Capital Improvements Program

What is the CIP?

View the 2005 Bond Video (transcripts: MSWord, PDF, TXT)

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a statement of the City of Durham's policy regarding long-range physical development. It is vital to the City because it is the principle planning tool designed to achieve urban growth and development. This program is developed for a six year period and is updated and revised annually. To be included in the CIP, a project requires total expenditures of at least $100,000 and a useful life of at least 10 years.

By providing a planned schedule, cost estimates, and location of public sector improvements, the Capital Improvement Program provides private sector decision makers with valuable information upon which to base investment decisions. It also provides local elected officials and the public with valuable information concerning proposed public facilities and their associated costs. This coordination of orderly and efficient programs for private and public investment is essential to successfully meeting Durham’s future development needs.

The City updates the status of current CIP projects on its web site monthly. Users can view the CIP listing for financial and narrative updates, as well as information about the departments and project managers responsible for coordinating projects. There are instructions for navigating and interpreting the information found on the site.

The Annual CIP Process.

The CIP process includes a professional analysis of projects, the guidance of citizens and business and community leaders, and the leadership of the City Manager and City Council to produce a sound CIP.

Goals of the CIP

The CIP is prepared with the guidance of two major goals:

  1. To address the City's immediate and long term capital needs, especially those related to:
    • Maintaining the existing infrastructure in order to protect the City's investment.
    • Expanding the tax base in a way that will benefit both new and existing citizens.
    • Managing and encouraging orderly growth in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.
    • Providing city services in the most efficient and safe manner.
    • Maintaining and improving the quality of life in a way that enhances the perception of the community by citizens and potential investors.
  2. To explore all feasible funding sources (as time and resources permit) in order to finance the City's capital needs.

The CIP is also prepared with the guidance of the eight adopted goals of the City Council:

  • All Durham citizens are safe.
  • Every citizen in Durham has access to adequate, safe and affordable housing.
  • Durham enjoys a prosperous economy.
  • Durham citizens enjoy a healthy environment.
  • Durham citizens enjoy sustainable, thriving neighborhoods with efficient and well-maintained infrastructure.
  • Durham citizens enjoy a city rich in aesthetic beauty.
  • Durham citizens enjoy a vibrant city that embraces and promotes its cultural diversity and heritage.
  • Durham citizens enjoy an efficient and accountable city government.

Questions regarding the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) should be directed to Antonio Hardeman, Senior Budget Analyst, CIP Coordinator, at (919) 560-4111 ext 283.