Highlights from Durham County Board of Commissioners

The County Board reviews a draft plan to convert 18 miles of inactive rail into a multi‑use trail, outlining phased buildout over 10–20 years, flexible road crossings, and an estimated $46–$57 million price tag. Public input showed strong support alongside concerns about safety, gentrification, and environmental impacts, with trailheads sited on public land to avoid eminent domain.

The board hears rising naloxone demand and strains in public defense and child welfare cases, including the loss of a successful family drug treatment court. A major rail trail corridor advances without eminent domain, while budget headwinds - from sales tax shortfalls to federal funding risks- prompt freezes and a more cautious outlook.

The board shares early voting dates and urges residents to complete the Rail Trail survey before this month's engagement period ends. Move a Bull City brings a car-free open-streets event to Blackwell, Cochrane, and Foster on Oct. 5.

The public portion of the meeting was quite short. The Board approved authorized funds for repairs at the Lincoln Community Health Center, though it was suggusted that Duke University ought to cover such expenses. The Clerk also announced upocminc municipal elections and a college fair, while the Board appointed members to several subordinate boards.