City Council Work Session on the Budget May 28, 2026

The City Council Work Session of Durham, NC, held on May 28, 2026, focused extensively on budget discussions related to transportation, community safety, homelessness services, and economic and workforce development. Key procurement-related topics included the awarding of a new contract for Go Durham's ADA paratransit system to We Drive You, securing over $12 million in federal grant funding for transit infrastructure projects, and the addition of 15 new battery electric buses to the fleet. The council discussed the FY2027 transit budget shortfall of $8.2 million, with one-time assistance from Durham County and Go Triangle, and the need for future sustainable funding solutions. The Community Safety Department presented its expanded budget and staffing, including the permanent funding of the involuntary response unit and the strategic homelessness framework requiring $13 million in funding to meet reduction targets. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development outlined its $7.77 million budget, highlighting investments in small business loan funds, youth employment programs, and neighborhood revitalization projects. The council also reviewed capital improvement project (CIP) funding options, particularly for athletic courts, with staff recommending phased funding due to capacity constraints. Several motions and options were discussed regarding budget allocations, cuts, and future funding strategies, with an emphasis on collaboration with county partners and private philanthropy to address funding gaps. The session concluded with plans for further budget deliberations and CIP discussions in upcoming meetings.