Durham Invites Residents to Submit Ideas on How to Spend $2.4 Million on Community Projects

City Residents Ages 13+ Can Submit Ideas from February 11 to March 31

Durham residents can help shape their community by submitting their ideas on how to spend $2.4 million on local projects.

What You Need to Know

• Projects must benefit the public, be a one-time cost, and involve building or improving public spaces or infrastructure.
• Submit ideas online from February 11 - March 31 or register to attend an idea collection event.
• Open to all city residents and school students ages 13 and older.

Participatory Budgeting (PB Durham) is entering its fourth cycle in 2025. This initiative lets residents decide how part of the City's budget is spent by proposing and voting on local projects. From February 11 to March 31, residents ages 13 and older can submit ideas for one-time projects that benefit the community.

"Participatory budgeting gives Durham residents a real voice in deciding how their tax dollars are reinvested in their neighborhoods," said Assistant Director Andrew Holland of the City's Budget and Management Services Department.

During this first phase, residents can brainstorm ideas for projects such as playgrounds, solar-powered bus shelters, public art, or planting street trees. Proposed projects must benefit the public, be a one-time cost, and involve physical improvements to public spaces or infrastructure. Ideas can be submitted online using an interactive online mapping tool or shared at in-person community events.

Idea Collection Community Events

Residents can share their project ideas at in-person events in February and March. They'll be able to learn more about the process, share their ideas, and connect with neighbors. Registered attendees will receive a $25 gift card, be entered into a prize raffle, and enjoy a meal with activities provided for children.

• Launch Celebration Event: Thursday, February 20 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Holton Career & Resource Center (401 N. Driver St.)
• Wednesday, February 26 | 6 - 8 p.m. | W.D. Hill Recreation Center (1308 Fayetteville St.)
• Thursday, March 6 | 6 - 8 p.m. | El Futuro (2020 Chapel Hill Rd.) (Spanish-language event)
• Tuesday, March 11 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Edison Johnson Recreation Center (500 W. Murray Ave.)
• Saturday, March 22 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Holton Career & Resource Center (401 N. Driver St.)
• Wednesday, March 26 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Campus Hills Recreation Center (2000 S. Alston Ave.)

Next Steps

After the idea collection phase closes on March 31, PB Durham will work with residents serving as budget delegates to turn ideas into detailed project proposals. Residents will vote for their favorite projects in early fall, and the City Council will approve the final selections later in 2025. Project implementation will begin shortly after.

Past winning projects include a youth center for LGBTQ+ teens, bus shelters, sustainable improvements for parks, and security improvements at Durham Housing Authority properties.

For more information or to submit ideas starting February 11, visit the PB Durham website. Questions can be sent by email to PB Durham staff or by calling 919-560-4111, ext. 20290. Residents are also encouraged to follow PB Durham on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram for updates.

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