August 19, 2022 | Volume 15, No. 32

A Word from Wanda

A Road Map to Zero Emission Vehicles

Moving to electric vehicles (EVs) is one way our organization is working to reduce our environmental impact, and this week I have two exciting updates to share.

First, on Tuesday, we were awarded a $5.7 million grant to add six electric buses to our GoDurham fleet, another step toward green transit and cleaner air in our community. Following a competitive selection process, our Transportation Department is among 150 agencies across the country that will receive this funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s FY2022 Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No). The Durham grant is the Low-No program's largest in North Carolina and the only one dedicated to zero-emissions vehicles. This great accomplishment will allow us to replace six diesel buses, providing clean and quiet transportation (that's free to ride through at least June 2023!).

Second, to help us plan our transition to EVs, this summer our General Services, Fleet Management, and Transportation teams had the opportunity to work with two Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps Fellows to build on the ongoing work of reaching zero-emissions in our fleet. By comparing the purchase price and lifetime fuel and maintenance costs of electric vehicles versus gas or diesel powered vehicles, they found that sedans, light-duty pickup trucks, and transit buses are ready to be electrified.

Moving to these new EVs will not only reduce our carbon footprint and harmful air pollution, they will actually save the City money. For example, by replacing light-duty pickup trucks with the Ford F-150 Lighting EV, we can save approximately $9,000 over the life of each vehicle. Additional recommendations include preparing for more charging stations, right sizing our fleet, and developing a zero emissions vehicle policy.

When you consider the size of our fleet—currently 1,450 vehicles—reducing our emissions will help us make great progress toward our carbon neutrality and renewable energy goals over the coming years. Transitioning to electric vehicles will be a gradual process, and thanks to the research by our EDF Climate Corps fellows and the Low-No grant funding, we now have more resources and tools to move us forward.

I want to express my gratitude to the EDF Climate Corp fellows and all the partners that are part of this great work, including our Fleet Management, General Services, and Transportation departments, GoDurham, and the Environmental Defense Fund.

Until next week,
Wanda

Check out our EDF Climate Corp Fellows' full presentation on YouTube

Going Electric Infographic - meet our Climate Corp Fellows Tunmise Raji and Cassidy Pearson

High level takeaways: sedans, light-duty trucks, and transit buses are ready for electrification

Recommended electric vehicles include the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Gillig Electric Low-floor Bus

City of Durham News

Last Chance to Take the Durham Rail Trail Online Survey

The Durham Rail Trail is a 1.8 mile, multi-use trail that will reclaim a portion of unused rail bed for walking and biking. Take our online survey or leave a comment on our crowdsource map by August 20 to give your input on amenities along the trail.

City to Provide Construction Training for Low-Income Residents

A new partnership with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the North Carolina Home Builders Association will allow us to help train low-income residents for jobs in the construction industry as well as provide assistance for our affordable housing efforts. Learn more in our Bull City Today episode.

Seeking New Members to Join Our Public Art Committee

If you're interested in shaping and supporting public art throughout our diverse city, consider serving on our Public Art Committee. Learn more about this opportunity and submit your application by Friday, September 2.

Applications Still Open for Next Cohort of Bull E-Bike Pilot Program

If you're a shift worker in downtown Durham, you may be able to take part in our Transportation Department's e-bike pilot program. Get free access to a pedal-assist e-bike for 4+ weeks including a helmet, u-lock, other accessories, and maintenance support. Participants will share their experience to help us learn how e-bikes can help increase transportation access and reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. Learn more and apply.

A Fire Safety Reminder from Our Fire Department

Electrical fires are one of the most common forms of house fires. Whether you're cooking, making coffee, or heating your home, plug only one heat-producing appliance into a wall outlet at a time.

Be fire smart with electricity in your home - plug only 1 heat-producing appliance into a wall outlet at a time and never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance

Photo Highlight

group photo of Fire Academy 34 & 35 graduates in fire gear

Congratulations to Our Newest Durham Firefighters

Today, Fire Academy 34 and 35 will graduate and start their careers with our Fire Department. Thank you for choosing public service in Durham and welcome to our local government team!

