[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6521445,"mediaKeyId","5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a","parentId",5092435,"title","Short votes: council approves downtown service contracts, Legal Aid eviction diversion funding","audioSeconds",210,"startMs",4060000,"endMs",4270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a&start=4060&end=4270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a/thumbnail_4060000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6521445/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Short-votes-council-approves-downtown-service-contracts-Legal-Aid-eviction-diversion-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521445-fe93ce3f23c6ccac0eac5f6e2e40c9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154632&Signature=cPMl2Um0I4ajhyXEvWqm0zhKfn5dv5ehXgG79pH6A-TZ3ZN~4eMZJASucTYjMaFWQ~bUdQsizpjjelnbAfXS~R0vkWXmB7Ql-4QBVmIRp3okTScZIm-IvVLT3MbTS3poKmFIEWY64mY23NgniajriuHKlueacdS2vdLmAVG4clltIw70Kdtnx0zn7xG0xwjSMXM6l4CxJoNnVR9UYsHEaOsTgcqeL53HP-jXIV~qWqu~xyVmHSysum6bqOv8VvXAF3DEMCLJ59BNe455X5~ICYaM2-0u91f4Uvuh5bgnfS2JuVHyoWxmUWngI30QxNIJPsSP3b4UccR~CRu2JJ6S2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Durham","date","2025-06-27T18:23:35.46Z","article","At Monday's meeting the Durham City Council approved several items with limited debate, including amendments to contracts with Downtown Durham, Inc. (DDI) and a contract with Legal Aid of North Carolina to provide eviction diversion services.

The council authorized a fifth amendment to the FY2022-26 contract funding Downtown Durham Municipal Service District operations in the amount of $2,278,030 for fiscal year 2025–26. Council asked for the record that Councilmember Rist recused from votes related to Downtown Durham and DDI matters; the clerk recorded the recusal before the vote. The motion for the amendment passed as recorded by the clerk.

The council also authorized a contract with Downtown Durham, Inc. to operate economic development programs and services in an amount not to exceed $170,048 for fiscal year 2025–26. That motion carried with the clerk recording Councilmember Rist as recused.

Separately, the council authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Legal Aid of North Carolina to administer the eviction diversion/mediation program. The manager was authorized to approve and execute a $725,000 contract for mediation, legal assistance and tenant/landlord education for low- and moderate-income renters facing eviction for nonpayment of rent. Council recorded Councilmember Cook as recused for the Legal Aid votes; the motion and the contract amount were approved by the council as recorded.

Other routine procurement and contract adjustments on the consent agenda passed as part of the meeting's consent business.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Durham City Council Meeting June 16, 2025 (with closed captioning)","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved amendments and contracts for Downtown Durham operations and awarded a contract to Legal Aid of North Carolina for eviction-diversion services and mediation. Several council members recused from votes where conflicts were disclosed.","taxTitle","Durham City, Durham County, North Carolina","taxId",5766,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6521451,"Council approves two infill townhouse rezonings, continues larger Lakewood rezoning after community talks",2415,7235000,9650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a&start=7235&end=9650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a/thumbnail_7235000.jpg","/articles/6521451/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-two-infill-townhouse-rezonings-continues-larger-Lakewood-rezoning-after-community-talks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521451-22b6a7dc4b3daeceb275fa6c10c84dd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154632&Signature=bFOhwKc44Qb~7zh8TCZMo3saAxeDAKxKXGu8ankxiHN4A6mN88n1VIacodAg3eY8rHJTU6Ku16Jx1tOOtPdUUkS6qcWvItXSezdreEZIdE0oGr-mXMCWXHhXPpR03W7gPUAXM-FV-ZozjnEckkWbJoHBVfW1loZqVRwiUYs9tU0Wwa-uVzvOGLzveAL1Ias4aekAFs28U8SvZY~iA~uLpe6c9YwU6~o~MyQLA6qheiNNhzN7fBoaANqvJ98rMXj~9KPaaDUEZ42YchNWlHb1oBEp9NlgPCDjTecDTfjg4LB-EZOxJ~5Tl1Jl5tWD1bn5a3fY75jc4GSffIXo~L~~pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Durham City Council on Monday approved two separate rezoning requests that would allow townhouse infill and continued a larger downtown-core rezoning so developers and neighborhood groups could continue negotiations.

The council adopted an ordinance to rezone 2403 and 2405 South Miami Boulevard from Commercial Neighborhood to Planned Development Residential (PDR 15.126), allowing up to 18 townhouses. The measure passed 6-1; Councilmember Rist cast the lone dissenting vote.

