Durham Council Confronts Immigration Raids and Housing Change
The Durham City Council addresses recent federal immigration detentions, tensions over board appointments and political rhetoric, and major public housing redevelopments like Tribute Rising and Lincoln Apartments, including how resident relocations and protections will work. Council members also press for environmental cleanup funding in parks, debate support for downtown partners, and review plans for a new joint emergency operations center. 27mins
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Original Meeting
Thursday, November 5th, 2026
5066.13
Durham City Council Work Session November 5, 2026
Video Notes
Welcome to the City Council Work Session for November 5, 2026.
Agenda: https://www.durhamnc.gov/AgendaCenter/City-Council-4
How to participate: https://www.durhamnc.gov/1345
Contact the City Council: https://www.durhamnc.gov/1323
NOTE: Comments left on this livestream will not be read or entered into the meeting record
In This Video
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Council Member Shanetta Burris condemned harassment and false narratives about board applicants, described experiencing racism and microaggressions on the council, and emphasized making board appointment decisions based on the city’s needs while remaining open to dialogue but refusing to be bullied.
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Council member Carl Rist explained that council weighed but did not always follow advisory board recommendations, described monitoring potential state limits on property tax authority while celebrating recent election results, and called for the local Board of Elections to improve campus voting access for students.
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Council member Chelsea Cook offered condolences to the family of Lorenzo Wiley Jr., reflected on repeated losses of young people while expressing unexpected hope after Election Day rooted in working-class power, and urged directing more support and resources to help residents survive and thrive in difficult economic conditions.
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Council Member Matt Kopac acknowledged a neighbor’s federal immigration detention as a reminder to remain vigilant despite recent election elation, urged decency and kindness toward a board applicant caught in false narratives, and offered condolences to the family and colleagues of Lorenzo Wiley Jr. after his death.
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Council member Nate Baker warned of potential harmful actions by right-wing actors before new federal and state officials were sworn in, interpreted recent election results as a strong public appetite for change and major Democratic gains, and urged elected leaders and local officials to work hard together to deliver meaningful policy improvements rather than merely softening existing measures.
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Developer Jordan Jones described property management plans for the Tribute Rising mixed‑income community, explaining past challenges managing the smaller Witted School project, the need for specialized training and sociology support for mixed‑income housing, and the decision to consider either in‑house or third‑party management in coordination with the Durham Housing Authority.
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Council member Shanetta Burris recounted complaints from Witted School senior residents about disrespectful treatment by a third-party manager, urged applying lessons learned so future publicly funded projects do not expose seniors to harassment or bullying, and warned they would closely monitor conditions given troubling videos circulating of staff interactions with tenants.
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Council member Cook asked how residents from existing Durham Housing Authority properties would be moved into Tribute Rising, and Anthony Snell explained that former Forest Hills Heights residents retained a right to return while about 150 units of assistance would be transferred from Cornwallis in later phases several years away, potentially involving multiple relocations.
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Anthony Snell outlined how the RAD project‑based voucher program would relocate residents, including multiple group and one‑on‑one meetings, required written notices, and assurances that tenants would continue paying no more than 30% of their income toward rent with subsidies covering the remainder.
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Council member Rist highlighted that the city’s final bond commitment to the Housing Authority would support redeveloping over 900 dense, affordable units on the same site and invited housing staff to address community concerns about Lincoln Apartments, noting an RFP for their redevelopment was expected to be awarded by year’s end.
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A speaker reported that developer proposals for Lincoln Apartments were being evaluated with redevelopment of the full site expected to begin in 2027, explained that the project was part of a build‑first strategy to create at least 149 replacement units so McDougal Terrace families could relocate there with fewer moves.
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