Ways to Stay Engaged with the City

Two Durhams Beer Festival with Durham UK beers brewed by Durham, NC breweries; August 19, 4-7 p.m. at Durham Central Park; free admission

Sister Cities of Durham Hosts Two Durhams Beer Festival

Friday, August 19, 4-7 p.m.
Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.
Join Sister Cities of Durham for a festival featuring English beers, international food trucks, and live music. Four local breweries are collaborating with four breweries in Durham, England to create a special series of English beers. Durham, England has been a Sister City to Durham, North Carolina since 1975, and was the first member of our Sister Cities family. Learn more about Sister Cities of Durham and this special event.

Hispanic Contractors Assoc. of the Carolinas Gala & Brilliance Awards

Friday, August 19, 6:30-11:30 p.m.
Hilton Durham, 3800 Hillsborough Rd.

The 2022 HCAC Gala & Brilliance Awards will celebrate and recognize the outstanding contributions of extraordinary small and minority contractor businesses in North Carolina through celebration, live entertainment, and an awards ceremony. The City is proud to be a sponsor of this event, and all proceeds support HCAC's operations, training, and events for minority contractors in the Carolinas.

Rock the Park Movie Screening with DPR: Love & Basketball

Saturday, August 20, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.
Join DPR for the final movie screening of the summer while enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. The event is free and open to the public. Food vendors will be on site and food will be available for purchase.

Play More with Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR)

Registration is Open for DPR's Fall Sports Leagues

Now is your chance to step up to the plate and hit a grand slam with DPR's Fall 2022 athletics leagues and offerings! From adult basketball and girls soccer to co-rec softball and tennis lessons, participants of all ages are in for a season of fun. Don't sit on the bench—registration is in full swing! Check out our latest blog post for details.

Rocky Creek Greenway Has Reopened

This is one of many trails recently renovated and reopened as part of the City's trail repair project that focuses on improving some of Durham's oldest trails. Built in 1988, the Rocky Creek Greenway is approximately 0.75 miles and connects the American Tobacco Trail to the Pearsontown Trail and to NC 55 at Dakota Street. DPR invites you to visit the newly resurfaced trail, take a photo, post it to social media, and tag @dprplaymore to help celebrate the reopening of the trail!

Celebrate the End of Summer with Your Dog at DPR's Pooch Plunge

Canines and their people (ages 18+) are invited to this end-of-summer pool party on September 10 for a chance to swim and play at Hillside Pool. Learn more about this popular annual event in our Bull City Today episode and make sure to register!

collage shows dogs playing in the pool, fetching a rope, and splashing in a sprayground

Upcoming DPR Programs and Events

August 26: Costume Dance Party at Edison Johnson Recreation Center

September 3: Special History Tour at West Point on the Eno

September 8: Jazz on the Court at W.D. Hill Recreation Center

Visit the DPR Event Calendar for more activities or check out our fitness classes.

Durham Water Works for You

Drought Status as of August 19: Normal

Durham is not currently under a drought status, but as always, please be responsible with your water usage. To learn how you can conserve water, visit our website to find water-saving tips and learn about special offers for Durham water customers, such as our toilet rebate program. You can also view the data on Durham's water supply status.

Be drought aware this summer. Find out if our region is facing drier than average conditions and discover ways you can help conserve water. www.durhamnc.gov/1217

Now Showing on Durham Television Network

Get a recap of this week's news in three minutes with the latest episode of Bull City Wrap.

In this week's episode: City Council 2023 meeting schedule has been set; Chapel Hill Road Transit Corridor Improvement Project; Reservoir Safety Improvement Project; training low-income residents for construction jobs; and dogs invited to the Pooch Plunge.

Host Amy Blalock discusses City Council meeting schedule

Social Spotlight

@CityofDurhamNC tweet: Today is #CityHallSelfie Day - a celebration of #localgov public service. Check out our Budget team showing their pride in serving the Bull City!

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