Durham Comprehensive Plan

City of Durham and Durham County, North Carolina ADOPTED | OCTOBER 2023

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Contents

Cover .................................................................................................... 1

Section 1: Context ............................................................................... 2

1.1 Shaping Durham’s Next 30 Years ...................................................................................... 3

1.2 Equitable Engagement Process .......................................................................................... 5

1.3 How to Use the Plan .......................................................................................................... 8

Section 2: Durham’s Equitable Growth Framework ..... 12

2.1 Guiding Values................................................................................ 14

Equity ...................................................................................................................................... 15

Accountability ......................................................................................................................... 15

Accessibility............................................................................................................................. 16

Well-being ............................................................................................................................... 16

2.2 Community Goals and Objectives.................................................. 17

Sense of Place ......................................................................................................................... 21

Community Relationships ........................................................................................................ 29

Housing and Neighborhoods ................................................................................................... 35

Transportation.......................................................................................................................... 49

Environment............................................................................................................................. 61

Public Spaces and Recreation .................................................................................................. 73

Jobs and Training..................................................................................................................... 81

Education ................................................................................................................................ 89

Health and Well-being ............................................................................................................. 97

2.3 Growth Management Strategy ................................................................ 105

15-Minute Community ........................................................................................ 107 Urban Growth Boundary ..................................................................................... 108 Future Growth Areas ........................................................................................... 108

2.4 Policies and Actions.............................................................................. 110

Community Relationships Policy Topic ............................................................. 114 Neighborhoods Policy Topic .............................................................................. 120 Housing Policy Topic .......................................................................................... 127 Transportation Policy Topic............................................................................... 135 Environment and Public Spaces Policy Topic................................................... 143 Growth Management and Infrastructure Policy Topic....................................... 154 Jobs and Training Policy Topic.......................................................................... 161 Education Policy Topic ....................................................................................... 166 Administrative Policy Topic ............................................................................... 170 Place Types Policy Topic.................................................................................... 174

2.5 Place Types ........................................................................................... 181

Place Type Map................................................................................................... 184 Place Type Descriptions ...................................................................................... 186

Section 3: Implementation ........................................................................ 227

3.1 Implementing the Plan........................................................................ 229

3.2 Implementation List ............................................................................. 230

3.3 Community Goals and Objectives Report Card ................................. 232

Appendices .................................................................................................. 237

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms.......................................................................... 238 Appendix B: Land Use and Transportation Coordination Map ........................ 245 Appendix C: Environmental Resources Map .................................................... 246 Appendix D: Acknowledgements........................................................................ 247

Section 1

Context

Context

1.1 Shaping Durham’s Next 30 Years

The Durham Comprehensive Plan is a broad policy guide that shapes how Durham, city and county, will grow and change.

A Comprehensive Plan directs what should be built where in Durham. It guides what size and kind of homes should be built in different parts of the community, where schools and businesses should be located, and where streets should be built. The plan acts as a blueprint for where and how Durham will develop today and in the future. The plan includes recommendations for big decisions that our local government may make. How should Durham care for its existing neighborhoods and longtime residents, particularly those who have been ignored or harmed by big decisions in the past? What are Durham’s infrastructure needs, like water, sewer, or transportation? What kind of environmental protections should we have? How and where should farmland be preserved? How do we connect more residents to jobs, housing, schools, and resources?

In recent years, the pace of new development, an outdated land use plan, and a global pandemic have accelerated inequities in our community. While this new plan cannot predict all future challenges, it provides a framework for solutions that work towards greater equity and accessibility for Durham residents. It also sets up a framework for accountability by local government (see more in Guiding Values on page 14).

Durham looks the way it does because previous plans and policies determined how it could grow and develop. In the past, city government officials, who were usually white, decided what the rules would be for how the community would grow. These rules have often been very unfair to residents of color. Government officials decided to build a freeway through the thriving Black neighborhood of Hayti and to allow industrial areas that cause pollution to be placed in Black neighborhoods instead of white ones. Many of these rules, and their consequences, have long-lasting impacts that are still felt today.

Context

To learn from our history and plan for a future that works for those who have been historically excluded from decision-making, we began by engaging community members so that we can understand, honor, and listen to what Durham residents say they value and want to see for Durham’s future. For this new Comprehensive Plan, we wanted our residents, especially our residents of color, to help write this plan. We know that the rules of the past have not benefited people of color, often because they were written by and designed to benefit white people. Our Comprehensive Plan needs to be written to address racial equity in how we grow, to reflect the needs and priorities of our entire community, and to begin to address the historical inequities of past decisions (see Honoring and Celebrating Culture and Communities on page 23).

This Comprehensive Plan is a culmination of three and a half years of work engaging and partnering with residents to develop a strong foundation (Community Goals and Objectives on page 17), clear policies and actions for change (Policies and Actions on page 110), guidelines for how places should change over time (Place Types on page 181), and strategies for making Durham’s vision a reality (Implementation on page 227).

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Pettigrew Street circa 1940. Photo courtesy of Durham County Library.

Context

1.2 Equitable Engagement Process

The Durham we live in today has been significantly shaped by previous plans. Durham’s last comprehensive plan was adopted in 2005. Since then, Durham has struggled with using an outdated plan, changing priorities in the face of rapid population growth, fast-paced new development, soaring housing costs, and increasing property values. Not all residents have benefited from Durham’s growth and development.

In writing this plan, staff has worked to prioritize equity for Durham residents as a foundational value. You will see equity mentioned throughout the document and see the naming of specific groups or people who may be more adversely impacted by land use decisions. We must be committed to equity in our process and our outcomes to address the challenges residents experience with how we’ve planned our community in the past (see [Guiding Values on page 14](http://Guiding Values on page 14) and [Community Goals and Objectives on page 17](http://Community Goals and Objectives on page 17))

Our work has incorporated key components of the [City’s Equitable Community Engagement Blueprint](http://City’s Equitable Community Engagement Blueprint), created by the City’s Neighborhood Improvement Services (NIS) Department. In our work to equitably engage with Durham residents, the ENGAGEDurham brand and website were created to help connect more residents to City and County engagement opportunities. This effort prioritizes racial equity so that those who have been historically excluded from decision-making have a voice. In addition, we have worked to coordinate with other departments, projects, and organizations throughout the process to try and make it easier for residents to engage on more than one effort at once. The work towards equitable engagement has been a new process for our team. We have heavily relied on community members’ feedback along the way to continuously try to improve equity in this work from each phase to inform the next.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the challenges and inequities in our community became starker as different groups in our community felt disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 in their daily lives. Both the need for improving equity and the challenges of equitable engagement significantly increased. Our planning process had to shift, and we have worked to try new methods to equitably engage different members of our community.

Context

Throughout the planning process we engaged residents by establishing an Outreach Team (residents we regularly met with to advise on engagement strategies), Engagement Ambassadors (who helped engage residents on all elements of the plan), and Policy Working Groups (groups of staff and residents who helped draft and edit the Policies and Actions on page 110) in addition to focus groups, community meetings, and online engagement opportunities.

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Listening and Learning Session, November 2019.

Engagement Highlight

The Engagement Ambassador program is a new approach that recruits residents with connections to marginalized communities in Durham to directly engage their neighbors, friends, and family members. Ambassadors received a stipend for this work to try to remove some of the barriers that marginalized communities in Durham face when engaging with local government. Another focus of the program is to hear from Ambassadors on how to improve the program, to change our approach to address and reflect that input, and to keep working towards more equitable engagement in each iteration.

Ambassadors are recruited to help make connections to parts of our community that staff may not be able to successfully engage, often because of a lack of trust. Ambassadors are engaging underrepresented communities they are in relationship with to make sure these residents are included in the process and that their voices are heard. As part of ENGAGEDurham, Engagement Ambassador work has been incorporated into other City or County projects, most notably the Durham County Transit Plan process.

Engagement Ambassadors are residents who hold one or more of these identities:

» Residents who live in Durham Housing Authority properties

» People who have had housing insecurity

» People with low incomes

» Youth

» Seniors

» People with Disabilities

» Public transit Riders with no regular access to a car

» Latino/Hispanic residents and residents of color

» People who are or have been justice involved

More information on the process and what residents said can be found on the web at engagedurham.com/161/Process-and-Timeline

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Context

The Comprehensive Plan works within a system, and alone, cannot solve every problem.

Durham City and County operate under the rules granted by the North Carolina State Legislature. The Legislature limits Durham’s authority to both create tools and enforce rules that may lead to outcomes that residents want and need.

Overall, the plan guides decisions made by local government about where and how new development happens. Plan recommendations for how to change the rules for development (through amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance) are one of the most significant ways the plan will impact what gets built on the ground. Property owners have the right to develop their land, but the Comprehensive Plan can guide what is built to fit into a larger community vision.

The Community Goals and Objectives on page 17 describe what residents need, regardless of how they fit into a legal framework. The recommendations in the plan, the Growth Management Strategy Section on page 105, Policies and Actions on page 110, and Place Types on page 181 are our best attempt to work within the constraints of a system that often leads to decision-making that is inequitable. While we know we must work with this system, we heard a strong desire from residents not to limit our vision for our community by what is possible now. This has allowed us to identify areas where we need to try to change this system in order to meet the needs of our residents.

Many of the Community Goals and Objectives cover topics explicitly about land use and are typically found in comprehensive plans. Topics around land use and development are also what the Durham Planning Department can directly influence, like development regulations, zoning, and environmental protection. For other objectives, the land use connection is not as clear, and it may not be immediately obvious how the Comprehensive Plan, focused on land use, could influence some of the topics discussed. Examples of these topics include funding for school programs and operations, job training programs and partnerships, and youth and senior programs and resources. Despite these topics not having as many land use connections, there are plans or processes outside of the Planning Department designed to address these needs for residents. For the objectives without direct land use connections, we are committed to identifying partners better suited to implement those elements of the community vision. Information and feedback related to objectives outside the scope of the Planning Department will be sent to other partners to inform their plans, policies, and programs. Coordination between City and County Departments as well as community organizations and institutions is an important step in responding to resident input and making the objectives our reality.

Context

1.3 How to Use the Plan

This plan has been intentionally designed to be more accessible to Durham residents, particularly residents who may not have technical backgrounds and those who will be most impacted by land use decisions.

Traditionally, Comprehensive Plans in Durham have been a tool for managing private property that required specialized knowledge to use and understand. Land use planners, developers, and property owners, through legal limits of private property ownership, have generally been the intended audience of previous plans. The plan’s focus, word choice, and structure leads with stories of lived experiences from Durham residents. Then, the plan builds from those stories the technical elements of land use planning that ultimately impacts how a community functions in our built environment.

