PB Cycle 4 Update as of 12/10/2025:

This fall, Durham’s Participatory Budgeting program moved from idea collection into the final stages of Cycle IV. The 964 ideas submitted earlier this year have now been shaped into a clear, accessible ballot developed with input from residents and city officials across the city.

Over the past several months, ideas were reviewed, refined, and combined where appropriate to reflect shared community priorities. Draft proposals were taken back into neighborhoods so residents could help shape the final versions. This ensured that each project remained grounded in what the community asked for.

With proposals finalized, PB created a ballot in both English and Spanish and prepared for a citywide voting effort. Outreach throughout the fall focused on meeting residents where they are; in schools, on college campuses, at senior centers, recreation centers, libraries, and community events. These partnerships helped ensure voting was visible, accessible, and welcoming to all. The map below shows where ballot projects are located.

Click the image to view the interactive map

Voting ran through December 7th and offered online, mobile, and in-person options. Residents across Durham participated, including strong turnout from students. During the voting phase the Participatory Budgeting team also went by the Durham County Jail and the Durham County Youth Home. By the close of voting, PB collected a broad and diverse set of votes that reflected engagement citywide.

Now that voting has ended, results are being prepared for release. Winning projects for Cycle IV will be announced in February 2026 following a presentation to City Council.

PB Cycle 4 Update as of 7/31/2025:

Durham’s PB program continues to expand its reach and impact. The 964 ideas collected in Cycle IV mark a 52% increase from the 632 ideas submitted during Cycle III. This growth underscores not only increased public awareness, but also a deeper sense of community ownership in shaping local priorities. The sharp rise in participation signals strong momentum and reinforces the city’s commitment to resident-driven budgeting.

This cycle placed a strong emphasis on demographic alignment, working intentionally to ensure that the diversity of ideas collected mirrored the diversity of the Durham community. Utilize the dashboard below to take a peek at how participation looked in PB Cycle IV.

With the idea collection phase concluding in March, the City of Durham’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) program has received a total of 964 ideas for consideration. These ideas will be considered for a share of $2.4 million dedicated to capital improvement projects across the city.

Mayor Leonardo Williams and First Lady Zwelibanzi Williams at the 2025 State of the City idea collection event

More than 900 unique contributors submitted ideas during the opening months of 2025. The PB process was designed to offer accessible opportunities for residents to participate and share their input. In total, the PB team hosted over 30 in-person events, reaching neighborhoods across Durham—including Braggtown, Walltown, and Merrick-Moore.

Outreach efforts prioritized engagement with a wide range of demographic groups. For example, multiple events were held at the Durham Senior Center to connect with older residents, while school-based events reached students at Roger Herr Middle School and Middle College High School. The team also partnered with North Carolina Central University (NCCU), hosting idea sessions with students from the Political Science Department and the Master of Public Administration program.

Participants at an idea collection event at Edison Johnson Recreation Center

Non-profit partners such as Student U and the Durham Success Summit played a key role in broadening outreach, particularly among youth and underserved communities. Ideas were collected through several channels, including in-person submissions, online platforms, community outreach events, mobile devices, and partnership-based engagement.

Participatory Budgeting Cycle IV Timeline:

• February–March 2025: Idea Collection
• May–July 2025: Proposal Development
• August–September 2025: Community Engagement
• October–November 2025: Voting
• January–February 2026: City Council Update