Durham City Council Work Session – January 23, 2023

The Durham City Council held a work session on January 23, 2023, starting at 3:15 PM (UTC). The session included council announcements, public comment from three residents, a presentation from the HATI Reborn Justice Movement, and a deep-dive presentation from the Durham Housing Authority (DHA). The council also settled the agenda and received information about the upcoming Point-in-Time count.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved items 1–6 (minutes, bid report, departmental contracts) and items 9–13 (public hearings, annexations, Unified Development Ordinance text amendment) as part of the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daniel Marshburn (807 South Duke Street, resident of JJ Henderson Towers for 23 years) expressed that conditions have deteriorated, citing a power outage during Christmas without notification or welfare checks. He noted management changes and lack of communication.
• Rafik Zaidi (807 South Duke Street, resident for 17 years) argued that the power outage violated federal disability laws (Title VI and VII). He reported that seven residents with COPD and oxygen needs went without electricity until December 25, and that the property manager (CCI) did not provide relief or compensation for spoiled food. He requested investigation and accommodations.
• Pearley Williams (807 South Duke Street, apartment 911, former vice president of JJ Henderson Towers and NAMI Orange representative) described the power outage as an emergency. She detailed that it was dark and cold, food spoiled, and no compensation was offered. She emphasized safety risks (open doors, drug activity) and demanded council action.

Discussion Items

HATI Reborn Justice Movement Presentation

• LA Jones and Steve Chalmers presented the HATI Reborn Justice Movement, a community coalition aiming to create a one-stop shop for Black, Brown, and justice-involved residents. The initiative addresses duplication of services by coordinating existing resources across nine program areas: criminal justice (led by Sheriff Clarence Birkhead), economic development, education, health and wellness, housing, mentoring, programs, recreation, and inspiration.
• The model includes outreach, comprehensive assessment (partnering with Durham Tech), case management, stipends ($15/hour), mental health assessments, and wraparound services. Community support specialists and mentors are part of the plan.
• Partners include Durham Police, Bull City United, Durham Public Schools, Durham Tech, Duke University, and many community organizations. The movement has applied for 501(c)(3) status and is currently working through Triangle United Way.
• The speakers requested council support and funding. They noted that their approach differs from previous programs by centering on systemic change and long-term investment in people.
• Council members expressed strong support, with several noting the need to move beyond talk to action. Councilmember Williams offered to connect employment partners.

Durham Housing Authority Deep Dive

• Anthony Scott, DHA Director, provided an overview. DHA is federally funded, with a $50 million budget and 117 staff (struggling with staffing). It operates 1,700 units across 17 sites (99% occupancy) and administers 3,100 housing choice vouchers. The waiting list includes 5,000 families for public housing and over 10,000 for project-based vouchers.
• DHA is under a HUD recovery agreement due to troubled agency status (physical inspection scores below 60 at several sites). A physical needs assessment identified $50 million in necessary capital improvements over five years, but DHA receives only about $3 million annually in capital funds (totaling $15 million over five years).
• The RAD conversion program is being used to redevelop properties; the DDMP downtown plan will increase total units from 2,275 to 2,544, though the number of 80% AMI units is decreasing due to cost and interest rate pressures.
• Key challenges: landlord refusal to accept vouchers (income discrimination), tenant barriers (childcare, transportation, benefits cliff), and lack of funding. A 2018 Hope VI project (37 Habitat for Humanity homes) is nearing completion.
• Council discussion highlighted the need for landlord roundtables, anti-discrimination policies, more case management, and increased funding. Council members committed to advocating for state/federal change and exploring local incentives.

Key Outcomes

• The council settled the consent agenda by unanimous vote.
• No formal votes were taken on the HATI movement or DHA matters, but strong verbal support was expressed. Councilmembers committed to follow-up meetings and exploring ways to fund HATI and support landlord engagement.
• Mayor O'Neill announced the 2023 Point-in-Time count will take place January 25, 2023, from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM, organized by Housing for New Hope. Volunteers are needed; training is available. The council encouraged participation.
• Councilmember Johnson announced plans to bring an ordinance limiting single-use plastic bags to the February work session.