Highlights about Homeless Services

The Durham City Council weighs a controversial $17 million police technology contract, approves incentives for the Coco Fro redevelopment in East Durham, and hears sharp public testimony on limited free parking, Vision Zero, eviction diversion, contaminated parks, worker pay, and immigration legal services as it crafts a tight new budget.

The Carrboro Town Council reviews a balanced FY27 budget with no property tax increase while grappling with a proposed 45% cut to Human Services funding, weighing options from one-time funds to a small rate hike. Council members also hear sharp public concerns about the Bolin Creek greenway and move ahead with board reappointments amid questions about applicant diversity.

The Orange County Board of Commissioners hears frontline paramedics warn about suspended step wage increases, reviews a recommended K–12 budget that raises per-pupil funding amid declining enrollment, and debates how much to increase the property tax rate. Commissioners also consider shifting federal HOME-ARP housing dollars away from new construction toward rental assistance and supportive services for residents exiting homelessness.

The Durham City Council honors a retiring police chief, introduces an interim leader, and fields emotional public comments on encampments and police activity at Longmeadow Park while outlining limits on city authority and new homelessness efforts. Council members also hear calls for a moratorium on data centers and AI infrastructure, receive updates on drought conditions and water conservation, and dig into transit maintenance problems, reparations demands, and new safety upgrades for people walking, biking, and working in the streets.