City of Durham

Creative fall creations on display at the ParkDurham office! Six staff members submitted these entries to the ParkDurham division employee pumpkin decorating contest. Awards were given for the best, most creative and funniest pumpkins. Employee winners: Andrea Harper, Sharon Zeigler, & Jeaneen Nunn-Thomas. Judge: Transportation Assistant Director Evian Patterson. 🏆

A budding Fall landscape for you! We found our horticulture team at work on a chilly morning outside City Hall Annex. They planted 500 native perennials that should bloom throughout the year. Horticulture Supervisor Renee Ackerman says we’ll see seasonal pops of color inspired by Piedmont Prairie ecosystems. This oasis will eventually encourage butterflies to return and also provide food and homes for birds. Plus, it serves as a stormwater retention tool, absorbing runoff. Especially helpful during the drought! As a reminder, we use reclaimed water when necessary. Thanks to our General Services team, we’ll also see new plants at a section of Rigsbee Ave., Durham Centre Garage and at Durham Fire Department Station 1. Plant list: Purple Coneflower Goldenrod Southern Blue Flag Iris Aromatic Aster Black-eyed Susan Clustered Mountain Mint Blazing Star Little Bluestem Butterfly Milkweed Eastern Bluestar Pink Muhly Grass Pennsylvania Sedge Foxglove Beardtongue 🤩

You've asked about what we're doing to improve Durham’s parks, and we're gearing up to respond to your questions! Stay tuned next week to learn more from our Durham Parks and Recreation expert, who will answer your questions in our new Durham Answers video series and podcast.

At the City of Durham, employee wellness is more than a priority — it’s part of our culture. Yesterday, we hosted our Fall Into Wellness Event, bringing together a variety of vendors, activities, and on-site health resources for our team. From bracelet-making and salsa dancing to essential oil crafting and one-on-one consultations with health agencies, the event offered something for everyone. Shout-out to our Benefits & Wellness team and all our employee volunteers for making this event possible! We’re proud to provide meaningful wellness opportunities that support our employees as they continue making Durham a great place to live, work, and play.

At the City of Durham, careers aren't just built — they're made. We're hiring passionate, skilled professionals who are ready to make a real impact in our community. Featured Open Positions: 🔹 Senior Plant Operations Specialist Apply: https://lnkd.in/gqUeydHP 🔹 Utility Locate Supervisor Apply: https://lnkd.in/gRwtUuvZ 🔹 Senior Program Assistant (Specialized Recreation) Apply: https://lnkd.in/gHzk-C36 Great benefits. Meaningful work. A City that values YOU. Explore all open opportunities and take the next step in your career: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g5fEX3DG

The City of Durham has contracts just for certified Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs), and you don't need a downtown address to qualify. Below are a few of the guidelines: •Your principal office is in the Durham Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) (Durham, Chatham, Orange, or Person County) •OR, You have a branch or satellite office in the MSA established for at least 1 year, where at least 25% of your full-time employees live in the MSA •You meet SBA small business size standards Visit our webpage to apply for the SLBE program https://lnkd.in/edThY9rt.

Talk to our staff about two-way conversion for Roxboro & Mangum streets! Don’t miss the open house on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6 p.m. at 311 Dowd Street. The project is in the second phase of design. Hit the link below in our comment section, review the proposed designs & tell us what you think.

Durham, we're planning for the future together. 🌱 The City-County Open Space Plan is shaping how we protect land, expand open space, and conserve at least 30% of Durham County by 2050. After our recent engagement sessions, we’re taking your feedback and putting it into action. We have a new survey with the draft vision and goals — be sure to weigh in and help guide Durham’s next chapter: https://lnkd.in/e-xh7U7P The backdrop for this video highlights the recent landscaping updates by our General Services team.

We are heartbroken to share that Firefighter Andrew Brokes died in the line of duty this morning while searching for victims inside the building at 410 Marly Drive. Firefighter Brokes, who joined the Durham Fire Department on May 5, 2025, served the Durham community with dedication, courage, and a deep commitment to the residents of the Bull City. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our department, the family, and the entire community,” said Durham Fire Chief Robert J. Zoldos II. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and his colleagues, and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. The department is standing with and supporting his family in every possible way.” Two other firefighters were injured during the incident and were taken to Duke Medical Center. Both have received care and are expected to make full recoveries. This loss is felt across our entire organization. Firefighters step into unpredictable situations every day in service to others, and Firefighter Brokes embodied that calling with honor. We know our community is grieving alongside us. If you wish to share your condolences or messages of support, they will be received with gratitude by our Fire Department and by those who knew and loved Firefighter Brokes. Thank you, Durham, for surrounding our DFD family with care during this profoundly difficult time.

Earlier this week, our City Council members and the Mayor’s Hispanic/Latino Committee presented a proclamation honoring Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the culture and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities right here in Durham. Catch everything you missed by watching Monday's City Council meeting on-demand: https://bit.ly/3TN10fU Or check out our Flickr album to see photos from the celebration: https://bit.ly/4APRs4v