Here are how different audiences may use this plan:

Elected officials

Durham City and Durham County Government leadership should demonstrate commitment to the plan’s goals and recommended actions. Legislative bodies of the City and County should adopt the plan and ensure consistency in applying the plan to land use decisions. Policy and investment decisions made by elected officials, such as approving budgets and Capital Improvement Plans, should be informed by the Comprehensive Plan.

Departments and Agencies

City and County Departments and Agencies (ex: Durham Public Schools, Durham Housing Authority, etc.) should be familiar with the plan recommendations. Policy and investment decisions should be guided by the plan, and implementation should be carried out by coordinating with the Planning Department when there are decisions that impact land use.

Developers and Property Owners

Developers and property owners should familiarize themselves with the Community Goals and Objectives on page 17 and think specifically about how development has contributed (positely and negatively) to the issues and

Context

challenges residents described. When proposing new development, developers and property owners should consult the plan regarding recommendations that are specifically development related (indicated with (D)) and connect that to the intended outcomes written in the Community Goals and Objectives. The plan provides guidance on desired forms, uses, and character of development in the Policies and Place Types sections.

Community Organizations

Community organizations can use the plan to advocate for the recommendations in the plan, including the Guiding Values on page 14, Community Goals and Objectives on page 17, Policies and Actions on page 110, and Place Types on page 181. Community organizations will be key partners in implementing many of the recommendations.

Community members

Durham residents were significantly involved in the creation of the plan and should advocate for decisions and proposals in line with the spirit and intent of the plan. Implementation of the plan can be a primary way to for residents to advocate for accountability. Residents are the experts of their neighborhoods and should continue to shape implementation through their advocacy, actions, and partnership with the City and County.

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Durham Neighborhood College, 2019.

Context

Plan Components

The components of the plan are used together in three main ways: to evaluate new development proposals for applications that require decisions made by elected official, to inform City and County work (such as projects, programs, or initiatives), and to write new development regulations (which are legally binding) in the Unified Development Ordinance that affect what property owners can do.

New development proposals

Once adopted, the recommendations in the plan will be used to guide decisions made by elected officials as they consider approving new development. For example, in a rezoning case, if a property owner wants to change what they are allowed to build on their property, that change must be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by either the City Council or the Board of County Commissioners. To evaluate proposals these sections should be used:

» The plan’s goals (Community Goals and Objectives on page 17) which are intended to state the plan’s intent as clearly as possible so that staff, elected officials, and community members know what we are working toward and who may be impacted by the recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan. Created from significant and candid community input at the beginning of the planning process, the City Council and Board of County Commissioners adopted the Goals and Objectives in June of 2021 to provide interim direction to staff before the new Comprehensive Plan was adopted.

» The Growth Management Strategy Section on page 105, Policies on page 110, and Place Types on page 181 which describe what the community wants to see and does not want to see in new development. These sections will be used to evaluate whether a proposed development matches what the Plan envisions; or if the proposed development conflicts with the Plan.

Inform City and County Department Work

Some work the City and County can take on is not related directly to new development (ex: publicly funded infrastructure projects or educational programs). The Plan’s Policies lead to Actions which are ideas the Planning Department and other departments and organizations in the City and County should be working on in the coming years. For example, identifying areas of the community where further studies are needed to provide more guidance for how development should occur. The Policies and Place Types also guide decisions about where to extend water and sewer lines or add new bus routes and sidewalks. The policies can also guide the creation of new programs, incentives, or budget requests to help create the kind of community that residents want in Durham.

Context

Development Regulations in the Unified Development Ordinance

A specific way the Actions on page 110 lead to implementing the plan is by recommending changes to the Unified Development Ordinance. The Unified Development Ordinance is a legally binding set of rules that regulates how physical development of land is allowed to occur in both the City and County. It is called a “unified” development ordinance because it includes regulations for a variety of things including zoning and subdivision of land. This is important because when an idea in the plan is adopted into the Unified Development Ordinance, it becomes law that developers and property owners must follow.

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Durham City Council Meeting, 2020.

Section 2

Durham’s Equitable Growth Framework

» Focuses more growth within the existing City footprint » Identifies areas where future growth may be desired » Improves residents’ access to daily needs » Focuses on transportation improvements that are not car-centric » Coordinates existing and planned transit investments and housing placement » Prioritizes affordability and diversity of housing in all places » Improves community resiliency and sustainability » Ensures we are working towards equity in all work

Guiding Values

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Aerial Image of Durham, 2022.

2.1 Guiding Values

The Guiding Values are the key overarching priorities we heard from residents during the community engagement process for creating the Comprehensive Plan. Equity, accountability, accessibility, and well-being are values local government should hold and commit to in all our work.

Read the Guiding Values if you:

» Want to find a brief summary of how different topics impact residents’ lives and overall well-being

» Seek to understand the values that guide local government staff during and after the Comprehensive Plan adoption

» Want to know what we mean by equity in the Plan

Guiding Values

During the year and a half of engagement that shaped the Community Goals and Objectives of this Comprehensive Plan, residents often spoke about wanting to live in a community where we invested in and acted upon our values.

Several key values emerged: Equity, Accountability, Accessibility and Well-being. These values form the foundation of all goals and objectives in this Comprehensive Plan and are deeply connected to each other. The descriptions below are written in the voice of our local government staff and elected officials to reflect our commitment to uphold the values we heard our residents care most about.

EQUITY

Equity means a Durham where one’s race, ethnicity, physical ability, age, income, gender identity, or sexual orientation are not barriers to living the life one wants to live. Equity in a Comprehensive Plan for Durham means being intentional about making decisions that create more choices, opportunities, and access for those who currently have the least. It means moving beyond good intentions and taking deliberate action that leads to equitable outcomes for this community. We must equitably invest in our community by shifting resources to parts of the community that we have neglected in the past, especially because resources for our community are limited. We want a Durham where all people, particularly Black and brown residents and low-wealth residents, can live safely and securely; move around in the ways they want; and access healthcare, jobs, education, and recreation. Equity requires acknowledging, as a government, that our history and past decisions have created a society that is deeply fractured and unequal. We have to be intentional about working toward racial justice and undoing those harms.

ACCOUNTABILITY

To be truly committed to an equitable community, we must be accountable to our community, with a clear purpose toward equitable outcomes. We must intentionally involve and empower residents in the planning and development processes and invite and encourage developers to work with us toward our Community Goals and Objectives. We must invest our resources in ways that will achieve the values our community members say are important—like equity, accessibility and resident well-being. We must be true to our word, transparent in our actions and efforts, and communicate what we are doing clearly and accessibly. We must intentionally reverse the impacts of racist policies and

Durham Comprehensive Plan 15

practices and take responsibility for our organization’s role in creating or perpetuating those policies and practices. Without that accountability and intentionality, social injustice, economic injustice, and systemic racism will continue.

ACCESSIBILITY

To become more equitable, we must reduce barriers and ensure accessibility in the broadest sense. We must create access for residents to be meaningfully involved with ongoing decision-making, shifting influence and power to the community, and working together to build a future with equitable outcomes. Accessibility also means ensuring resources are convenient to reach, equitably distributed, universally designed, financially attainable (or affordable), and welcoming to each resident. Intentionally creating access to resources in an equitable way is necessary for Durham residents to connect with each other and thrive in their daily lives.

WELL-BEING

We must support residents in building community, relationships, and social connections so that together we can create networks of safety and care that allow all people to thrive. We must work toward a future where residents have good physical and emotional health. We want communities that are welcoming, safe, healthy, stable, and protected. We must support and invest in residents through training and education and in sustainable jobs. We must work toward solutions that fit the unique needs of our community and care for residents as full human beings in all aspects of their lives. We want to see intentional long-term investments in people and places that promote inclusion, connection, and well- being for all Durham residents. Care for residents’ well-being is the ultimate outcome and can only be achieved through equitable, accountable, and accessible practices.

As you read through the Community Goals and Objectives, you will hear the stories of the lived experience of Durham residents. These stories envision the future our residents want to build for Durham. We want the Comprehensive Plan to reflect our shared values of Equity, Accountability, Accessibility, and Well-being. These values will guide how we build our future together.

2.2 Community Goals and Objectives

The Community Goals and Objectives form the foundation of the Comprehensive Plan and guide all the technical planning tools described in subsequent sections (Growth Management Strategy on page 105, Policies and Actions on page 110, Place Types on page 181, and Implementation on page 227).

Read the Community Goals and Objectives if you:

» Are looking for an overarching vision for how Durham grows and changes in the future

» Need to know what outcomes residents are looking for from new development

» Want to read what residents say they need and the current conditions impacting their lives in Durham

» Want to know how the Goals and Objectives connect to the Policies and Actions

» Need to know how your department or organization's plans and initiatives can support the Goals and Objectives

» Need more information, context, and intent for the Growth Management Strategy, Policies and Actions, and Place Types

Community Goals and Objectives

How the Community Goals and Objectives are organized:

» Each goal is written as a big picture statement that describes the desired future for residents and summarizes the objectives on that topic. The goals describe what we want that part of life in Durham to be like in the future.

» Each objective includes multiple parts:

• a title identifying the overall topic and values
• an initial objective paragraph
• supporting background paragraph(s) providing context based on residents’ current experiences
• a final objective paragraph
• a group of verbatim resident quotes that were used to help draft the objective

» The term objective refers to the whole of the multiple parts listed above. The initial and final objective paragraphs are written in the voice of residents. The phrases “we need” and “we want” state the needs and wants expressed by Durham residents. Each objective must be considered in its entirety to understand the full picture of what residents want for their future.

