FY 2026-27 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan

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

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

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.