North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Durham City Council is expected to adopt a proposed $772 million budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 on Monday, June 16, following a final public hearing held June 2. The budget, presented by City Manager Bo Ferguson, includes a substantial investment in infrastructure and capital projects.
More than two-thirds of the proposed budget—$537.6 million—is allocated to capital improvements through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), reflecting a strong focus on long-term infrastructure needs. Major highlights include:
- $315.7 million to upgrade water and sewer systems, including:
- Continued work on the Jordan Lake Water Treatment Plant
- Major improvements to pump stations, treatment facilities, and underground utility lines
- $25.7 million for stormwater infrastructure, including the South Ellerbe Restoration Project and flood mitigation
The $115 million streets and sidewalks bond approved by voters as part of the 2024 Connect Durham Bond Referendum, allows the city to expand its annual pavement management and sidewalk repair programs.
Additional investments include:
- $1.2 million to complete the design for two-way traffic conversion on North Mangum and North Roxboro streets.
- $1.5 million for new traffic signals.
- $1.3 million for safer school zones and trail crossings.
- $875,500 for pedestrian signal upgrades.
- $348,000+ for neighborhood bike routes.
- $200,000 for Carpenter-Fletcher Road bike/pedestrian improvements.
Parks improvements will total over $92 million, including:
- $7 million to address lead contamination in five city parks
- $43 million for a new Aquatic Center at Merrick-Moore Park
- $42 million to connect Long Meadow and East End Parks
Also, $1.5 million for new traffic signals, over $1.3 million for safer school zones and trail crossings, and nearly $1 million for neighborhood bike and pedestrian enhancements.
“This budget responds to what residents have asked for — more investment in public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life,” Ferguson said. “It balances those priorities with rising costs and growing demands on our core services.”
The budget adoption vote will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel on June 16 at 7 p.m. To read the full budget proposal, visit the City of Durham Budget and Management Services webpage.