Table of Contents - Community Goals and Objectives

Sense of Place Goal on page 21

Honoring and Celebrating Culture and Communities on page 23 Multi-Generational, Diverse, Resilient, and Inclusive Neighborhoods on page 25 Rooted and Connected Communities on page 27

Community Relationships Goal on page 29

Informed and Involved Community Engagement on page 31 Intentional Planning and Decision-Making on page 33

Housing and Neighborhoods Goal on page 35

Complete Neighborhoods: Resources for Thriving Lives on page 37 Creative and Varied Housing Solutions on page 39 Accessible Housing and Neighborhoods: Designing for Everyone on page 41 Affordable Housing on page 43 Healthy, Dignified, and Welcoming Neighborhoods on page 45 Safe and Protected Neighborhoods on page 47

Transportation Goal on page 49

Intentional and Equitable Transportation Investment on page 51 Healthy, Safe, and Dignified Transportation on page 53 Accessible Transportation: Designing for Everyone on page 55 Intentional and Coordinated Transportation and Land Use on page 57 Connectivity on page 59

Community Goals and Objectives

Environment Goal on page 61

Equitable Access to Green Space on page 63 Healthy and Clean Air, Water, and Land on page 65 Harmonious and Respectful Development on page 67 Resilient, Carbon-Neutral, Biodiverse, and Generationally-Oriented Communities on page 69 Healthy Food Access on page 71

Public Spaces and Recreation Goal on page 73

Equitable, Safe and Well-Maintained Public Spaces on page 75 Affordable and Intentional Activities and Events on page 77 Welcoming, Inclusive, and Celebratory Publics Spaces and Events on page 79

Jobs and Training Goal on page 81

Sustainable, Supported, and Dignified Jobs on page 83 Accessible and Innovative Jobs on page 85 Accessible, Affordable, and Supported Training Opportunities on page 87

Education Goal on page 89

Innovative and Accessible Community-Oriented Schools on page 91 Safe, Supportive, and Nurturing Schools on page 93 Equitable Investment in Schools on page 95

Health and Well-being Goal on page 97

Intentional and Supported Youth Opportunities on page 99 Inclusive and Intentional Senior Opportunities on page 101 Equitable and Affordable Health and Wellness on page 103

Community Goals and Objectives

Sense of Place Goal

By 2050, the history and culture of Durham will be more fully and equitably told, acknowledged, and celebrated. Residents can remain rooted in their neighborhoods and connected to their communities and those histories. Neighbors will benefit from the stability and resiliency of living in diverse, multigenerational, and interdependent communities.

Objectives

[Honoring and Celebrating Culture and Communities on page 23](page 23)

[Multi-Generational, Diverse, Resilient, and Inclusive Neighborhoods on page 25](page 25)

[Rooted and Connected Communities on page 27](page 27)

17 policies under 5 groupings relate to the Sense of Place Goal and Objectives

Refer to the groupings listed below to read the content of each policy

[Investments in Neighborhoods on page 121](page 121)

[Preventing Displacement on page 121](page 121)

[Historic Resources on page 122](page 122)

[Development in Neighborhoods on page 123](page 123)

[Neighborhood Design on page 123](page 123)

Community Goals and Objectives

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Hayti handdrawn map undated. Photo courtesy of Durham County Library.

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Community Goals and Objectives

Honoring and Celebrating Culture and Communities

Objective

We need to acknowledge and tell the full story of Durham’s rich culture, history, and the strength of its communities, particularly Indigenous, Black, and Hispanic/Latino communities. We need to recognize that a community is built by the contributions of all its people and that honest public history is not just a record of wealth and privilege. We need to preserve and create physical evidence of that history in our community so that Durham’s residents—particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) residents—can see their past, present, and future reflected in this place. We need to recognize Durham’s historic buildings and places as living artifacts of our shared public history and thoughtfully preserve them to enrich our future. We need to empower residents to tell the stories of their own cultures and history, and combat systems that benefit from erasure or minimization of that history.

Background

Although the City of Durham was incorporated in 1869, communities have inhabited this place for far longer. Prior to settler colonialism, Indigenous peoples, including the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and the Eno, lived and thrived in what we now call Durham. Settler colonialism violently disrupted a healthy state of relationships and systems based around the caretaking of the land, all life, and each other. On this stolen land, white landowners built wealth by enslaving people of African ancestry in race-based chattel slavery. Formerly enslaved people, including those from Stagville, used kinship and community, forged in bondage, to build the foundations of the Durham we know today. Amid the pressures of the White supremacist Jim Crow South, Black residents made Durham a haven for Black business, community, and culture. In the 1960s, our local government’s broken promise of “urban renewal” destroyed or damaged the thriving Black communities of Hayti, Hickstown, and Crest Street, leaving Highway 147 where homes and businesses once stood. Since then, local government and private development have often divested from historically Black neighborhoods and excluded Black residents from important decisions. In the last few decades, Latinos and other immigrants have become part of the fabric of the Durham community. Today, Durham is advertised to newcomers in ways that omit these histories or tout diversity without benefiting or supporting residents of color. Residents recognize that we cannot have meaningful conversations about land use and Durham’s future without understanding our history and where we have been.

We want to celebrate the stories of our community elders, the cultures of Indigenous peoples on whose land we reside, and achievements of our Black residents. We want to acknowledge past wrongs, actively work to right them, and support communities telling their own stories.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“I don’t want to be a plaque, this is where Black people used to live, it’s like we’re a dying breed and it shouldn’t be that way”

“What made these black neighborhoods special is that they literally came off of a plantation and built the communities themselves”

“Race, making sure people of color are recognized, acknowledged and taken care of in the city of Durham”

“Durham was a safe haven for Black people. now largely living in poverty. no jobs, transportation. something drastic happened. Urban renewal-147 did this. broken promises made to Black people”

“Remember the legacy by taking care of the ancestors; Bull City was Built by hands of our ancestors, continue their legacy by ensuring their descendants voices are heard and needs are met. #BullCityLegacy“

“People who have grown up in other communities should have access to afford to move back into these communities after development.”

“Durham used to be a safe haven for p.o.c to have a dream or an opportunity for better quality of life”

“Durham needs to honor the historical contribution of African Americans in a real tangible way that center equity in any major plans and respects native Durham voice and experiences”

“It gets to the heart of one of Durham's oldest problems...that being lack of attention to communities of color, especially the Black community, who helped to build Durham from the ground up. Our ancestors worked at the tobacco factories, the chicken processing plants, and in the homes of Durham's wealthy land and yes, slave owners to build this city. It should be embarrassing to city leaders to have ignored our communities to the extent they have, which has led to communities such as McDougald Terrace and others who are living in less than substandard conditions just a few miles from properties that they cannot afford to live in, yet their fore parents made it possible for Durham to "thrive" while they can barely "survive.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Multi-Generational, Diverse, Resilient, and Inclusive Neighborhoods

Objective

We need inclusive neighborhoods made up of diverse housing, where people of different races, ethnicities, ages, and incomes can live together in safety and stability, particularly Black and Hispanic/Latino residents, low-wealth residents, youth, and seniors. We need diverse neighborhoods where residents can remain rooted and that offer opportunities to share resources, care for neighbors, and learn from one another’s life experiences.

Background

Our current housing options isolate older adults, people who need assisted living, and people with lower incomes. Zoning rules and development result in separated housing types. This produces segregated or gentrified neighborhoods where resources are concentrated in higher-wealth areas. Residents see whitewashed and cookie-cutter neighborhoods where the arrival of mainly white people with money inflates housing prices. This pushes residents of color out of their homes and signals the end of decades of culture and community.

We want to actively ensure that communities are not torn apart when establishing sustainably diverse and inclusive communities. We want equitable inclusion that allows residents to thrive in neighborhoods that reap the benefits of racial, cultural, socioeconomic and multigenerational interdependence.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“A Durham that is truly integrated - economically, racially, culturally, where everyone feels at home”

“Affordable housing has to be integrated—can’t be isolated and stuck there forever. Look at cooperative integrated models.”

“Clusters of community that foster interaction and de-silo our digital world”

“Diversified living spaces for all people: more integration throughout Durham”

“As I get older I want to be independent for as long as possible, don’t have family to rely on as vision is degenerating – alternatives for living, 55 plus”

“New housing plans for public housing residents- (select plans from the best models in other cities) or move these residents into the greater community (not packing them all together as currently done)”

“And we need to invite residents between different neighborhoods to get to know the diversity of Durham”

Community Goals and Objectives

Rooted and Connected Communities

Objective

We need to protect our communities from displacement so that people can remain rooted in and engaged with their current neighborhoods, connected to one another and to resources. We need to ensure that residents are not displaced from their neighborhoods and can benefit from Durham’s growth, particularly Black and Hispanic/ Latino residents, low-wealth residents, youth, and seniors.

Background

Rising housing costs and property taxes are displacing residents from their communities, and people are losing a sense of belonging as a result. Particularly in the last twenty years, a combination of policies, market forces, government investments, and other land-use decisions have led to runaway displacement and gentrification, particularly for Black communities in Durham. In addition, the proposed redevelopments of Durham Housing Authority properties will likely move residents from current communities to different places, which would disconnect residents from each other. There is a sense of stability in being connected to a particular place and the people and resources that exist there. Without this, residents experience significant negative mental and physical health impacts as they increasingly feel unwelcome and unsafe in their neighborhoods and are threatened by displacement or eviction.

Much of the current development happening is not rooted in Durham’s history; the housing and neighborhoods that result do not reflect community culture. Development that is not rooted and connected causes fragmentation, displacement, and eventually destruction of existing communities.

We want stability, connectedness, and a sense of rootedness, particularly for communities of color, so that all Durham residents can live in communities that are supportive and nurturing. We want new development designed to respect, support, and fit into existing neighborhoods and for residents to be involved in those decisions. We want residents who have already been displaced to be able to return to their neighborhoods.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“When people are able to establish roots they are able to effect the soil, much as deep rooting plants keep the soil from eroding, replenishing part of the soil as it lives off of it as well, a mutually beneficial relationship. What is missing is stronger language to illustrate this, as it is vital for the long term growth of the community both culturally and economically.”

“I live in Durham but do not feel connected to Durham”

“Soul and character preservation”

“People who have lived in older neighborhoods permitted to return to those neighborhoods to live in clean, safe, affordable housing”

“Displacement leads to desperation- stripped away, taken, made to feel they don’t belong”

“Residents are at risk of being lost in the shuffle in the proposed redevelopment of DHA property”

“Durham was community-oriented and residents can see that it is different now - people don’t talk to their neighbors, due to income inequality; people just waiting to see who will be displaced next”

“Social determinants of peoples’ health is so tied to belonging so people don’t know what to do or who to trust if they don’t have this sense of belonging“

Community Goals and Objectives

Community Relationships Goal

By 2050, Durham’s local government will engage the community intentionally, consistently, and equitably to build relationships and community capacity. Local government, including elected officials, will be accountable to the community in its commitment to equitable engagement, actions, and outcomes.

Objectives

Informed and Involved Community Engagement on page 31 Intentional Planning and Decision-Making on page 33

43 policies under 8 groupings relate to the Community Relationships Goal and Objectives Refer to the groupings listed below to read the content of each policy

Equitable Engagement on page 115 Engagement on New Development on page 115 Engagement in City and County Governments on page 116 Accessible Information on page 117 Growth Management on page 155 Planning Tools for Growth Management on page 156 Resiliency on page 158 Infrastructure on page 158

Community Goals and Objectives

⬚ figure

Durham Planning Academy, 2019.

