budget

Expressed frustration over rising property taxes and speeding on Highway 98, requesting senior tax exemptions and traffic enforcement.

Expressed gratitude for budget support toward immigrant services, public health, and family stability.

Called for holding the county accountable for property tax appeal losses and prioritizing tenant protections and affordable housing.

Thanked the council for funding immigrant legal defense through World Relief Durham and partner organizations.

Critiques city austerity measures, called for elected officials to decline raises, and discussed tax policy impacts.

Raised concerns regarding the cancellation of a lease agreement involving the West End Community Foundation and Parks and Recreation.

Expressed support for increased city funding for immigrant legal defense services for Durham residents.

Spoke on behalf of Durham CAN supporting municipal funding for immigrant legal defense and refugee support.

Urged fiscal restraint, criticized nonprofit spending, and reported difficulties reaching 911 dispatch.

Urged the council to allocate specific funding and action to combat youth gun violence.

Advocated for matching county contributions for violence interrupters and funding youth programs.

Spoke about supporting the Weston Community Foundation and third spaces in Lyon Park.

Spoke on election reform, advocating for combining municipal and general elections to save money, and encouraged reducing single-use plastics.

Urged the city to fund comprehensive community violence interruption programs as part of the budget.

Commended staff on the budget guidelines but urged the council to focus on revenue sources and commercial property tax equity.

Emphasized that the budget is a moral document, urging living wages for city workers, fare-free transit, and park remediation funding.

Representing Durham firefighters, requested a 5% base pay increase and fully funded merit raises.

Asked the council to focus on property tax relief programs for current Durham residents facing rising housing costs.

Advocated for consistent maintenance and funding for public tennis courts, joined by her son Lightning.

Highlighted Durham's tennis heritage and urged greater youth access to public tennis courts for health and mentorship.

Speaking for the Human Relations Commission, urged investments in housing stability, eviction diversion, and DHRC participation in the police chief selection process.

President of Eno CTA, highlighted the lack of court facilities to support senior, disabled, and youth tennis programming.

Advocated for full CIP funding for parks and tennis courts to maintain public health and inclusivity.

Representing DOCTA, emphasized the need for a comprehensive court maintenance plan and youth tennis funding in the CIP.

Advocated for permanent funding for a school crossing guard at University Drive and Dixon Road.

Representing Bike Durham, requested funding for fare-free transit, bike/walk plan recommendations, sidewalk improvements on Hoover Road, and a street design manual.

Advocated for transit funding, real estate staffing for capital projects, and community-led quick build safety projects.

Advocated for repairing and building tennis courts, noting economic and health benefits.

Supported Bike Durham's budget requests for fare-free transit, bike/walk plan funding, and street design manuals.

Suggested seeking contributions from tax-exempt institutions and reassessing commercial property values for tax equity.

Speaking for Durham Parks Foundation, advocated for Hoover Road sidewalks, park programming, and holiday tree lighting funds.

Spoke for Durham Parks Foundation in support of Hoover Road sidewalks and fully funded playground renovations.

Advocated for park funding, sidewalks, and accessible recreational spaces for children and families.

Advocated for $10 million annual investment in community violence intervention (CVI) strategies.

Called for doubling the budget for the Durham Youth Works summer employment program to combat crime.

Highlighted surging tennis participation in Durham and advocated for funding public court infrastructure and maintenance.

Requested audits of city ARPA funds and nonprofit spending, and highlighted the lack of affordable housing options for low-income residents.

Spoke on the community and health benefits of tennis and pickleball courts, urging small city investments to prevent costly overhauls.