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Durham council unanimously opposes state bill curbing local development rules
Summary
Durham City Council adopted a unanimous resolution opposing House Bill 765, which the mayor said would significantly curtail local authority over development rules; council encouraged mayors and cities statewide to join the opposition.
The Durham City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution opposing House Bill 765, a proposal in the North Carolina General Assembly that the mayor and other council members said would limit local control over development rules.
Mayor Leonardo Williams moved the resolution into the early part of the meeting and described the bill as a direct intrusion on local decision‑making. “This bill…does dramatically reduce the local powers of…how we actually grow and develop our own communities,” he said during the meeting, adding that Durham officials had discussed the issue with state legislators from both parties.
Why it matters: city leaders said the bill would “preempt” local development authority and make it harder for municipalities to shape growth and land‑use to local priorities.
Council response Council members thanked Mayor Williams for bringing the item forward. Councilmember Caballero and others said the city should speak up to protect local processes that council members and staff use to review development proposals. The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.
Procedural note The mayor said staff had reviewed the item at a prior work session and posted a video of that discussion; council members who spoke indicated outreach to General Assembly members to seek alternatives on housing policy while maintaining local review authority.
Ending: The council’s vote was a policy position intended to be shared with other municipal leaders and the General Assembly as the bill progresses.