⬚ figure

Listening and Learning Session, 2019.

Durham Comprehensive Plan 30

Community Goals and Objectives

Informed and Involved Community Engagement

Objective

We need communication and engagement processes that are accessible, transparent, equitable, ongoing, and representative of community input that lead to equitable outcomes. Engagement efforts need to prioritize and be designed specifically to address the needs and concerns of those who are most likely to be adversely impacted by public or private initiatives.

Background

Many residents, particularly in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities, have a deep-seated distrust of the City and the County. Historically they have not had access to information, have received misleading information, have been actively harmed by City- and County-initiated projects like urban renewal, and have not seen their needs reflected in decisions made after engagement happens. Local officials and government staff have not had success consistently identifying and removing barriers to participation and coordinating engagement activities with other departments and agencies. These barriers can include: ADA accessibility, language accessibility, information that is understandable to residents, compensation for participation, clear information about opportunities to influence decisions and outcomes, and different methods to reach people who may not have digital access to information and engagement.

We want engagement to be honest, relevant, efficient, and effective; information to be clear, accurate and timely; and for resident perspectives to have a meaningful impact on outcomes. We want residents—including youth and seniors—from underrepresented communities involved in, and compensated for, planning and carrying out community engagement.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“We need community forums with public officials designed to express the needs and desires of the underserved communities of Durham. They cannot sit in their offices and in board meetings, and know what is on our minds. They need to talk TO us. They have talked ABOUT us long enough.”

“Need to ensure decision-making is convenient, transparent, equitable, representative of community input.”

“Holding officials accountable only happens when those most affected have a voice. This crisis with McDougald had highlighted the challenges of parceling off sections of a community and not seeing them as contributors. We should not make that mistake again.”

“Stop having people volunteer to do things, give input, for free. Don’t ask for our input and service on committees for free.”

“Our word won’t make a difference. Government doesn’t listen to us.”

“Access to necessary resources for families not receiving the help and support they need because of language barrier, transportation, etc.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Intentional Planning and Decision-Making

Objective

We need to be intentionally involved in determining our community’s future and ensuring that development serves residents. We need equitable, sustainable, and proactive solutions to systemic issues to ensure that our future benefits residents who have been ignored, pushed out, and harmed by the status quo.

Background

Currently, residents feel growth is happening too fast and is not benefitting many existing residents and neighborhoods, particularly in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. As housing costs skyrocket in central neighborhoods inhabited by lower-income renters and Black homeowners one generation ago, residents see that our remaining available land is often developed with one type and cost of housing (ex., expensive single-family dwellings), located far from needed services or amenities, and without a connected transportation system. Many residents feel left out of a development process that could end up pushing them out of the communities they have lived in for generations. Some people in Durham do not see themselves fitting into Durham’s future and are worried they will be left out of it. There is little clear and accessible information about how community growth and development occurs and if there is opportunity to meaningfully change an outcome. Many feel that City, County, and private investments do not address the systemic or long-term issues residents face. The way people are treated and how information is shared during engagement around new development leaves residents feeling unheard and undervalued.

We want community members to be able to participate in a timely and meaningful way in development decisions that will affect residents’ daily lives and the future of Durham as a whole. We want comprehensive solutions to issues rather than temporary fixes that are costly and ineffective. We believe that how we invest, who and what we invest in, and who makes these decisions reflects our community values. We want to see intentional long-term investments in people and places that promote inclusion, connection, and well-being for all Durham residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“We have a unique opportunity to be an example of what happens when intention meets attention meaning we can make the choice to be focused on our development of communities are now marginalized and truly have a Durham that works for most not a select few.”

“Would like to see homes developed, but also people-what’s being done to build the people? if community is empowered, they have a sense of dignity. people from here fear that the people that built this city will be left out”

“McDougald Terrace dealing with a short-term Band-Aid effect without a long- term solution.”

“We’re in the middle of crisis of displacement for more vulnerable residents. People are being pushed out of city so fast, that the people who should be at the table won’t be here to provide their input “people most effected, won’t find out about this until too late”

“Thoughtful growth and investment in existing spaces/buildings in the community to make them healthy, safe, beautiful, and accessible to all”

“High rise, high priced condos keep going up downtown Compare that to the homeless people living under overpasses in downtown and to what is happening in McDougald Terrace is the perfect illustration of Durham’s priorities”

“Native Durham residents being left out of the city’s progress -- Stagville Plantation descendants --rebuilding of communities destroyed by 147”

“Plans that are intentionally focused on not extracting the soul & character of POC communities during revitalization.”

Housing and Neighborhoods Goal

By 2050, Durham residents will have access to safe, affordable, healthy, and physically accessible homes in neighborhoods that are connected to the resources they need to thrive.

Objectives

Complete Neighborhoods: Resources for Thriving Lives on page 37

Creative and Varied Housing Solutions on page 39

Accessible Housing and Neighborhoods: Designing for Everyone on page 41

Affordable Housing on page 43

Healthy, Dignified, and Welcoming Neighborhoods on page 45

Safe and Protected Neighborhoods on page 47

31 policies under 8 groupings relate to the Housing and Neighborhoods Goal and Objectives

Refer to the groupings listed below to read the content of each policy

Affordable Housing on page 128

Accessible Housing on page 129

Tenants’ Rights on page 129

Investments in Neighborhoods on page 121

Preventing Displacement on page 121

Historic Resources on page 122

Development in Neighborhoods on page 123

Neighborhood Design on page 123

Community Goals and Objectives

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Newly constructed Affordable Housing, Willard Street Apartments, 2021.

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House under construction in Durham, 2019.

Durham Comprehensive Plan 36

Complete Neighborhoods: Resources for Thriving Lives

Objective

We need walkable, complete neighborhoods where housing, jobs, schools, and destinations are close together. We need neighborhoods that make it easy for residents, particularly Black or Hispanic/ Latino residents, youth, seniors, low-wealth, and people with disabilities to access the resources they need to thrive without having to get in a car.

Background

Many of the resources that residents need, such as nutritious food, jobs, healthcare, schools, and opportunities for wellness and play, are not present in some neighborhoods. Many residents do not have safe ways to get from their homes to the resources they need without a car because of physical barriers like dangerous roadways with no sidewalks, and little to no access to transit. As development continues to expand throughout the county, minimal assessment has been done regarding how residents, including youth and seniors, in new and existing neighborhoods will be able to access needed community resources without personal vehicles.

We want every resident to be able to access essential daily needs within a 15-minute walk, roll, or bike ride. We want neighborhoods that promote health and economic stability through the presence of quality community resources such as grocery stores with healthy food options, natural and naturally landscaped areas, parks and recreational opportunities, local jobs, community healthcare, and community schools.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Accessible Housing and Neighborhoods should take a more holistic approach to planning. There doesn’t need to be a gas station (or church or grocery store or bank or yoga studio or doctor’s office ... on every block), but there should be a safe way to get to those things and if it’s by bus or transit and cost is a factor, then free transit via reduced fare.”

“A patchwork of complete communities”

“Mixed-use development so people live closer to the places they want and need to go to. Easy-to-use and free public transportation.”

“Focus on neighborhoods so unique identities can show thru but still be connected to one another”

“More doctor offices in the county, grocery stores, entertainment with all the building they’re doing”

“Equitable distribution stores (grocery) and not convenient stores”

“Keep the bus transit going with proper sidewalks to get to transit area. Some people don’t have cars need for getting to work, doctors’ appointments and to get to grocery stores”

“Would like an equitable Durham accessible to people from all areas of all the abilities + at all work shifts.”

“Housing – visited someone who lived closed to grocery store and strip mall, but the sidewalks were all torn up and not necessarily a safe neighborhood, safer place to live that has access to walking distance access to resources banks, grocery stores, concerns where kids steal food and then there’s a restraining order on the parents at the grocery store within walking distance.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Creative and Varied Housing Solutions

Objective

We need new and creative housing solutions to solve the housing affordability crisis and development regulations that support this. These solutions should serve a diversity of needs, income levels, family structures, and lifestyle choices, prioritizing residents with the greatest barriers to affordable housing. We need varied housing with a range of heights, units, and densities designed to respect and fit into existing neighborhoods.

Background

Current regulations get in the way of innovation and community solutions to housing access, such as creating small homes, cooperative housing, and co-living options. Many residents feel that regulations are written to benefit developers who can afford to assemble land to build housing for higher-wealth people. This results in new subdivisions built with one type of low-density housing at unaffordable prices, contributing to unsustainable growth patterns and high housing costs. Due to the history of suppressing Black home ownership, in part through government regulations, these higher-wealth people are predominantly white. Those with lower wealth, many of whom are people of color, do not benefit from these regulations and instead are often harmed by development in their neighborhood, resulting in gentrification and displacement. Additionally, existing regulations make it difficult to create supportive housing options for transitioning populations, including those who are justice-involved, experiencing houselessness, or escaping violent circumstances.

We want the freedom to explore new ways of imagining how houses, neighborhoods, and communities can be designed and built to allow more residents to have a variety of options for affordable rental housing and paths to home ownership.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Affordable Housing desperately needs new options”

“This needs to be more specific about providing housing for poor and marginalized people. We don’t need “diverse” housing in the form of more large homes or expensive condos.”

“More affordable housing with unique approaches like co-living, small homes, rent control, etc.”

“Reformed zoning laws to broaden housing options”

“New housing plans for public housing residents or move these residents into the greater community”

“Has the City considered implementing tiny house communities to address homelessness?”

“As long as the RULES don’t bring harm to black and brown people.”

“More housing options for the homeless that are long-term and outside a shelter.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Accessible Housing and Neighborhoods: Designing for Everyone

Objective

We need housing and neighborhoods that are physically accessible for Durham residents regardless of ability or age. Seniors and residents with disabilities, low incomes, or fixed incomes need housing like single-story homes, senior care homes, and group living communities that are physically accessible and located throughout Durham. Residents need to be able to age in place to stay rooted in their communities even as their physical or mental abilities change.

Background

Housing for older people or people with disabilities are currently segregated leaving few opportunities for residents to find affordable and accessible housing in their communities. Residents need ADA accessible housing available in different parts of the community, integrated with residents of different ages and abilities. Even when this housing exists, residents with mobility and visual needs have difficulty using the neighborhood surroundings, like parks, community spaces, sidewalks, and bus stops.

