Joint City-County Committee Meeting Summary – October 11, 2023

This joint meeting of the Durham City Council and Board of County Commissioners was held on October 11, 2023, at City Hall. The committee addressed a range of pressing issues including the exhaustion of federal rental assistance funds, a funding crisis at the Durham Crisis Response Center, and planning for a new Museum of Durham History. The meeting began with a moment of silence for those in conflict and a reminder to vote in the primary election. Key presentations and discussions are summarized below.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the draft joint city-county meeting minutes (unanimous; moved by Chair, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson).
• Approval of the 2024 joint city-county meeting schedule with six dates: February 13, April 9, June 11, August 13, October 8, and December 10 (unanimous).

Discussion Items

• Rental Assistance Overview (LIHR and Emergency Rental Assistance): Maggie Satichen, Director of DSS Durham, presented alongside Lee Littles and Kelly. They reported that $26 million in federal emergency rental assistance (ERAP) has been expended since 2020, with only $1.98 million remaining as of July 31, 2023. At current spending rates, funds may last 7–8 months, but high-demand months (January/February) could exhaust them sooner. The average two-bedroom rent in Durham has risen to approximately $1,400 per month. Presenters recommended that the city and county partner to increase housing stability funding, convene stakeholders, and prioritize populations with fixed incomes (seniors, disabled) and those earning below 50% AMI. Council members and commissioners expressed concern about the impending cliff and called for a holistic approach—including housing, transportation, and childcare—and for city and county managers to lead a collaborative effort. Councilwoman Freeman emphasized the need for a reparative, long-term strategy rather than simply paying landlords. Commissioner Jacobs noted the link between housing instability and school attendance. The DSS director cautioned that DSS is not the best lead agency for this ongoing effort.

• Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC) Funding Request: Damon Tally, Executive Director of DCRC, presented. DCRC is the sole agency in Durham providing shelter, advocacy, and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. He reported that 57 people (including a 10-year-old named Nassi) died from domestic violence in the past year. Federal Crime Victims Fund cuts have reduced DCRC’s budget by $1.5 million over two years, forcing layoffs, including the Spanish helpline staff. DCRC requested $250,000 to shore up the only 24-hour emergency shelter, and a sustained line item in city and county budgets. Commissioner Jacobs strongly supported the request, noting that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness. The city’s Mayor Pro Tem (likely the chair) acknowledged the request but stated the city cannot commit immediately due to recent budget challenges, though the city manager would review numbers.

• Museum of Durham History Update: Patrick Muckle, Executive Director, updated the committee on the working group’s progress for a new museum home. The group recommended due diligence on four potential sites: 500 West Main Street, 505 West Chapel Hill Street, 201 North Roxboro Street, and 220 East Main Street. A revised program study and site test fits for these locations was requested, along with a full-time development director position. The county had already approved $35,000 for salaries, but the additional request (approximately $76,000 for architecture and staff) is under consideration. Commissioner Jacobs expressed strong support, arguing that investing in the museum is an economic driver through sales and occupancy tax revenue. The city’s Mayor Pro Tem expressed hesitation due to competing urgent needs, including the DCRC request and city employee pay issues, and could not support the additional funding at this time. Mr. Muckle noted that private donors are waiting for public investment to energize fundraising.

Key Outcomes

• The consent calendar items (minutes and 2024 schedule) were approved unanimously.
• No formal votes were taken on the funding requests for DCRC or the Museum of Durham History. However, the committee expressed support for further discussions and staff review.
• For rental assistance, the committee directed city and county managers to convene stakeholders (including DSS, legal aid, and community organizations) to develop a coordinated strategy before the remaining federal funds run out later this fiscal year. The urgency of the situation was acknowledged, and consideration of interim local funding to bridge the gap was suggested.
• The meeting concluded with thanks to outgoing members and a reminder to vote.