Highlights from Durham City Council

The Durham City Council hears sharp public criticism over meeting conduct, questions about COVID relief funding, and extensive opposition to a proposed Peregrine police surveillance contract, followed by the police chief and mayor defending the technology and their approach to public safety. The council also digs into security upgrades in public housing, state-driven Falls and Jordan Lake nutrient rules affecting development, and Durham’s community-wide push to close the digital divide.

The Durham City Council hears emotional testimony about deadly and dangerous crashes on Guess Road and other state-maintained corridors, including a petition from concerned neighbors, then turns to how bond-funded repaving, traffic calming, and an updated joint city–county bike and walk plan will guide future safety investments.

The Durham City Council wrestles with who should control the $10 million Hayti investment, removes Saint Joseph’s as fiscal agent while sending broader funding questions back to staff, and debates community trust on the dais. The council also approves smaller infill projects but rejects the large Brittmore annexation after a heated clash over traffic, the environment, and suburban sprawl.

The Durham City Council hears a call to action on human trafficking prevention, recognizes a long-running youth resilience coalition, and wrestles with annexation and zoning along Highway 98 before narrowly approving the Sagebrook townhouse project amid sharp debate over sprawl, the environment, and housing affordability.