We want neighborhoods that have infrastructure and housing intentionally designed for everyone in mind. Sidewalks, greenways, and bus stops need to be safe and accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities, and to connect residents to the services they need. We want homes and neighborhoods designed with physical spaces that are enjoyable for people of all abilities and ages.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“More accessible housing in all areas of the city (decent and safe)”

“Handicapped accessible housing increased. Do not isolate in areas but in a mixed area with few children, consider ground build units”

“Housing for the elderly, safe travel for the elderly, housing affordability for seniors, placement of senior housing”

“All areas of city accessible to people with disabilities”

“All facilities would have access for wheelchairs or baby carriages. Everything would be handicapped accessible.”

“We need homes with 1st floor master bedroom. Most town homes are built with bedrooms all on the second floor. We have many residents with back and knee problems and require us to sleep in the dining room or on the couch”

Community Goals and Objectives

Affordable Housing

Objective

We need every Durham resident to have affordable housing that meets their needs. We need easy paths to renting and owning homes that are physically accessible, stable, well-maintained, and consistently affordable to a variety of income levels throughout Durham, prioritizing those with the lowest incomes in our community.

Background

The current system of housing management, ownership, and development allows landlords, investors, and developers to control the price of rent, how well a house is maintained, and the cost of homeownership. This leads to rapidly increasing housing prices and property taxes that makes homeownership increasingly difficult and leaves many residents vulnerable to eviction and displacement. Without reliable low- cost transportation options, residents have to pay more in combined housing and transportation costs than they can afford. Past and present housing policies and practices have made it particularly hard for many Black residents to own homes, which has long-lasting negative effects on opportunities for generational wealth-building.

We want a consistent long-term investment of resources to ensure equitable access to housing that includes the promotion of generational wealth-building, the preservation of affordable units, property tax relief, and the care and maintenance of high-quality public housing.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Programs that are fair and honest to help Blacks own their homes in Durham.”

“Who is holding landlords accountable? Auditing their finances, their maintenance? Why are they still renting properties out with lead paint and mold?”

“Housing that is affordable all citizens no matter the income restrictions and can each citizen progress for with housing and home ownership.”

“In the Durham of my dream affordable housing would be accessible to everyone, effectively having positive impacts on school performance, the ability to access quality foods, and ameliorate public health [issues]”

“In the Durham of my dream everybody has a place to call home that is safe, stable affordable relaxing and full of joy that’s what equitable housing would be, we call have a place to call home and be happy and safe in that home”

“Shouldn’t take THREE jobs to survive”

“The redlined (historically and forcibly segregated) neighborhoods are now being purchased by white people.”

“We have no one to bring our problems or no one to call if we have a problem. All the rent we pay and can never own anything, because there’s no one caring enough to help. They just keep going up on the rent. They building everything around us and just wanting to put us in a little corner of the community.”

“The quality of the homes offered to lower income communities. Less money should equal less space not poor living conditions.”

“(NIMBYism dressed up as social justice)”

Community Goals and Objectives

Healthy, Dignified, and Welcoming Neighborhoods

Objective

We need healthy, dignified, and welcoming neighborhoods that promote mental and physical well-being for all residents, particularly our elders, our youth, residents of color, LGBTQIA+ residents, those in public housing, those with low incomes, and those with physical and mental disabilities. We need homes that are safe and clean inside, with walkable and natural surroundings that are cared for, maintained, pleasant, beautiful, and bring us joy.

Background

Currently, some residents in public housing and rental properties are living in unhealthy spaces with black mold, plumbing issues, lead paint, or high carbon monoxide levels. In addition, many residents see that their neighborhoods are not as aesthetically pleasing, cared for, or well-maintained as other neighborhoods. Seeing that some places are better cared for and more welcoming than others has a negative effect on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Unhealthy housing contributes to a cycle of poverty where residents are forced to focus on immediate physical and mental health concerns, lessening their ability to get involved in and invest in their community, move out of poverty, or build generational wealth. It is hard or almost impossible for hopes and dreams to seed or grow in places that are not healthy and dignified.

We want affordable housing, including public housing, and resources for maintaining open and green spaces to be equitably distributed, visually welcoming, environmentally healthy, and able to provide dignified living throughout Durham.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“It can be mentally damaging if it looks and feels like you’re in prison when you haven’t done anything wrong and that changes your mental state.”

“Every human being desires a place to live that they can feel pride in”

“Now it seems there is a growing number of homeless that even while the city and state “grows,” they are left behind.”

“People feel like the lost, forgotten, that no one cares about. Either people in control of the village will surround people to make sure they’re warm or the rebels will burn it down so they can be warm. Not because they’re malicious, but just because they’re cold. We don’t understand that we make people monsters in our society and our inability to act helps perpetuate that. There’s no human alive that doesn’t want their existence acknowledged in some way.”

“We’re still feeling displaced even though you have a roof. That’s not something people acknowledge. You might have a roof but you don’t want to go back to it.”

“Put the appropriate amount of pressure on Durham Housing Authority to make the necessary changes needed so people can live in a clean and healthy home. Also, I would like to see an accountability review board set up by the residents for Durham Housing Authority for each community that is stipended for the residents to go over the processes of requests that have been made for repairs, make sure that it is followed through and if not, it is re-reported so that it is accurately handled. There’s no process currently to review how these are handled and DHA is severely unstaffed.”

“Please break up/space out low income housing. Having a large low income housing community isn’t helping anything but dividing people. Look to cities like Fort Worth and Dallas, TX who have made efforts to break up low income housing”

“The black community always get over looked or they tear it down and move people out of their home. What’s fair about that. Not having a lot of money, doesn’t mean u don t deserve a nice place and safe place to live.”

Durham Comprehensive Plan 46

Community Goals and Objectives

Safe and Protected Neighborhoods

Objective

We need all Durham residents to feel safe and protected in their homes and neighborhoods and free of violence, prioritizing the needs of residents with disabilities, those who are Black and Hispanic/ Latino, low-wealth, youth, seniors, LGBTQIA+, justice- involved, undocumented, houseless, or living in public housing. We need to prioritize building community trust and relationships in our systems of community safety and mental health support. We need to build physical infrastructure that creates safe environments by lowering traffic speeds and creating protected, appropriately lit spaces for people walking, biking, rolling, or waiting on the bus. We need to do this without displacing residents, particularly in neighborhoods that have not had this investment.

Background

Not all residents feel safe going out in their neighborhoods and many are concerned with rising crime and gun violence. Residents feel too many resources are spent policing houselessness instead of providing needed support for houseless individuals. Undocumented people experience intimidation and fear because of the possibility of interacting with immigration enforcement. People see the lack of investment in necessary services like physical and mental healthcare, maintenance and environmental cleanup, housing and job assistance, or access to food to be at the root of unsafe neighborhoods. Residents, especially families and children, feel unsafe on existing streets, bus stops, and parks because of poor lighting, missing sidewalks, and speeding traffic. Many young people do not feel safe in their neighborhoods, at bus stops, or on the bus. However, residents are concerned that any investments to make their neighborhoods safer will also attract wealthier residents and cause their displacement.

We want neighborhoods where residents feel seen, heard, and protected. We want to remove violence and its root causes from communities across Durham to allow all residents to thrive. We want support built on trust and community relationships, and the necessary infrastructure in place that makes us feel safe in our communities and shows investment, security, and care for our well-being.

Quotes from Residents

“The prettiest thing in McDougald right now is balloons from a vigil.”

“No crime in Bragtown and not moving black people out; once the crime is cleaned we want safe places to live also.”

“When People have No hope they tend to commit more Crime!”

“Lighting along streets creates dark conditions not much lighting creates dangerous conditions”

“A place where more than the wealthy can enjoy a safe and healthy place to live”

“More community involvement in public safety”

“Protection of trans community”

“Talk about safety among young people, violence in particular”

“Displacing people because of a dollar, is a hurtful thing. When people have live all there live and build on it and how because we have nothing affordable to go to, its on the street we go and no one cares.”

“Durham Law Enforcement will play a more proactive role in the health and safety of its citizens regardless of race, creed or color. Initiatives and programs that support community safety such as “Neighborhood Watch” and “Community Policing” will work seamlessly with existing Law Enforcement to protect Durham citizenry.”

“This is a strong community-builder. While infrastructure is important, it is more important that residents be able to trust those in authority to do the right thing and represent them fairly and equitably in matters of justice and equal treatment as those persons in non-threatened communities.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Transportation Goal

In 2050, Durham residents will have safe, affordable, dignified, sustainable, connected, and physically accessible transportation to move around Durham.

Objectives

Intentional and Equitable Transportation Investment on page 51

Healthy, Safe, and Dignified Transportation on page 53

Accessible Transportation: Designing for Everyone on page 55

Intentional and Coordinated Transportation and Land Use on page 57

Connectivity on page 59

20 policies under 5 groupings relate to the Transportation Goal and Objectives

Refer to the groupings listed below to read the content of each policy

Sidewalks on page 136

Transportation Investments on page 137

Accessible Transportation on page 138

Equitable Engagement in Transportation on page 138

Land Use and Transportation Coordination on page 139

Community Goals and Objectives

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Glenn View Station Bus Stop, 2022. Photo courtesy of GoDurham.

Durham Comprehensive Plan 50

Community Goals and Objectives

Intentional and Equitable Transportation Investment

Objective

We need to intentionally and equitably invest in the freedom of Durham residents to walk, roll, bike, ride transit, or drive. We need safe and connected sidewalks, bicycle paths, roads, and public transit, prioritizing Black and Hispanic/ Latino, low-wealth, and rural residents, along with residents who do not primarily depend on cars, like youth and seniors. Residents in these communities need transparency and meaningful opportunities to have a voice at the table for deciding how and where this money is invested, to ensure that the community benefits.

Background

Current and past transportation funding has focused primarily on cars and highways while neglecting the needs of residents who rely on walking or taking the bus, or who cannot access or afford a car. Widening roads to create more space for vehicles encourages higher traffic volumes and prioritizes drivers. Investment in road, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure has often prioritized higher-wealth residents, leaving lower-wealth and rural residents with far fewer options to safely and easily move throughout our community. New investments in areas without meaningful community participation could lead to displacement and gentrification.

We want transportation infrastructure to be equitably planned, designed, built, and maintained so that all residents can safely and easily walk, ride, and drive to the resources they need to thrive within Durham and surrounding communities.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Equitable placement of sidewalks/crosswalks in underserved communities”

“Equitable attention to infrastructure and road conditions in all neighborhoods”

“I wouldn’t have sidewalks by my house at all if the City wasn’t widening the road”

“Government fixes the roads on their own time. Some roads in some neighborhoods don’t get fixes.”

