Durham Commissioners Advance Public Safety, Transit, and Housing at Feb. 9 Meeting

DURHAM, NC – Early voting, youth jobs, PreK enrollment, and key capital projects also highlighted

The Durham Board of County Commissioners moved through a wide-ranging agenda Monday night, approving significant investments in public safety infrastructure, open space preservation, youth employment, transit planning, and homelessness services, while also recognizing community leaders and announcing upcoming civic opportunities.

The February 9, 2026 Regular Session was held in hybrid format inside the Commissioners’ Chambers at the historic Durham County Courthouse on East Main Street.

Closed Session and Attendance

The Board entered Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. pursuant to state statute. No action was taken.

Chair Dr. Mike Lee called the Regular Session to order at 7:00 p.m. Commissioners Allam and Valentine were excused. Commissioner Jacobs led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. No agenda adjustments were made.

The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

Community Announcements

Clerk to the Board Monica Wallace shared several important updates:

• Early Voting Begins February 12 for the 2026 Statewide Primary and Election (runs through February 28). Details: dcovotes.com
• Welcome Baby Durham is seeking winter clothing donations for families in need
• Durham PreK Applications Open March 2 (virtual info session February 21)
• Durham YouthWorks Summer Employment Program accepting applications for youth ages 14–21 (deadline February 21)
• Resource Conservation Workshop application open for rising 10th–12th graders
• City-County MLK Employee Observance rescheduled to February 24
• February episode of “In Touch with Durham County” now streaming online

Ceremonial Recognitions

The Board:

• Adopted a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Judge Willis P. Whichard
• Introduced Dana Conners as the newly appointed Durham County Library Director

Major Financial and Capital Approvals

Commissioners unanimously approved the full Consent Agenda, which included:

Public Safety & Infrastructure

• $10.6 million in bond funding for EMS Station #19 co-location facility
• Construction of a new radio tower and mobile radios project
• Contract for automotive equipment at the new OES Fleet Maintenance Facility

Land Preservation & Environmental Investment

• Funding transfers supporting farmland conservation easements
• $571,000 Army National Guard pass-through funding for land acquisition
• Authorization to apply for an EPA Environmental Education Grant

Housing & Human Services

• $350,000 allocated to Urban Ministries of Durham for a Homeless Day Shelter pilot program
• Social Services funding for The PEAS Project (Providing Elders Additional Sustenance)
• Additional Smart Start funding for the Welcome Baby Program

Economic & Transit Planning

• FY26 Q3 Durham Annual Transit Work Program amendment
• Mid-year FTE reallocation to support economic development

Grants & Community Investment

• $100,000 approved for Durham County Matching Grants recipients

Annual departmental reports were also received from the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Open Space & Trails Commission.

Public Hearing: RV Parking Amendment

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding a proposed Unified Development Ordinance amendment concerning RV parking. With no speakers signed up, commissioners adopted the consistency statement and approved the amendment.

Board & Commission Appointments

The Board made the following appointments:

• Animal Welfare Advisory Committee – Jenny Campbell

• Board of Health – Anthony Gregario (At Large), Roger McDougal (Dentist), Pelashia Rhodes (Optometrist), Victoria Orto (Nurse), James Miller (Veterinarian)

• Boxing and Wrestling Commission – Charles Robinson

• Durham Convention Center Authority – Alexandria Gwynn

• Durham County Women’s Commission – Kayla Keels, Sarah Cunningham

• Durham Planning Commission – Ora Musu Clemens

• Historic Preservation Commission – Italo Medelius

Congratulations to all the new and returning appointees for their commitment to public service in Durham County.

How to Watch & Stay Engaged

Meetings are broadcast live and rebroadcast on Durham Television Network and streamed on the County’s YouTube channel.

The next Durham Commissioners Regular Session is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 200 E. Main Street.

For more information, contact the Clerk to the Board’s Office at (919) 560-0025.