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