“Where everyone lives in a stable, walkable area and all people have meaningful and real participation.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Healthy, Safe, and Dignified Transportation

Objective

We need to be able to walk, roll, bike, ride transit, and drive throughout Durham safely and with dignity, prioritizing Black and Hispanic/Latino residents, low- wealth residents, youth, single parents, and those who cannot access a car. We need streets that are safe, walkable, and pleasant places to be, not just places to move through.

Background

While Durham has funded sidewalks, bus stops, speed bumps, and bike paths in some neighborhoods and in downtown, residents in low-wealth neighborhoods, who rely on walking or use of public transportation, do not see this investment in their neighborhoods. Instead, they often face poorly maintained roads; unpleasant sidewalks that end abruptly and have no shade; busy, loud, and polluting traffic while trying to cross streets; and unmarked and inadequate bus stops with no landing pad, shelter, or bench. Some residents are forced to take long, treacherous walks to reach their destination or take multiple bus transfers to get where they need to go. Likewise, rural areas have few sidewalks or crosswalks, and none are currently required with new development.

We want residents to have healthy, safe, and dignified transportation that eliminates traffic injuries and deaths and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. We want to design right-sized roads, widening roads only where necessary, implementing traffic-calming measures, and improving conditions at intersections and freeway exchanges.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Buses let you off right there in the ditch”

“Bus stops in poorer neighborhoods are not maintained”

“I have to cross a busy intersection to check my mail”

“My neighborhood has sidewalks to nowhere and then we have to walk in the street”

“Would like to see more sidewalks and bike lanes, particularly on busy corridors. The lack of these facilities forces pedestrians and bikes into the street, which is unsafe and can back up traffic.”

“They’ve got this “cute” walkable city idea, but no one can walk there. They’ve created this fake Disneyland.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Accessible Transportation: Designing for Everyone

Objective

We need transportation that is intentionally designed for people to walk, use a wheelchair, ride the bus, and use paratransit to get around Durham. Infrastructure, like sidewalks, roads, paratransit, and public transit, needs to be designed for residents of all abilities and ages to comfortably, safely, and conveniently move around Durham.

Background

Sidewalks with broken and unmaintained pavement create barriers for residents with mobility challenges, such as those with physical abilities and seniors, or anyone who uses a wheelchair, a cane, or a stroller. Many places are missing curb cuts or ramps to actually access the sidewalks, forcing residents to move in the street with traffic. Crossings often do not have ramps with raised bumps or appropriately timed and audible signals, causing unsafe conditions for residents with visual impairments.

Residents feel that many drivers do not have sufficient awareness of visually or otherwise physically disabled residents to drive around them safely, and that the built environment prioritizes movement of cars over people. Residents who rely on paratransit systems like Durham ACCESS feel that the system is inconvenient and undignified. These transportation barriers discourage and prevent people from participating in community life in Durham.

We want sidewalks and street networks connected to transit lines and bus stops intentionally designed for everyone, prioritizing those with physical or mental disabilities along with seniors. We want on-demand, rideshare, and paratransit system improvements that are convenient, with reasonable wait times and multiple options for getting a ride.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“What looks like a short distance on a map is often a quarter mile to walk from a bus stop. There are NO sidewalks along much of Durham’s roadway. If you use a walker or wheelchair--Forget it.”

“Think about folks who don’t have access to a car or have disabilities or cannot access a bus stop”

“All facilities would have access for wheelchairs or baby carriages. Everything would be handicapped accessible.”

“Citizen who is blind need more opportunities for mobility. Greater access to pedestrian mobility; more bus shelters; ADA access, bus stop access regarding crossing ability; walkable access to bus stops; trash cans next to bus stops, solar compactors at stops would be feasible”

“They have to call [Durham ACCESS] two weeks out but not before, what if I have an emergency, they should be able to accommodate those situations, better quality riding buses some of the streets are really bad, sometimes I go home with a headache from being on the bus for 3 hours”

Community Goals and Objectives

Intentional and Coordinated Transportation and Land Use

Objective

We need housing, jobs, schools, community resources, and services intentionally planned in coordination with the transportation needed to easily reach them. We need a transportation system that allows all residents, especially Black and Hispanic/Latino, low-wealth, and houseless residents, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, to safely, easily, and affordably access the resources they need to thrive.

Background

Poor coordination between new developments and transportation plans has created challenges for residents moving around Durham and to surrounding communities. Currently, residential development is often proposed on undeveloped land far away from existing services and transit connections. The roads in these areas are not designed to safely connect people to resources through multiple modes.

Currently, our public transit system requires downtown connections, has limited connections within Durham, and has sparse service to more affordable outlying areas. This leaves many residents without easy or direct access to the places they need and want to go to in our community, especially healthcare and other key services. With limited options, people are forced to drive cars, resulting in excessive amounts of land in Durham dedicated to parking that could otherwise serve other uses that improve residents’ quality of life.

We want to ensure that new mixed-use development areas are served by existing or new high-quality transit. We want transportation services equitably planned in coordination with new development so that all residents, especially those who cannot access a car, can still reliably get to where they need to go. We want coordinated land use and transportation planning that reduces auto emissions and decreases personal costs for transportation so that our community can sustainably and resiliently thrive into the future.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Neighborhood walkable amenities such as grocery, pharmacy, and restaurants”

“Decentralizing bus hubs to help influence transfers, preventing people from going out of their way”

“In an ideal Durham, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers would have access to connect their homes to their needs and entertainment with roads that are appropriate for every need.”

“Keep the bus transit going with proper sidewalks to get to transit area. Some people don’t have cars need for getting to work, doctors’ appointments and to get to grocery stores”

“A transit system could allow for people living outside of town (where housing is cheaper) to still be able to get into and back out of the city easily and ease the amount of road traffic.”

“What the city has done has created more sprawl to Mebane, to Sanford. Creating longer commutes, more pollution. Rocky MT-Wilson is now a bedroom community of Raleigh.”

“Traffic congestion. Cars are the only way to get around. Don’t want to go downtown.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Connectivity

Objective

We need a better, continuous, more interconnected transportation system that lets people easily and conveniently walk, roll, ride transit, bike and drive to where they want and need to go within Durham and surrounding communities. Improved street, sidewalk, and bicycle path connectivity will reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and unsafe streets for all Durham residents, particularly those who cannot access a car.

Background

Walking and biking paths start and stop abruptly, and do not create connections across Durham. This deters people from walking, biking, or taking transit, and instead leaves people feeling like driving is the only feasible option. Those who do not have options are forced to use unsafe paths with no protection from oncoming traffic or wait a long time for bus transfers to get to where they need to go. Road networks built out by new developments include long blocks and often do not connect to many other roads, leaving limited routes for residents to use, particularly when walking, biking, or taking transit. Traffic is funneled onto existing roads that are already congested, causing overcrowding, unsafe driving behaviors, and pollution.

We want an interwoven community-wide transportation network that creates complete connections and easy links between walking, riding, and driving. We want to improve connectivity of sidewalks, bus routes, roadways, trails, greenways, and bike paths, and create safe connections, especially at crossings or intersections. Creating connections between driving and other modes, like park-and-ride, can provide easy and sustainable ways for people to move between the places they need to go.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Take too long to get anywhere bus early/late/too full. They’re building all these buildings but we can’t get there.”

“Get from one end to the other end of Durham easier and with the least amount of trouble. Alternative routes and connectivity.”

“I have asthma now that I attribute to the pollution and the increase in traffic on my street”

“More sidewalks. Better street crossings. Curb cuts at corners. More ramps. A plan that addresses lack of pedestrian connections. Up-and-over connections over highways”

“Strange we only have one central hub - I have to come into downtown to go 8 streets over. Connect outside of downtown. 2 hours Southpoint to downtown to Raleigh? Too long. Libraries as localized transit hubs so they get highest transit level of service and other services”

Environment Goal

By 2050, Durham will be a carbon-neutral, biodiverse community that balances preservation and restoration of the natural environment with sustainable and harmonious development. Durham will prioritize the health and well-being of residents by correcting environmental racism, connecting people to nature, and ensuring access to healthy food and prioritize the health of the environment, as it has a direct impact on the health of residents.

Objectives

Equitable Access to Green Space on page 63

Healthy and Clean Air, Water, and Land on page 65

Harmonious and Respectful Development on page 67

Resilient, Carbon-Neutral, Biodiverse, and Generationally-Oriented Communities on page 69

Healthy Food Access on page 71

41 policies under 8 groupings relate to the Environment Goal and Objectives

Refer to the groupings listed below to read the content of each policy

Climate Change on page 144

Protecting Sensitive Land on page 145

Air and Water Quality on page 146

Farmland, Working Land, and Food Access on page 146

Environmental Justice on page 147

Biodiversity on page 147

Access to Parks, Open Space, Trails, and Recreation on page 148

Green Infrastructure and Sustainability on page 149

Community Goals and Objectives

⬚ figure

Durham County, 2019.

Community Goals and Objectives

Equitable Access to Green Space

Objective

We need safely accessible green spaces, continuously woven throughout our community, without putting residents of color at risk of displacement as this investment is made. Pocket parks, street trees, and public park facilities need to be equitably distributed to provide residents with relief from pavement and buildings. Whether at a park, on a trail, or just looking out the window and seeing trees, everyone should be able to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of being close to nature.

Background

Some neighborhoods, particularly those where residents are primarily Black or Hispanic/Latino, are missing trees and green spaces that are present in other areas of Durham. Residents feel the physical and mental effects of this unequal distribution in tangible ways, such as the cost of air conditioning or a greater incidence of asthma because of hotter temperatures in areas with fewer trees. In addition, residents see swaths of trees removed for new development and are concerned about losing the green spaces that have been part of Durham’s character for so long.

We want to be involved in decision-making when greenspace improvements are considered in our neighborhoods. We want equitable investment in maintenance and placement of green spaces throughout the community so that everyone enjoys the benefits and beauty of nature.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“No green space in a community = pay higher AC, more asthma, poorer communities”

“More open spaces with grass, plants, etc.”

“Tree canopy. Willow, oaks are aging out. Expand distribution within neighborhoods. Psychological and safety benefits of trees.”

“Want Durham to preserve the trees!”

“You got Hillside Park. It’s beautiful. The basketball court is beautiful. The swimming stuff is nice over there. Park by Northgate is nice. East Durham is good--they did some mulch. When people there complained, they did something there. But look at McDougald Park. It’s not like that.”

