Durham Council demands accountability in housing authority rent collection and community resources

Durham City Council members voiced strong concerns about housing conditions and rent collection during a work session on June 5, 2025. The discussion centered on the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) and the pressing need for accountability and transparency in managing public housing.

Council members highlighted the alarming statistic that many residents have not paid rent, averaging just $250 a month, since the pandemic began. One council member emphasized the importance of understanding why residents are unable to pay, stating, "If someone can't pay it, then I want to know." This call for clarity reflects a broader concern about the systemic issues affecting low-income families, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

The council also discussed the need for a more aggressive approach to rent collection, contrasting Durham's lenient methods with those of other counties that have seen greater success. "We need to put guardrails in place," one member asserted, stressing that while support systems are essential, residents must also be held accountable.

With nearly 6,000 households on the waiting list for public housing, the urgency of the situation was palpable. Council members expressed frustration over the lack of effective communication and collaboration with community partners, including local churches, to address poverty and housing instability.

As the council prepares to allocate $1.5 million to the DHA, members are demanding a clear plan for sustainability and improved living conditions. "There needs to be a much more functioning system," one member declared, underscoring the need for a proactive strategy to ensure that residents can enjoy a decent quality of life.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions on these critical issues, as council members seek to balance support for residents with the necessity of accountability in the housing system.