Councilmembers also approved a separate rezoning to change 1606 and 1608 East Cornwallis Road from Residential Suburban 20 to Planned Development Residential (PDR 10.205), clearing the way for up to 10 townhouses. That case was approved unanimously. The applicant proffered a $5,000 donation to the city's dedicated housing fund, a $1,000 donation to Durham Public Schools, native plantings per the landscape manual and a commitment to upgrade a transit stop to GoDurham/GoTriangle standards if the existing stop remained in front of the site.

A general-use rezoning request to change two parcels at 401 East Lakewood Avenue and 600 Fayetteville Street to Downtown Design Core ' which would allow higher building heights ' was continued to the council's Aug. 4 meeting. The applicant and planning staff said they requested the continuance to allow more time for community engagement: developers reported three years of stakeholder outreach and the parties told the council they expected to present a narrower set of outstanding issues on Aug. 4.

Planning staff reported there were 231 Explorer/public comments on the Lakewood proposal and 25 speakers signed up for the hearing. Council members and community leaders urged continued direct talks and requested that any community commitments be recorded in binding documents if possible. The applicant said it planned to follow up with a recorded declaration of restrictive covenants rather than rely solely on informal or verbal commitments.

The three zoning votes included standard consistency statements under North Carolina General Statute Section 160D-605.

What passed and what's next

- Methodist Street townhouses (2403 & 2405 S. Miami Blvd): Rezoned to PDR 15.126 (up to 18 townhouses). Vote: 6-1. Planning commission recommendation: approval. Applicant: Silver Developers LLC.

- East Cornwallis Road (1606 & 1608 E. Cornwallis Rd): Rezoned to PDR 10.205 (up to 10 townhouses). Vote: 7-0. Proffers: $5,000 to dedicated housing fund; $1,000 to Durham Public Schools; native plantings; bus pullout/shelter upgrades if the stop remains at the site.

- 401 East Lakewood Ave / 600 Fayetteville St: Downtown Design Core rezoning (increase in allowable height): continued to Aug. 4 at applicant request to continue community discussions; staff reported 231 public comments and 25 signed speakers.

","The council approved rezonings for townhouses on South Miami Boulevard and East Cornwallis Road, and continued a proposed downtown-core rezoning for 401 East Lakewood Avenue to Aug. 4 to allow more community negotiation over historic and community impacts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6521456,"Durham Council pledges up to $1.5M in conditional loan to Durham Housing Authority amid resident complaints",165,4920000,5085000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a&start=4920&end=5085","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a/thumbnail_4920000.jpg","/articles/6521456/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Durham-Council-pledges-up-to-15M-in-conditional-loan-to-Durham-Housing-Authority-amid-resident-complaints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521456-2f2fe9378c89ae0707e0f8b22e263c04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154632&Signature=MJ74LKucS~e81~yo~lbW6CrhBPTh2XP78ioHeqhu6XKtvDRqaA6ypbde9ypp3OBBkrxHij53i0MbB~eUEZ64PikYfuKPmPvmpAewVdc8ynq6ey60wth8UIqZx1rM6JUDgb09vqXttEFZ0B7HiUcm-lMM6siIIWKkVj4p4rFb0JnoDEhCNTZ8bfVla~H~swb~oKu59bcwUtuySuUpf5dVf1Xohupo2mQsvLv4oKkFM365iVUjpPWZFW5lQ5Yokx-4GBST~v8kIhiFkxeV8yB5t7Igm9qzdg26QcIFAf4YDFFj05veaxMH~0KnU63UftG~AprNhNPIGTcTFwp1sZRRQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Durham City Council voted unanimously to provide a conditional binding commitment of up to $1.5 million in loan assistance to the Durham Housing Authority, a measure council members said is intended to help stabilize the agency while requiring DHA to take steps to improve operations.

The council passed three related votes: the conditional loan commitment of up to $1.5 million, authorization for the city manager to execute necessary documents to implement the commitment, and authority for the manager to make non-financial changes to the commitment so long as they do not increase the city's financial obligation. Each vote passed 7-0.

During public comment before the vote, residents urged stronger oversight and transparency from DHA. Shalita Burrows, speaking from the public audience, said maintenance requests were often unanswered, cited mold and air-conditioning problems in senior properties, and named several properties by address: Edgemont, Elms, Golden Point, Price Steel, Daymar Court and Morin Road. Burrows also asked the council to specify which properties would be served and to require accountability for funds the city provides.