“Trees are being placed in our neighborhoods without consideration of safety. I.e., in my community magnolia trees are being placed on the edge of people’s yards in the path where residents have to walk, endangering their lives because in order to get around the tree they will have to go into the streets. The trees will eventually block motorists sight when entering main thoroughfare creating the potential for motor vehicle accidents. Other trees being placed in our neighborhoods will not offer much shade for the community”

“They could be KIDS in the WOODS. One of the healthiest things that can developmentally happen for children.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Healthy and Clean Air, Water, and Land

Objective

We need clean air to breathe, water to drink, and land that sustains a healthy life for all residents. We need to trust that the City and County are protecting critical drinking water sources, regulating air pollution and hazardous or solid waste, and cleaning up existing polluted areas. The environmental harms of pollution from industries and infrastructure, disproportionately placed in historically Black neighborhoods, must be corrected.

Background

Local government planning practices in the past placed pollution-generating sources such as cement manufacturing plants, incinerators, landfills, and busy highways in or near historically Black neighborhoods. Industrial uses that are no longer allowed near residential areas still exist in some historically Black neighborhoods because the use pre-dates current regulations. Exposure to these uses has long-term negative effects on residents' health, decreases generational wealth through lower property values, and creates a justifiable mistrust in government. In some cases, residential areas are zoned industrial, and that impacts what residents can do with their property. Streams and creeks are seen as not equally clean and maintained throughout Durham. Residents living in the county or outskirts of the city, who rely on wells and septic systems, are vulnerable to soil and groundwater pollution that could make their water sources unsafe to drink.

We want a protected, safe, and healthy environment to support life in Durham. We want regulations and remediation efforts that restore polluted areas intentionally placed near historically Black communities. We want to have confidence that local government is ensuring their environment is healthy and safe.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“The rich create sacrifice zone that basically have low income people who are around chemicals, highways and chemicals which affect area in growing greens”

“Water and air quality--safe drinking water, asthma and health”

“Industrial or locally unwanted land uses (factories, highways, etc) that are close to people or neighborhoods. Psychological and physical well-being is impacted.”

“Last week, they were out in McDougald testing the water. They said they were just checking it, but you can smell it. If they had more communication, people could have found out information by calling a number or checking out the social media. I didn’t even know about the chemical. I thought it was a body. We thought someone was dead. We know what a dead body smells like.”

“Dirty water in the neighborhood, dirty water in people’s homes--even if the tap water is award winning, if people see their neighborhood water sources as dirty and the water coming out of their pipes is dirty, they won’t drink it.”

“Streams and creeks are not clean in my community. They have a lot of trash. The City should work on cleaning and beautifying.”

“They came out and pretended to check the water. I know there’s something in the water because there’s algae in the water. It’s been raining. When you run the water, you have to let it run otherwise you’re bathing in sewage and dirt.”

“It’s very worrisome to read the comments that show such mistrust about water quality and safe living conditions nonpublic housing. This mistrust must be addressed. It seems people feel ignored and powerless.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Harmonious and Respectful Development

Objective

We need to build in harmony with the environment in a way that respects, protects, and regenerates the environment for the benefit of all living things. We need to design new development to protect our remaining natural areas, including wetlands, floodplains, lakes, rivers, streams, mature forests, and the native plants and animals that rely on them to live. We need to stop development practices that contribute to loss of biodiversity and to manage the landscape in ways that promote a healthy environment. We need to protect the plants, animals, and insects that are native to Durham and essential for all life and restore them when possible. We need green infrastructure to protect residents and the environment from the effects of pollution and flooding. Whenever possible, we need to make use of the resources we already have, like existing buildings and infrastructure, so that we do not have to always create new things from scratch.

Background

As land in the central parts of Durham has filled up with development, there is increasing pressure to build on cheaper land on the outskirts of the city. This brings development closer to farmland, lakes, rivers, streams, and other sensitive environmental areas. As this kind of development occurs, the backbone of our natural communities and corridors is disrupted and fragmented, leaving only small pockets of non-biodiverse nature that will eventually disappear entirely. Native plants have been increasingly replaced with those not native to Piedmont North Carolina, and in many cases these non-native plants are invasive, and displace native plants over time.

Remaining undeveloped land in Durham often has steep slopes, extensive floodplains and streams, and mature forests. Currently, new development strips the land of natural features by removing trees and disrupting streams with new infrastructure and buildings. Some residents experience downstream flooding as new development occurs, leading to standing water or property damage. Within our community, there are places that are underutilized, with large amounts of the land dedicated to parking, commercial strip malls, and very low-density development. These areas are valuable for Durham residents, given their proximity to businesses, schools, workplaces, and City and County infrastructure and services.

We want to prioritize protecting the environment and existing farmland when new development occurs—including protecting residents from adverse flooding impacts. We want to ensure new construction works harmoniously with the environment, by focusing on filling in underused land while preserving natural areas, and efficient and sustainable building design.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Concerned because with all this new development coming into Durham we’re building out toward the county. We’re concerned about the waterways. We’re in the Ellerbe creek watershed and we want thicker buffers between the construction and the watershed. When you mess with the waterway – you’re messing with the ecosystem and the animals in the system.”

“Like with the new affordable houses – what about the green infrastructure pieces; how the new houses might increase flooding on the older houses already in the community.”

“I have concerns about the new houses that are being built and how they are contributing to the flooding in the neighborhood. Are they following the best practices to install and build them as it relates to flooding and runoff? My inclination is that they are not. There needs to be thought given to how the new houses affect other properties.”

“Lots of trees, I don’t like clearcutting for development. I understand the need for density in some places. I hate the way Raleigh is sprawled. I love that in Durham, I can be in the woods in 15 minutes.”

“Environmental protections are almost non-existent for sensitive natural areas- Developers are allowed to cut down forests with almost no restriction”

“Strongly agree. No more cheap buildings and homes. We need to update and maintain historic infrastructure. Usually older buildings are better quality anyway & built for longevity (even if they need some work)”

Community Goals and Objectives

Resilient, Carbon-Neutral, Biodiverse, and Generationally-Oriented Communities

Objective

We need a healthy, resilient and generationally-oriented community that is carbon-neutral and prepared to weather the irreversible impacts of climate change. Durham urgently needs to stop emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change. We need to retrofit our built environment and also prepare our communities, by building community capacity, to be more resilient to natural disasters and unexpected disruption. Low-wealth communities and communities of color in Durham will be most impacted by climate change, therefore, Durham needs to prioritize BIPOC communities in planning for a sustainable future.

Background

Climate change leads to harmful social, economic, public health, and environmental consequences. Our past and current patterns of development significantly contribute to climate change through suburban, car-oriented development, low-density family housing, and separation of homes from businesses and services. These patterns lead to increased automobile emissions, high energy use, and unsustainable land development and disruption or outright destruction of native ecosystems that support all life. Due to past racist practices in the allocation of land, communities of color and low-wealth communities are more likely to live in low-lying areas with fewer green spaces and more paved surfaces. These communities are more likely to experience adverse impacts from serious weather events like flooding and extreme temperatures. Moving to a carbon-neutral Durham will require radical, transformational change in our energy production systems, job markets, transportation, industrial and business sectors, building codes, land use planning, and more. Our current model of infinite growth and production is unsustainable because resources and materials are finite.

We want to create systems where Durham residents have carbon-neutral ways of living and moving around. We want to simultaneously work to stop emissions while retrofitting and constructing both our built environment and societal conventions to prepare for unpredictable disruption. We want whatever changes, tradeoffs, and sacrifices our community must make to address climate change to be distributed equitably among the community, with a particular focus on ensuring that adaptation and mitigation measures will not disproportionately impact our low-wealth communities and communities of color.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Development is equitable + planned with climate change in mind (knowing climate change affects the most vulnerable)”

“Resiliency is intertwined with all of the other objectives. If we are car-centric and have no enforcement of inadequate mufflers and car emissions, with sprawling development and no comprehensive public transit and inadequate green space than we are not resilient.”

“Would like Durham to be focused on environmental sustainability –came from CA reducing single use plastics, a lot of consideration about that in Durham’s’ future to find alternative ways of doing things so the impact on the environment isn’t so great, solar power, likes green stuff, renewable energy”

“100% Greenhouse gas neutral-more easily accessible solar, energy sustainability, renewable energy, how we build our city. We’re forcing people to drive to areas, use more resources. Grey Water Infrastructure ‘reused water’”

“Because global warming is going to affect everyone across the planet, and everyone in Durham, I think it’s critical that the city and county governments do everything possible to address it. We don’t have time to wait. In this context, I’m concerned about how developers are allowed to remove so many trees, often clear cutting. We need trees to protect against climate change, flooding, pollution, and warming temperatures.”

“Make people more aware of the resources that’s available about how the City can install rain gardens and cisterns and putting in potential ways to reduce/alleviate the problems.”

“There is a huge part missing regarding the health impact of climate change - increase in asthma cases, spread of infectious disease and water borne pathogens - that should also be considered especially in minority communities”

Community Goals and Objectives

Healthy Food Access

Objective

We need healthy, nutritious, and local food located equitably throughout our community so that is easy to get to, and so that all residents have food security. Residents need access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food located either in or near their neighborhoods or in schools, particularly in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. We need to preserve farmland to protect our future food needs.

Background

Government regulations create barriers for groups that provide creative ideas or alternatives for sourcing local food, like community gardens, market stands, food banks, and community-supported agriculture. For instance, regulations for farmers’ markets are much more flexible than those for flea markets or informal food stands. Farmers markets tend to attract higher-wealth residents, while, in contrast, flea markets or informal food stands typically serve Black and Hispanic/Latino residents. This results in disparate regulation of similar uses. In addition, Black and Hispanic/Latino residents in Durham are less likely to have access to affordable and healthy grocery stores in their neighborhoods, known as food apartheid. Even when healthy food options exist, they are often not easily or safely accessible because of lacking sidewalks and bus access. As demand increases for more housing and development, the pressure to convert farmland into other uses grows, leaving less capacity for Durham to grow its own local food.

We want creative, affordable, and secure food options like food trucks, market stands, neighborhood markets, and community gardens. We want flexible and equitable regulations that allow people to safely produce, share, and sell nourishing foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. We want intentional transportation systems that connect people to food. We want investment in Black and Hispanic/Latino farmers and gardeners to sustain a thriving local food economy. We want innovative urban farming and protections for farmland to sustain future generations.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“Mainstream grocery chains charge higher prices in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. Opportunities to own/operate their own grocery stores would lessen the impact of food insecurity in these communities.”

“You should consider how to make healthy food accessible to those who don’t have transportation or use food delivery services.”

“Utilizing black farmers; funding them”

“Equitable distribution stores (grocery) and not convenient stores”

“I have to get in my car to get mustard.”

“City sponsored programs showing people how to grow their own food and incentivize growing your own food”

“Food insecurity - 1000 people visit school pantry a year. food banks available isn’t enough to provide for all the families that need food.”

