Mayor Leonardo Williams Shares His Vision for Durham’s Future as He Seeks Re-election in 2025
Hey, Durham — Mayor Leo here.
Two years ago, you trusted me to help lead our city forward. Together, we’ve faced challenges head-on and built momentum that’s transforming Durham from the inside out. As early voting begins, I want to share what we’ve achieved, where we’re headed, and why this election matters more than ever.
Durham has always been a city that works hard and looks forward — from Black Wall Street to the Bull City of today. In that spirit, we’ve made real progress: investing in our youth, improving city services, and ensuring that growth benefits all our residents. The story of the past two years isn’t just about policy. It’s about people — and what happens when a community commits to doing the hard work of governing together.
Investing in People and Public Safety
From day one, I’ve believed that public safety begins with public investment. That’s why I launched the Bull City Future Fund — our flagship initiative to reduce youth violence and expand opportunity. In partnership with United Way of the Greater Triangle and the Triangle Community Foundation, we’ve raised just at $1 million for local nonprofits working directly with Durham’s youth.
We also expanded programs that make our justice system fairer and our communities stronger. The HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Team) now includes 17 new full-time staff to respond to crisis and mental health calls without always relying on police. We’ve strengthened the Eviction Diversion Program and the DEAR (Durham Expunction and Restoration Program), helping residents clear charges and restore licenses. Because when we talk about safety, we’re talking about dignity, stability, and trust.
Building a City That Works for Everyone
As a small business owner, I know what it takes to make payroll every two weeks — and that mindset shapes how I lead our city. Governing is about balance: paying for what we need while investing in what we aspire to be.
In two short years, we’ve managed a record $772 million city budget — the largest in Durham’s history — while staying focused on results that touch residents’ lives every day. We raised the minimum livable wage for city workers from $19.58 to $21.90 per hour, kept GoDurham buses fare-free through June 2026, and invested $17 million to expand routes and improve service.
We dedicated $25.7 million to stormwater improvements and flood reduction, including the South Ellerbe Restoration Project. And with more than 1,000 affordable housing units approved or under construction, we’re keeping Durham accessible and inclusive as we grow.
The Council voted unanimously on 96% of nearly 900 decisions — proof that progress isn’t partisan. It’s a shared commitment to results.
Raising Durham’s Profile
Durham isn’t just growing; we’re leading.
In the past two years, I’ve had the honor of representing our city on the national stage — including as a featured speaker at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. We’ve also welcomed the President and Vice President to the Triangle more than 20 times, helping attract investment and attention to Durham’s innovation, history, and culture.
I also see the pressures on Black Mayors across our nation. That is why I went to the Congressional Black Caucus to launch the National Black Mayors Executive Fund to support the work we are doing on the ground, rather than being overshadowed by national politics.
Every visit and every new partnership tells the same story: when people look for the future of America’s cities, they’re looking at Durham.
Governing with Realism and Responsibility
Some have tried to frame Durham’s progress as division, but the truth is simple: we’re growing responsibly, governing transparently, and doing it together.
Growth isn’t the enemy — it’s how we fund our shared priorities. North Carolina cities have only two major revenue sources: property and sales taxes. That’s why smart development is vital to maintaining strong city services.
Take Southpoint Mall, for example. When first proposed, it faced intense opposition and was denied by Council, only for the state legislature to overturn that decision. Today, Southpoint alone provides over 15% of Durham’s total sales tax revenue. It’s a powerful reminder that effective leadership means balancing idealism with practicality — and making the best of every challenge.
Some have also misrepresented the City Council’s 4–3 vote splits as dysfunction or even as anti-Black leadership. Let’s be clear: the majority of this Council are people of color, and most of that majority are Black. Under Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton’s leadership, we made a first-of-its-kind $10 million investment into Durham’s most historic Black community. That’s what real equity looks like in action.
Durham’s Momentum Is Real
Today, Durham is one of the best-run cities in America — ranked #15 out of more than 22,000 nationwide. We’re the second-fastest-growing region in the country, with one of the strongest job markets and the second-most-educated population. We’ve even surpassed Greensboro to become North Carolina’s third-largest city.
Crime is down 26% overall, even as we keep pushing harder on youth prevention and opportunity. We should take pride in this progress. We are safer, stronger, and more unified than we were two years ago — because Durham doesn’t wait for others to solve its problems. We do the work ourselves.
The Choice Ahead
If you applaud a “no” vote on everything, you may be applauding inaction. Leadership is about more than opposition — it’s about solutions. Every “yes” vote your City Council makes comes after negotiation, collaboration, and accountability.
In this election, I’m asking you to choose progress over posturing. Choose partnership over polarization. Choose a Durham that keeps moving forward.
Let’s Keep Building Together
I’m running for re-election because I believe in Durham — in our people, our promise, and our progress.
Durham is the home of Black Wall Street, a place built on self-determination and mutual accountability. That spirit still drives us today. While some will try to divide us, we can choose to build — by voting, by working, and by believing in what we’ve created together.
This November, let’s write Durham’s next chapter — one block at a time.
Early voting is happening now. Election Day is November 4, 2025. Let’s make it count.
Instagram: @leofordurham & @leofrombullcity
Email: [email protected]