Durham County Government

Finally, this evening’s agenda includes the Boards appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:

• Durham Racial Equity Commission: Harry Davis, Jr. and Joy Spencer
• Historic Preservation Commission: Nicholas Chrapliwy
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council: Angela Nunn (United Way Rep) and Sarah Hayes Youth (under age 21) or Member of the public representing the interest of families of at-risk juveniles)

Congratulations to these residents on their appointments and commitment to the Durham community. We applaud you for getting involved with your County!

Durham County Government has approximately 43 active advisory boards. Citizens of Durham County may volunteer to participate by applying for a vacancy. Visit bit.ly/DCoBoards for more information and to apply today!

The Board adjourned tonight’s meeting at 9:03 p.m. The next hybrid Regular Session is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026, inside the Commissioners' Chambers on the second floor at 200 E. Main Street.

Good night, Durham!

Now, the Board will discuss Other Business, including an Update on Nonprofit Requests for Proposals to support Youth Enrichment Programming.

Durham County is home to more than 73,000 youth who are essential to the community's well-being, resilience, and growth. The County has a longstanding commitment to evidence-based, holistic services for youth ages 4 to 24. The FY 2026-27 budget appropriated $500,000 for the grant program, which will fund approximately 10 to 12 one-year grants. The Request for Proposal will open on October 16, 2026, and applications are due by November 20, 2026.

This evening, County Manager Claudia Hager and Senior Management Analyst Julia Hedelman will provide the Board with update and explanation of the process for youth programming grants.

This presentation can be viewed live or on demand on the Durham County YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/)

The Board has approved 10 items on the Consent Agenda and asked staff to provide more details on the following items:

26-0497: Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No.27BCC028 Appropriating $278,200 of General Fund Fund Balance to the Engineering Department and Authorizing the County Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Contract with the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative for Phase I of the Pre-Development Process for the Former Lowe’s Grove School Site - Located at 4505 S. Alston Avenue - to Include the Old Northern High School Site at 117 Tom Wilkinson Road and the Durham School of the Arts Site Located at 400 N. Duke Street by $193,200 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $265,600.00. Staff: Peri Manns, County Staff: Engineering and Environmental Services Deputy Director

26-0500: Approve Submission of Written Comments in the Federal Register Regarding Proposed Rule Changes to Head Start Performance Standards
Staff: Ileana Vink, Durham County Early Childhood Coordinator

26-0514: Establishment of the Durham County Early Childhood Task Force
Staff: Donna Rewalt, Durham Cooperative Extension Director
The complete consent agenda is available for viewing at bit.ly/BOCCdco.

The fifth and final ceremonial item this evening recognizes and highlight Prince Hall Day. The BOCC recognizes the historic contributions and legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry, celebrated in Durham on September 26, 2026.

Prince Hall Freemasonry has played a significant role in supporting communities through charitable service, leadership development, educational scholarships, mentorship programs, and initiatives that promote social progress and community empowerment. Durham County recognizes the positive impact Prince Hall Masons have made through volunteerism, civic engagement, educational advancement, and community service.

Read the resolution recognizing Prince Hall Day:

Fire Prevention Month begins next month. This evening, the Board has proclaimed October 4-10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week in Durham County. This year’s celebration of Fire Prevention Week focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
Many of our everyday tools, including cell phones and laptops, use lithium-ion batteries.

Tyler Fitts, Chief Durham County Fire Marshal, Durham County Office of Emergency Services and Mark Lockhart, Director, Office of Emergency Service, received the proclamation for the Board.

Learn more at https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.
Read the proclamation here:

The next ceremonial item this evening is a resolution honoring the Life and Contributions of Professor Charles Edison Smith.

Professor Charles Edison Smith, a pioneering patent attorney, professor, and Vietnam-era veteran, died on September 15, 2026, He had taught at North Carolina Central University School of Law for more than four decades, influencing aspiring attorneys to serve their communities by advancing justice and strengthening the legal profession.

Read the resolution, read by Commissioner Valentine, in his honor here:

The second ceremonial item this evening honors White Rock Baptist Church. The Durham Board of County Commissioners uplifts the legacy and impact White Rock Baptist Church as they celebrate 160 years of faith, resilience, and community service.

White Rock Baptist Church was founded in October of 1866. Planting its roots right after emancipation, White Rock Baptist Church became a leading congregation representing hope and strength for the African American community in Durham. Dr. Reginald Van Stephens is the paster of White Rock Baptist Church.

