The City Clerk’s Office Presents the Monthly Board Member Spotlight:

KEELAN BROWN, DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (dpac) oVERSIGHT COMMITTEE 

Why would you encourage someone in the community to apply to be on a board, committee, or commission?

Most will say that serving on a committee is a great way to give back to the community, and it’s true! It also gives someone a great understanding of how their local government works behind the scenes to provide services to community members. As a member of a committee or board, you’re required to think critically about issues that impact thousands of your neighbors in ways you may have never considered before. Working alongside City staff and forming relationships with your fellow committee members is also a very fulfilling experience. Everyone is doing what they’re doing because they care about their community and want to work for a better future in Durham.

What do you enjoy most about serving on your particular board?

Serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee is a helpful experience in seeing how Federal policies and funding tools translate into local community projects and outcomes, particularly around housing. It challenges me to take complex information and translate it into easier-to-understand processes so our committee members can more effectively support Durham’s residents. It’s also been an important process to see how City staff and our elected officials approach different projects so we can ensure they align with the community’s needs.

What is your favorite part about living in Durham?

Durham has an authenticity that rarely exists in other places. The community members are what make it so great, and the longtime residents of Durham are the living experts of this city. They have the experience and expertise to know what is needed most right now as Durham faces new growth and challenges, and I’m grateful to be a part of those conversations. Ultimately, we’re all very passionate and protective of what makes Durham so special. We want to see it thrive for everyone.