“We need to support Black/POC non-corporate farmers & agriculture too. Companies like Smithfield and Dominion are destroying the quality of life in black rural communities, we need to lessen our reliance on these companies and support small local farmers of color”

“Incentivizing labor unions locally. To give workers more wages and money so then they could spend money on food.”

Public Spaces and Recreation Goal

By 2050, Durham residents will be able to enjoy public spaces that are physically accessible and equitably distributed throughout the community. Recreational opportunities will be affordable, culturally relevant, and designed by and for residents.

Objectives

Equitable, Safe and Well-Maintained Public Spaces on page 75

Affordable and Intentional Activities and Events on page 77

Welcoming, Inclusive, and Celebratory Publics Spaces and Events on page 79

5 policies under 1 grouping relate to the Public Spaces and Recreation Goal and Objectives

Refer to the grouping listed below to read the content of each policy

Access to Parks, Open Space, Trails, and Recreation on page 148

Community Goals and Objectives

⬚ figure

Durham Parks and Recreation “Knock Your Socks Off” Event, 2019.

Durham Comprehensive Plan 74

Community Goals and Objectives

Equitable, Safe and Well-Maintained Public Spaces

Objective

We need publicly available parks and natural and naturally landscaped areas, community centers, libraries, and outdoor recreation facilities that are safe to use, easy to get to, well-maintained, designed for everyone, and equitably located throughout Durham’s neighborhoods and rural communities. We need to make the most of existing public spaces and provide innovative and creative spaces for play. Everyone in Durham needs to be able to use and have convenient access to these community resources, particularly youth, seniors, people with disabilities, people who do not use a car, rural residents, and Black and Hispanic/Latino residents.

Background

Not every Durham resident has a community park or recreation center near where they live, especially those in rural and historically disinvested communities. A lack of bus access, continuous sidewalks, and transportation options prevent some residents from easily and safely accessing public spaces. Even if residents can reach public spaces, they are often not designed for people with limited mobility, in that they lack ramps, railings, and a universal design. Facilities like playground equipment, basketball courts, gyms, and indoor spaces are not equally maintained across the community, with some neighborhoods seeing deteriorated and rundown equipment. Unmaintained equipment and facilities with poor lighting cause residents to feel unsafe and concerned about criminal activity. As Durham grows, purchasing land becomes more difficult, and residents would like to see innovative solutions to address recreational needs.

We want spaces to connect with our neighbors and build community relationships. We want innovative solutions that make the best use of existing space, like co-locating schools and recreational facilities, creating multipurpose community centers, or creating mobile recreational opportunities.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“School bus routes and public transportation more for residential parks for children and neighborhoods.”

“Safe spaces for our children to play and engage with one another. Outdoor space and parks that also accessible to children with disabilities.”

“Raleigh DPR has transportation through parks and rec for folks with disabilities”

“Durham in the future will have more fun activities to do and we will be more resourceful and it won’t gloomy anymore.”

“Reimagine school property as public property (i.e. playgrounds)”

“Move community centers where people can meet - libraries are good, but would be good to have more neighborhood places for connection (information, hangout space, restrooms)”

Affordable and Intentional Activities and Events

Objective

We need cultural and recreational opportunities, events, and activities that are affordable to all Durham residents, particularly those with low incomes, families, children, youth, seniors, and Black and Hispanic/Latino residents. We need to intentionally invest our taxes in recreational opportunities that prioritize and benefit those in the community who would otherwise be unable to participate. Free or reduced- cost recreational and cultural resources need to be widely advertised, clearly communicated, and easy to access.

Background

For many low-income families who struggle to balance their budgets every month, recreation is often the first thing cut. This leaves children and young people without enriching and necessary ways to play, learn, and grow in their communities.

Even with adjusted fees, some of Durham’s poorest residents cannot access Parks and Recreation programming because of long waiting lists, difficult processes for reserving spaces and applying for programs, and a lack of effective communication about available opportunities. Likewise, large cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Life and Science and the Durham Arts Council, provide programming and host events that many residents feel are exclusive and prohibitively expensive.

We want a system of creating recreational opportunities that prioritizes those who have the fewest resources and options. We want residents to have an active role in determining how public money is spent on public spaces, recreational opportunities, and cultural events.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“They want these kids to have a Play More pass when you have parents struggling to pay for rent and food each month. $10 to $15 a month is a lot because they need to pay for gas. Yeah, it’s a sliding scale but your version of sliding scale is not my version of sliding scale.”

“There are all kinds of cultural and sports activities available in Durham-- but ONLY for the affluent. How come HIS children don’t get to see shows at DPAC or Durham Bulls games? Make it a reward for attendance & grades. Support the kids who seek to excel in SPITE of what may be happening at the HOUSE.”

“How can we make opportunities for low-wealth people to enjoy the cultural offerings in Durham: American Underground, DPAC, and Durham Bulls?”

“Need to make the process for using community spaces easier to use. No credit cards, clear contact info that is the same across the system”

“More stuff for teens. More up to date basketball courts and sponsorships to have the opportunities to expand horizons (DPAC plays, engage swaps)”

“The Museum is down the road but there’s a fee.”

Community Goals and Objectives

Welcoming, Inclusive, and Celebratory Publics Spaces and Events

Objective

We need to welcome and celebrate the diverse identities of Durham’s residents through our recreation centers and activities, cultural events, and public spaces. We need community members to be directly involved in planning and creating recreational spaces and opportunities. We need spaces that are welcoming to, reflective of, and relevant to residents, particularly our youth, seniors, Black and Hispanic/Latino residents, LGBTQIA+ residents, and those with disabilities.

Background

Residents want to see more events that bring together people with differing identities and celebrate the rich variety of Durham’s culture. Seeing the Bimbe Festival remain outside of the downtown while CenterFest has been brought back to the center of Durham contributes to the feeling that Durham is not investing equitably in Black residents and culture. Our growing Hispanic/Latino population and cultures are not celebrated as much as residents would like to see. Young people see many options in Durham that either are not open to them or are only open to them during certain times, and do not see the community creating spaces and activities with them in mind. Event organizers and space programmers often do not look like, relate well to, or have similar experience as those they are aiming to serve. This results in opportunities that do not feel safe, welcoming, and inclusive to all residents.

We want to invest in residents’ abilities to make spaces that are of, by, and for the community. We want residents to easily reach and know about events because they are directly involved in creating them. We want people leading in these spaces that are reflective of the identities of participants, whether focused on youth, LGBTQIA+ residents, or Black and Hispanic/Latino residents.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“We need to FUND existing POC owned and operated community spaces and make it easier for them to thrive. What we don’t need is white-led nonprofits to enter these neighborhoods with the intention of “welcoming” Black/Hispanic residents. We need the leadership in these spaces to come from the community and be accountable to the community”

“Want more inclusion, community involvement, community event (carnivals, festivals, free community events with vendors, more activities for youth (both in each neighborhood and downtown)) Example for event in Bragtown = big public cookout with games, music, free to the public”

“Events that bring people together of all colors”

“Organizations / groups who have historically been able to hold festivals and celebrations in downtown and desirable places should be given an equitable way to continue to do so without getting priced out.”

“Need more programs for poor/middle class families; community centers, before and after school programs, home ownership, better parks, more black culture events in different areas of Durham and downtown, keep Northgate open.”

“Welcoming to all cultures by hosting different events as well as different art work around the town”

“Free or reduced recreational and cultural resources need to be widely advertised, clearly communicated, and easy to access. This is of utmost importance in underserved communities who might not have easy access to internet, computers, etc. When these opportunities are available, we should include all Durham residents.”

Jobs and Training Goal

By 2050, Durham residents will have access to affordable and supported training opportunities that lead to a variety of stable and sustainable living-wage jobs.

Objectives

Sustainable, Supported, and Dignified Jobs on page 83

Accessible and Innovative Jobs on page 85

Accessible, Affordable, and Supported Training Opportunities on page 87

16 policies under 4 groupings relate to the Jobs and Training Goal and Objectives

Refer to the grouping listed below to read the content of each policy

Jobs for Durham Residents on page 162

Resiliency and Jobs on page 162

Access to Childcare on page 163

Access to Training for Durham Residents on page 163

Community Goals and Objectives

⬚ figure

Innovate Durham Initiative, 2019.

Sustainable, Supported, and Dignified Jobs

Objective

We need a diversity of jobs with wages that allow residents to afford and sustain life in Durham. We need to focus on employing, training, and investing in Durham residents. Jobs need to be created specifically to be attainable for people in the community who have traditionally been excluded from the job market. This includes Black and Hispanic/Latino communities, youth, seniors, houseless residents, justice- involved residents, single parents, those with physical or mental disabilities, and those without formal degrees or education.

Background

Many residents find that the cost of housing and available job wages do not allow them to afford their daily needs with just one job. This results in having to work multiple jobs and make hard choices between feeding their families, paying utility bills, or paying rent. Many residents, particularly Black and Hispanic/Latino residents, who want to start businesses lack access to resources, physical space, and financial support to be successful. Residents who may not have formal education or degrees are looking for opportunities for training that lead to local jobs and which build their capacity. Residents who have been involved in the criminal justice system are often shut out of both job and housing opportunities, adding to the challenges they face in trying to get back into the community. Parents face additional barriers to job opportunities because they lack accessible and affordable childcare while they are at work, contributing to the overall unaffordability of life in Durham.

We want a variety of jobs that are available and attainable to all Durham residents. We want more working class and trade jobs, along with those which do not require a college degree. We want living wage jobs that allow residents to have a path out of poverty, to be self-sufficient, and to afford housing, childcare, and other essential life needs. We want jobs that provide growth opportunities for people. We want community support systems to help residents access loans, scholarships, and grants to build businesses owned and operated within Durham.

Community Goals and Objectives

Quotes from Residents

“We need to hold employers accountable and support employers in providing quality jobs, meaning living wages, benefits, stable scheduling, family friendly policies, a workplace free from harassment, etc. While training and education are important, too much emphasis on the individual ignores the larger systemic systems of oppression. Employers have more money and power, and they hold responsibility to provide equitable access to high quality jobs”

“Business Loans and grants to start small businesses of color.”

“Shouldn’t take THREE jobs to survive”

“Better jobs that let me be able to feed my kids next week.”

“More business opportunities for native Durham residents (particularly African American)”

“I would like to see more job and job training opportunities to help or aid balancing income.”

“Offer felons better jobs and skill training to enter society again to become successful.”

“We need to attract businesses that will hire persons that traditionally cannot find a job with their limited skills.”