Durham County Government

Durham Cooperative Extension is offering a free six‑week, hands‑on summer cooking series! 🍴

Each week features a new kitchen skill, baking, knife skills, soups & salads, roasting, and sautéing. Perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks!

Choose the day and time that works best for you:
Thursdays • 2–4 p.m.
August 6 – September 10
Register: go.ncsu.edu/6r5ifd1

Saturdays • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
August 8 – September 12
Register: go.ncsu.edu/qwvtfxe

Saturdays • 2–4 p.m.
August 8 – September 12
Register: go.ncsu.edu/w348kfr

All ingredients and supplies are included. Classes will be held at the Cooperative Extension building (721 Foster St, Durham, NC).

Questions? Email [email protected] or call/text 919-406-4606.

Happy Too Cool Tuesday, !

We may not be fashion forward enough to tell you What Not to Wear, but we can share a few smart tips to help you stay cool during extreme heat. When you’re choosing your outfit for a hot day, remember the Three L’s:

Lightweight – Breathable fabrics help prevent overheating and let heat escape more easily.
Light‑colored – Dark colors trap heat from the sun. Lighter colors reflect sunlight and keep you cooler.
Loose‑fitting – Tight clothing holds heat and moisture. A relaxed fit allows airflow and helps sweat evaporate, giving your body a chance to cool down.

As temperatures rise, choosing lightweight, loose‑fitting, and light‑colored clothing is one of the simplest ways to stay comfortable and protect yourself from the summer heat. Stay smart, stay safe, and dress for the weather!

Looking for more tips on skin protection, staying safe in extreme heat, or signing up for heat alerts? Visit the Durham County Sustainability webpage: https://dconc.gov/extreme-heat.

Be Cool, Durham. Beat the Heat!

Durham County residents will soon receive their 2026 tax bills in the mail. The Durham County Tax Administration will mail annual property tax bills on August 10, 2026. Current year taxes are due September 1, 2026, and can be paid without penalty through January 5, 2027.

Information on tax payment options, the countywide tax rate, how to calculate your tax bill, and property tax relief programs for homeowners can be found here: https://dconc.gov/DurhamCo-News/Durham-County-Residents-to-Receive-Tax-Bills-Soon3.htm

Taxpayers may also access and view their 2026 tax bill online here: https://property.spatialest.com/nc/durham-tax/ #/

Round #2 of voting in the Durham County Board of Elections’ “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest has begun! The three designs receiving the most votes in this round will move forward to the Durham County Board of Elections, who will select the final winning design. The chosen sticker will be handed out to voters beginning with the 2026 Statewide General Election. Cast your vote today!

Voting closes Wednesday, August 5. Cast your vote here: https://dconc2.jotform.com/242295713469061

BOCC to Meet in Work Session

The Durham Board of County Commissioners will host an in-person Work Session at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, inside the Commissioners’ Chambers, 200 E. Main Street.

The public is welcome to attend all BOCC meetings.

Residents who wish to watch meetings are encouraged to continue to watch live on the County’s website or on demand via Durham County Government YouTube Channel

More meeting details: https://dconc.gov/DurhamCo-News/County-Board-to-Hold-Work-Session-on-August-3-2026.htm

, it's Friday and we're back with the latest edition of Durham This Week Online!

Durham’s rapid and continuous growth has brought new opportunities for our community, and significant housing challenges. In this week’s issue, we highlight Durham County’s innovative, community-focused solutions to affordable housing.

Guest writer, Senior Management Analyst Julia Hedelman, shares how support from the American Rescue Plan Act has helped Durham County expand permanently affordable homes and develop partnerships to develop new multifamily units. These efforts are making a meaningful difference for residents across our community.

This issue of DTWO is also packed with updates, including upcoming events, job opportunities, and other important news. Read the County Manager's Message and the full newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/dconc/here-is-here-is-durham-this-week-online-for-july-31-2026

As the new school year approaches, check out these community events happening this weekend to help students get ready!

Join the Durham County Sheriff's Office for the Project Safe Neighborhood Stop the Violence & Cease Fire Community Resource Event! This family‑friendly event will offer community resources, entertainment, free backpacks with supplies (while supplies last), and complimentary food from local food trucks (while supplies last).

📍 Durham County Memorial Stadium (750 Stadium Dr)
🗓️ Saturday, August 1
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

As their summer reading program comes to a close, Durham County Library invites students to “unearth resources” at Main Library as they get ready for the school year! Students can pick up a free backpack and choose one school supply item, such as a notebook, colored pencils, or markers. Community partners will also be onsite sharing helpful local resources and fun giveaways.

📍 Durham County Main Library - Children's Programming Room (300 N. Roxboro St)
🗓️ Saturday, August 1
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (or until all supplies have been distributed)

More information on this event here: https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/event/15384428

Happy Friday! This week’s Fitness Friday pick from our health educators at the Durham County Department of Public Health is a 40‑minute full‑body workout featuring nonstop boxing, kickboxing, and toning. Have fun bobbing and weaving your way through the session!

Try it anytime: https://youtu.be/8CkUrkDP-v0

Earlier this month, Durham County Commissioners attended the RTP 3.0 Press Conference & Reception at the Horseshoe at Hub RTP.

They joined elected officials, regional leaders, university partners, and RTP company executives to celebrate the approval of the RTP 3.0 land‑use framework, marking the culmination of more than five years of planning, collaboration, and community partnership.

During the event, Dr. Mike Lee, Chair of the Durham County BOCC, delivered remarks highlighting the region’s extraordinary growth, strong partnerships, economic opportunities, smart development, quality of life, and the bright future ahead.