Durham participatory budgeting draws 16,000+ votes; skate‑park, Bethesda playground and downtown restroom win funding

Durham officials announced the results of Participatory Budgeting (PB) Cycle 4, saying the program drew more than 16,000 resident votes and produced six winning projects that will be implemented using PB capital funds.

Carmen Ortiz, manager of the city’s PB program, said idea collection increased 52% from the prior cycle and that 964 ideas were submitted; 38 budget delegates shepherded proposals through feasibility and equity vetting. “We engaged over 16,000 residents in voting,” Ortiz told the council.

The six winning projects and proposed funding are: renovation of the Durham skate park ($1.2 million); Bethesda Park playground with ADA equipment and shade structures ($750,000); a self‑cleaning public restroom in central downtown (budgeted at $350,000, location to be determined); eight neighborhood murals to honor local history ($150,000); Oxford Manor lighting and security cameras ($150,000); and four Durham Digital Access Stations (public device charging hubs, $100,000).

Ortiz said staff will work with technical departments and community partners to finalize locations and scopes. Council members asked about lifecycle and maintenance costs for select projects (restroom and digital stations); managers said staff will return with scoping and operations plans and noted many projects incorporate solar or low‑maintenance designs.

Council members praised PB’s outreach and equity focus; staff noted innovative efforts during Cycle 4, including a proposal development cohort run inside the Durham County Jail and expanded paper‑ballot outreach to reach residents less likely to participate online. Staff said PB will roll unused funds from prior cycles into capital planning and proceed with implementation and evaluation toward Cycle 5.