Board Calls for Urgent Action to Save Medicaid and Head Start Funding

The board urges residents to contact federal officials as Medicaid and Head Start funding face threats, discusses a major solar project advancing Durham’s renewable energy goals, and celebrates a record gift to the county library. Other highlights include disaster preparedness, playground repairs for local schools, and the growing importance of community support for libraries. 15mins

Budget Emergency Management Energy Health Youth & Family Services
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Original Meeting

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Durham County Board of Commissioners on YouTube
Monday, April 28th, 2025
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Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

Here is a recording of the Durham Board of County Commissioners Regular Session from Monday, April 28th, 2025. View an agenda at https://bit.ly/BOCCdco.

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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Commissioner Jacobs reported on a meeting with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, highlighting concerns about proposed Medicaid changes and urging community members to contact federal officials. 
  • Commissioner Valentine issued a proclamation designating June 28th through July 4th, 2025 as Disaster Preparedness Week in Durham County and encouraged residents to prepare for natural disasters. 
  • Mr. James Chavis addressed the importance of community preparedness for disasters and encouraged everyone to consider their readiness and support systems. 
  • Commissioner Burton issued a proclamation recognizing June 5th, 2025 as Durham Library Foundation Week and encouraged residents to celebrate the Foundation's support of the county library. 
  • Arthur Rogers, President of the Durham Library Foundation, shared details on its largest-ever gift of nearly $1.2 million from a retired librarian's estate. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs thanked the Durham Library Foundation for supporting librarians and highlighted concerns about threats to library funding, emphasizing the Foundation's growing importance in addressing local funding gaps. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs asked for clarification on a consent agenda item related to solar energy and its relation to the county's 2030 and 2050 goals. 
  • Tobin Fried, the county sustainability manager, clarified that a new solar project would provide 70% of Durham County's electricity use based on 2020 data and outlined progress toward the county's renewable energy goals for 2030 and 2050. 
  • Commissioner Burton highlighted the appropriation of $2 million from the North Carolina Public School Lottery Fund for capital projects at eight Durham County Public Schools, specifically for needed playground repairs. 
  • Meytal Barak and Terry David urged the board to advocate for continued Head Start funding, highlighting its impact on local families and the potential consequences of funding cuts. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs urged community members to contact federal officials to support continued funding for Head Start, emphasizing its importance for vulnerable children and families in Durham. 
  • Chair Allam emphasized the importance of Head Start funding for vulnerable children in Durham and highlighted the board's unanimous support for a letter advocating continued federal support. 
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