Durham County is thriving. Over the last decade, we have witnessed growth at an unprecedented level. We have seen new rental units downtown, new industries build headquarters here, and new small businesses thrive. While this growth brings excitement and opportunity and shows the results of successful policies and partnerships, it is also critical that we address the challenges and disparities and address wealth and equity at its core.
I have worked tirelessly with my Durham County leadership to champion efforts, policies, and programs to even the playing field in our economic development efforts. I will continue to be a voice for inclusion so that all community members are provided opportunities to participate in training, employment, and business activities.
ACTION/RESULTS
Increased by
- $423.5M for Durham Public Schools for remodeling existing buildings, plant facilities, new schools, and land acquisition
- $112.7M for Durham Tech Community College for the construction of a Life Science Training Center to help Durham residents prepare for the new jobs coming to this area
- $14M for Museum of Life & Science to revamp and support new exhibits and to upgrade building infrastructure
Launched a guaranteed income pilot program, DoCo Thrives, which will provide
- $423.5M for Durham Public Schools for remodeling existing buildings, plant facilities, new schools, and land acquisition
- $112.7M for Durham Tech Community College for the construction of a Life Science Training Center to help Durham residents prepare for the new jobs coming to this area
- $14M for Museum of Life & Science to revamp and support new exhibits and to upgrade building infrastructure
Established leave programs under the Family First Paid Leave Policy for Durham County employees
- Paid Parental Leave, leave available for the first three months after the birth of an employee's child or placement of a child in connection with adoption, foster care, or in loco parentis
- Paid Family Leave, leave available for six weeks to care for a family member who has a serious health condition
- Personal leave, leave available for five days for self-care or when the employee or the employee's family member is the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
Developed and initiated a pilot program, MWBEvolution, that is designed for minority, women, and small business owners who are looking to scale and grow their operations by providing training in key areas like finance, human resources, and marketing
Expanded the Durham YouthWork Internship Program for adults aged 18-24. Over X amount of students have participated in the 4-week classes that provide on-site work experiences with employers from a variety of sectors
Secured $2M for gang member reform workforce development program, Hayti Reform Movement
Helped efforts for NC to host the 2029 World University Games – NC Central University and Duke University will provide sports facilities for the games, which will provide small businesses the opportunity to engage with visitors who are project to spend millions
Continued partnership between the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Durham Technical Community College to expand and prepare the local workforce with opportunities for educational training
Secured $250K for an agricultural economic development grant program that is geared toward farmers and nonprofits and agricultural education in public schools
Worked with the City of Durham to establish the Durham Small Business Opportunity Loan Fund program to provide low interest loans to Durham small businesses that were impacted by the pandemic. To date the program has awarded 52 loans totaling more than $1.2M, with the majority of awardees being minority and women-owned businesses