Council members acknowledged longstanding federal underfunding of public housing and said the city must step in to help residents while also requiring DHA to address management and maintenance shortfalls. Council members asked that DHA provide specific plans for how the funds would be used and for the agency to demonstrate near-term operational improvements.

Council members also noted a waiting list for DHA housing of more than 6,000 people and that emergency rental and pandemic-era funds helped some households but have not solved longer-term maintenance and capital needs.

The council recorded the action as a conditional loan and directed the city manager to complete documents and required instruments to implement the commitment. The manager was also authorized to make adjustments to the commitment that did not increase the city's financial obligations.

The city said follow-up work will include written commitments from DHA about how the loan will be used, reporting requirements and continued monitoring by city staff.

","The council authorized a conditional commitment of up to $1.5 million to the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) to address capital and operational needs, with council requiring DHA to take steps to improve operations. Speakers at public comment urged transparency and repairs at several DHA properties.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6521460,"Durham Council adopts $700M-plus budget, keeps buses fare-free and raises living wage",4140,5040000,9180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a&start=5040&end=9180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5092435-73d7a1b968834d409c9c2c1d903d6d5a/thumbnail_5040000.jpg","/articles/6521460/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Durham-Council-adopts-700M-plus-budget-keeps-buses-fare-free-and-raises-living-wage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521460-93255bceaf055a1e26f5fd96f90d4cab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154632&Signature=coGqatN95VwE-ChhXTA24lUQrY6k-YrxuYkbsmSsLSNzqMT2F99DLp5B3aRpU6MSsujuHaA0vcu0wZxTUau3IQtWr-Ux4MQ-cLDd0bkIs9ARzohlH-WFXHwXz-mA1OUT1vyUTGYo0qJoFk2HwWnLcK1xTD-zoTcWGo~MpivuxLepuljRAib~XU6yJpUerfpB5rfjoputzbR9x4fJBJQpirEnOAmWlPZvd5ZnH09KXhNQVIiLVAr0T-ZXvFEZkFZ6vQs3UnG6H7VcZJ~i-aXj4CPDlnY1cLuwCGaqsCdfeLT-fwp~nWlZlnot3jWoEP3dUba0dL0Y-MW4Sno01AL~fQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Durham City Council on Monday adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and the 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, approving a package that raises city spending past the $700 million mark and preserves several policy priorities, including fare-free buses and a higher minimum livable wage for city employees.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the budget and related ordinances. Council members and city staff described the plan as a balancing act between rising service costs, a recent property revaluation and long-term investments in infrastructure and city services.

City officials said the budget increases the Durham minimum livable wage for city employees and expands pay for part-time staff. The plan maintains the city's fare-free bus policy for another year; council members noted GoDurham riders are disproportionately low-income and said the policy reduces conflict, avoids fare-collection costs and speeds transit trips.

The capital plan includes about $963 million in projects over the period covered by the CIP, council members said, with roughly $100 million-plus targeted to historically underserved neighborhoods and $7 million added this year for lead remediation in parks; councilmembers noted that, together with last year's allocation, the total park lead remediation funding now stands at about $12 million. The budget also continues design work on safety-focused street conversions, fire and EMS station projects, stormwater improvements and other public works investments.

Council members and staff repeatedly told residents that the tax increase accompanying the budget is not a proportional pass-through of the recent property revaluation; officials said some homeowners will see relatively small changes while others will see higher bills, and they pointed residents to Low Income Homeowner Relief resources administered by Durham County and the city.

The council emphasized homelessness services, investment in youth programs and expansion of HEART (the city's alternative response team) as priorities. Council members also said they will continue to press regional and state partners as federal funding remains constrained for many core programs.

The ordinance adoption concluded a months-long process that included public hearings, small-group briefings and budget work sessions. The council recessed after the vote and will meet again in August for the next work session.

Looking ahead: the council and staff said they will monitor implementation and return with periodic updates on major capital projects and service rollouts, and urged residents with questions about property tax impacts to use county and city assistance tools.

","The Durham City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and 2026–2031 capital improvement plan, increasing the city's overall spending to more than $700 million, preserving fare-free local transit, boosting the city's minimum livable wage and funding park lead remediation and other capital projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Short votes: council approves downtown service contracts, Legal Aid eviction diversion funding

Council approves two infill townhouse rezonings, continues larger Lakewood rezoning after community talks

Durham Council pledges up to $1.5M in conditional loan to Durham Housing Authority amid resident complaints

Durham Council adopts $700M-plus budget, keeps buses fare-free and raises living wage