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Durham residents have the opportunity to decide how $2.4 million in city funds will be allocated, with voting now open. The Participatory Budgeting Durham (PB Durham) initiative includes 10 community-selected projects, such as park repairs and the installation of public charging stations. According to the City of Durham, online voting started yesterday and will continue through November 30. Voting is available in both English and Spanish. In the current Cycle IV of PB Durham, residents aged 13 and older can participate by ranking their preferred projects. The projects with the most votes will be implemented. Voting is available online and aims to connect residents more directly with local government decisions. Carmen Ortiz from the City’s Community Partnerships and Engagement Department said in the official announcement, "Participatory Budgeting (PB) gives residents a direct voice in how public funds are spent, turning community ideas into real projects that improve daily life." This year’s proposed projects include a range of improvements across the city. They involve repairing tennis courts at Northgate Park, adding new shelters to Lakeview Park, building a playground at Bethesda Park, and installing public charging stations at key locations. Other projects on the ballot include creating resident-designed murals in eight neighborhoods, enhancing security at Oxford Manor, constructing a self-cleaning public restroom downtown, renovating the Durham Skatepark, and developing park features at Old Farm Road Park. Detailed information on each project is available in the city's announcement. Voting for the preferred PB Durham projects is just the first step in a larger process. Earlier this year, residents submitted many ideas, and the top 10 projects were chosen for this vote. After the voting ends, the City Council will review the winning projects, which total $2.4 million, during the winter of 2026, with plans to begin implementation soon after. Previous PB Durham cycles have led to completed projects like playgrounds and technology upgrades, showing the impact of the program. Residents interested in learning more or voting can visit the PB Durham website or follow the initiative on social media.
