Violent Crime Drops and Durham Freeway Future Discussed

The board reviews a significant decrease in violent crime, discusses persistent disparities in neighborhood safety, and considers options for modernizing the Durham Freeway. Other highlights include concerns about youth violence, new gun safety outreach, and a proposed ordinance to protect renters from unsafe housing. 32mins

Public Safety & Police Public Works & Utilities
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Original Meeting

Thursday, August 21st, 2025
13541.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council Work Session for August 21, 2025.

To view the meeting agenda, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/AgendaCenter.

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To contact City Council members directly, visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/1323

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Wes Platt
Durham, NC
Neighborhood news guy for Southpoint Access in Durham.
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In This Video
  • Chief of Police Andrews presented the 2025 second quarter crime report, highlighting decreases in violent crime, homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults, and recognized two new Public Affairs team members.
  • Chief of Police Andrews reviewed 10-year trends in violent crime, noting that while overall rates have declined, reductions are not uniform across all areas of the city.
  • Council Member Cook requested neighborhood-level crime data and discussed a decrease in robberies targeting Hispanic and Latinx residents, though a disproportional impact remained.
  • Chief of Police Andrews reported an increase in serious violent crimes committed by juveniles, with most victims being young adults aged 18 to 21 or older.
  • Chief of Police Andrews described a recent gun safety course offered to residents and discussed plans to improve outreach and continue similar programs in the future.
  • Mayor Williams emphasized the importance of sharing crime data responsibly to avoid stigmatizing neighborhoods and requested more detailed age information on offenders to support targeted youth violence prevention efforts.
  • Council Member Rist and Transportation Planner Convery discussed the expected lifespan and modernization needs of the Durham Freeway, funding models for different redesign options, and the importance of maintaining project momentum despite current funding challenges.
  • Council Member Baker expressed support for the Boulevard redesign option for the Durham Freeway, while acknowledging uncertainties and the appeal of combining capping and modernization approaches.
  • Mayor Williams urged for timely action to restore and reconnect the Hayti community, emphasizing the need for flexibility and partnership beyond traditional government processes.
  • Council Member Freeman reflected on the long history of incomplete transportation projects, emphasized the need for reparative action and equitable funding, and called for more information on the economic impacts and funding sources for future improvements.
  • Council Member Cook requested staff research on a proposed ordinance, inspired by student advocacy, that would prevent landlords from collecting rent on units with serious habitability issues, with plans to discuss a draft at the next work session.
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