expanded $1.2 million Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program.
• General Business: Proposed revisions to the city’s deer bow hunting ordinance also will be considered.

Thursday, Jan. 9: Work Session

Thursday’s work session will dive into administrative and departmental matters, with a focus on budget amendments, infrastructure, and community development:

• Appointments: The council will fill a vacancy on the Durham Planning Commission.
• Budget Updates: Amendments to the FY25 Capital Improvement Plan will appropriate funds from the 2024 General Obligation bond referendum.
• Public Works Projects: Topics include sidewalk repairs, bridge services, and Hillandale Road bike and pedestrian improvements.
• Zoning and Development: Public hearings will be held on zoning changes for South Alston Avenue, Brickworks, and Davis Park West.
• Community Development: A public hearing will address housing needs for the city’s FY2025-2030 Consolidated Plan.

Both meetings will be held at Durham City Hall, and residents are encouraged to attend or watch the live stream to stay informed about the decisions shaping Durham’s future.