Durham County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Durham County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Transit Fund Shortfall and FY27 Work Program
The Board will consider amendments to the FY27 Q2 Durham Annual Transit Work Program — the rolling plan that shapes bus and transit service priorities.
Property Tax Revaluation and Transparency
The 2025 reappraisal drew 10,533 appeals — 42% more than 2019 — and hearings ran past the January 5 delinquency date, complicating the county budget. Staff will do an independent review and rework the process before the 2029 reappraisal.
FY 2027-28 Budget Planning and Revenue Stagnation
County staff presented a challenging budget outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, noting that expenditure increases are outpacing revenue growth and creating a projected $5 million shortfall before considering new funding requests.
Participatory Budgeting
Durham County is giving incarcerated residents a direct say in how public money gets spent through a new participatory budgeting program. It's a bold move to bring a deeply marginalized group into local decision-making and civic life.
Durham Public Schools Budget and Classified Pay
Numerous teachers and classified staff members testified about low wages, urging the county to fully fund the school district's budget request and provide a 12% pay increase to reach a living wage.
State Budget Impact
Because state lawmakers still haven't passed a budget, Durham County is feeling the financial pinch. We might see some tight spots for local services while the county waits on Raleigh to act.
Housing Funds
Durham County is sitting on $1.3 million in federal cash meant for HIV housing that's just going unused. Leaders are scrambling to figure out why the funds aren't actually reaching the people who need them.
Property Tax Increases
Durham's booming growth is causing property taxes to skyrocket, leaving many residents stressed about getting priced out of their own homes. Local leaders are facing massive pressure to figure out how to keep housing affordable while tax bills keep climbing.
Budget Vote
Durham's City Council is voting on a massive $668 million spending plan that dictates how your local tax dollars fund everyday city services. It's the ultimate roadmap for where our community's money goes this year.