City Council is the legislative and policy-making body for Durham and is the final authority on City matters. The Council establishes general City policies; appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and members of boards, committees and commissions; enacts ordinances, resolutions, and orders; approves the strategic plan and annual budget; and authorizes contracts on the City’s behalf.
City Council has seven members: three from specific wards, three at-large and the Mayor. Terms are staggered, with nonpartisan elections every two years.
Each year the City Manager meets with the Mayor and City Council to review progress and discuss the City of Durham’s Strategic Plan. This plan defines the City's goals, the actions it will take to implement these goals, the ways it tracks progress in departments, and decisions on allocating its resources.
City Council chooses a few elements from the Strategic Plan as priorities for the Council, City Manager, and City Staff to focus on in the upcoming year.
The City Council’s FY22 Priorities
(click each for the current status of the initiative):
When: Held the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at 7 p.m.
Where: Regular business meetings are being held in person in Council Chambers at 101 City Hall Plaza and virtually via Zoom.
What: City Council hears priority items from the Council Members, City Manager, Attorney, and Clerk, presents ceremonial items, votes on the Consent Agenda, reviews the General Business Agenda, and conducts public hearings.
When: Held on Thursdays at 1 p.m., two weeks prior to each regular business meeting
Where:Regular business meetings are being held in person in Council Chambers at 101 City Hall Plaza and virtually via Zoom.
What: Informal working sessions where City Council hears "Citizens Matters," receives information briefings and presentations, and discusses departmental agenda items.
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200