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Durham recognizes clinical trials day, Huntington's awareness month, public works and Go Durham transit award
Summary
Durham City Council read proclamations for Clinical Trials Day and Huntington's Disease Awareness Month, celebrated National Public Works Week, and honored Go Durham for receiving the North Carolina Public Transportation Associations 2026 Urban Transit System of the Year award.
The Durham City Council opened its May 18 meeting with several ceremonial proclamations and presentations.
Clinical Trials Day: Mayor Leonardo Williams read a proclamation recognizing May 20, 2026 as Clinical Trials Day in Durham. Linda Shawstack (Association of Clinical Research Professionals RTP chapter) and colleagues from Durham Tech, NC Central University and Duke Health described the regions role in clinical trials, workforce training programs and efforts to broaden access to research.
Huntingtons Disease Awareness Month: The council proclaimed May 2026 as Huntingtons Disease Awareness Month. Betsy McFarland, executive director of HD Reach, accepted the proclamation and introduced Dr. Burton Scott of Dukes Huntington Center, who spoke about research and care coordination for patients across North Carolina.
National Public Works Week: The council celebrated National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026). Director Marvin Williams of Environmental & Street Services accepted the proclamation and recognized the contributions of city public-works teams, noting work across environmental services, water management, transportation and general services.
Go Durham honored: Go Durham was recognized after the North Carolina Public Transportation Association named it the 2026 Urban Transit System of the Year. David Rue (NCPTA) and Toana Williams presented the award; City Transportation Director Sean Egan accepted it on behalf of Go Durham and thanked regional partners for investments that helped the system achieve a record FY2025 ridership and launch the citys first 10-minute corridor.
Quote: "Go Durhams record ridership and commitment to equity and accessibility are community achievements," Sean Egan said while accepting the plaque.
Why it matters: The ceremonial recognitions highlight Durhams positioning as a health-sciences and transit-forward city, and they publicly acknowledge partners who contribute to public health, infrastructure and transportation outcomes.