White Rock Baptist Church will celebrate its one hundred and sixty years of history in Durham with a variety of celebratory events next month, including an anniversary concert featuring Pastor John P. Kee.

Learn more at White Rock’s history: at https://whiterockbaptistchurch.org/white-rock-baptist-church-history/

Derek Hunter, White Rock Baptist Church Deacon, received the resolution and made remarks. Read the resolution here:

The Board has approved the following meeting minutes:
• August 24, 2026, Regular Session Meeting
• September 8, 2026, Work Session Meeting
• September 14, 2026, Regular Session Meeting

Now, the Board will move on to Ceremonial items. Enjoy tonight’s ceremonial presentations, live or on demand, at bit.ly/BOCCdco.

The first ceremonial item this evening, the Board recognizes the 50th Anniversary of Duke Regional Hospital. The Board is requested to proclaim October 3, 2026, as Duke Regional Hospital 50th Anniversary Recognition Day.
Duke Regional Hospital invites all to celebrate their milestone during their upcoming community event scheduled from 12-4 p.m., at the Durham County Memorial Stadium, 750 Stadium Dr.
The celebration will include live entertainment, health screenings, giveaways, and more! Admission and parking are free for this event.

Learn more at Duke Regional Hospital’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: https://duke.is/DukeRegionalCares
Read the proclamation, read by Chair Lee during tonights' meeting, here:

Clerk to the Board Monica Wallace read tonight’s announcements which included:
1. Applications Open for Sheriff's Community Advisory Board - The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is seeking passionate, engaged community members who want to make a positive impact. Applications are now open through October 9, 2026, for the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Board. Established in 2019 by Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead, the Community Advisory Board provides Durham residents with a direct way to share community concerns and learn more about the operations and responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office. Applicants must reside in Durham, be at least 21 years of age, and can volunteer for one year to attend meetings every quarter. Visit the Sheriff's Community Advisory Board page for more details and to apply: https://www.durhamsheriff.com/community/community-advisory-board

2. Move-A-Bull City Is Back! - Durham’s largest open streets celebration returns on October 4, featuring 1.2 miles of Blackwell, Corcoran, and Foster Streets closed to cars and open for people. Walk, bike, roll, dance, skip, or boot scoot your way through downtown! Enjoy activities for all ages, including arts, music, food, wellness, and fitness experiences all along the corridor. For maps and the full schedule of events, visit: https://www.moveabull.org/

3. Fall Native Plant Sale - Join the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District and Durham Cooperative Extension for the Fall Native Plant Sale on October 1 at the Cooperative Extension Building (721 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701)! Browse a wide selection of native plants grown by local Durham County growers. Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be on-site to answer gardening questions. More information on this event is available here: https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/news/fall-native-plant-sale-10-1/

4. Early Voting for the 2026 Statewide General Election - Early voting for the 2026 Statewide General Election in Durham County begins on Thursday, October 15, and runs through Saturday, October 31. For details about early voting locations, hours, and additional election information, visit the Durham County Board of Elections website: https://www.dcovotes.dconc.gov/voters/voting/early-voting

5. Do You Have Questions About Medicaid? - New federal laws are bringing changes to some North Carolina Medicaid rules. Updated requirements will take effect on October 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027. Durham County Social Services is available to help answer your questions. You can call them at 919-560-8000 or visit in person at the Durham County Human Services Building (414 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27701). The average wait time to be seen is about 10 minutes.

These announcements and others shared by the Board can reviewed on the recording of tonight’s meeting found on the County’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/dcowebmaster).

BOCC announcements are also posted and updated on the Commissioner Meetings’ webpage at https://www.dconc.gov/county-departments/departments-a-e/board-of-commissioners/commissioner-meetings-and-announcements

Welcome to the Durham Board of County Commissioners Regular Session for Monday, September 28, 2026.

A Closed Session was held prior tonight’s Regular Session. No action was taken. Guidance was given to staff.

Chair Lee opened tonight's meeting and Commissioner Valentine read the Land Acknowledgment and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Anyone who signed up to make a comment on an item on the agenda and unable to join in person can access the session virtually. The information for joining the September 28th meeting virtually is as follows:

Online link to join Zoom meeting:
• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86570202640?pwd=akUexbJ94TvSwHJCDcnj9zlVZSBPsz.1 or https://bit.ly/DCoBOCC09282026
• Dial-in Number: 929-436-2866
• Meeting ID: 865 7020 2640 Passcode: 740679

You’re invited to download tonight’s agenda, available in English and Spanish, at bit.ly/BOCCdco.