Background on DST and ST

The daylight savings time (DST) and Standard Time (ST) we know today are not exactly the first biannual change to our watches. In 1966 the Uniform Time Act was the first enacted federally mandated time change. While daylight savings time has been used since 1918 to reduce energy consumption, the biannual change from Daylight Savings Time (March to November) to Standard Time ( November to March) was altered multiple times over the past 30-some years. The time of year to change the clocks has been argued in order to achieve the objective; saving energy. In theory; by utilizing the sun to coincide with workdays we will use more sunlight during the working hours, so more energy is saved, and less money is spent. This was essential in the early 20th century. Before 1925, less than half of all homes in the U.S. held electric power, so the use of candles and gas cost the individual more in cost and emissions than our modern-day light bulbs. 

Modern DST and ST

Today, the theory of saving energy has been argued more and more in the past 15 years. Research has shown in Ontario that around 1% of energy was saved using daylight savings time. Comparatively, another group’s research concludes that the use of DST increased energy consumption in Indiana, mostly in the evenings. But beyond the objective, the biannual time change indicated other consequences. On the day of the time change, the rate of fatal car accidents increased up to 30%, and individuals’ mental health was shown to be negatively affected, pushing the argument against DST. Each industry of business holds different opinions on the potential change as well; golf-courses hope to utilize the additional light in the evening while schools worry about kids walking in dark mornings.

After The Change

Theoretically, we will see a small decrease in fatal car accidents, positive impacts on our mental health, and either a 1% increase in energy use or somewhere between 3% – 5% decrease in energy use. Opinions vary. Most states have spoken since 2015 with 30 states introducing legislation opposing the bi-season time change. If the Sunshine Protection Act is to pass, all 50 states will switch their clocks this coming November, the next March, and then keep in DST past our 2023 fall. So in November of 2023, schedule your meetings early; if the Sunshine Protection Act passes you may just make those morning meetings.

Contacts: Kathleen Sullivan, 919-945-7106, ksullivan@selcnc.org

Tasha Durrett, 571-405-1101, tdurrett@selcva.org

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — This month the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings upheld the state’s decision allowing Smithfield-owned hog operations to use giant pits of untreated hog feces and urine to produce gas while spraying the harmful waste on surrounding areas, which continues a long history of water pollution and harm to the families – disproportionately Black, Latino, and Native American – living nearby.

The four permits authorize hog operations to use a dangerous and polluting lagoon and sprayfield system for their hog waste; the process of producing and collecting gas from the waste lagoons can actually make the waste more polluting. Ammonia emissions from open hog waste pits in Duplin and Sampson Counties are already responsible for scores of premature deaths every year, according to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences.

“While we are disappointed in the decision, our organization remains committed to pursuing clean water, clean air, and environmental justice for residents of eastern North Carolina that have borne the burden of pollution from these hog operations for decades,” said Maggie Galka, vice chair of the board for Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN).

“These hog operations pollute our waterways and put people nearby and downstream at risk, and we are disappointed to see what amounts to a green-light for this industry’s continued pollution,” said Kemp Burdette, the Cape Fear Riverkeeper.

“Smithfield is using cleaner, more modern technology in other states to produce gas while reducing pollution, and North Carolina’s communities are entitled to the same protections,” said Blakely Hildebrand, attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. “Smithfield must stop its pollution and continued environmental injustices rather than consistently using the cheapest, most harmful methods to handle hog sewage in North Carolina.  The law requires it.”

Earlier this year, on behalf of the Environmental Justice Community Action Network and Cape Fear River Watch, SELC challenged the four state permits saying DEQ violated state law when the agency failed to require less harmful alternatives for producing gas from hog waste and failed to address cumulative effects of water pollution from these and other industrial hog operations and agricultural operations in the Cape Fear River Basin. In issuing this permit, DEQ violated its responsibility to prevent water pollution, and, instead, entrenches it without requiring better waste management to protect North Carolina’s waterways and communities.

###

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 170, including 90 attorneys, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, D.C.

southernenvironment.org

If you would rather not receive future communications from Southern Environmental Law Center, let us know by clicking here.

Southern Environmental Law Center, 1 Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 United States

DURHAM, N.C. – The Durham City Council has named Interim City Manager Wanda Page to the permanent position, effective immediately. The announcement comes following an initial engagement with a firm to begin a national search last month.

“City Council members realized how fortunate the city is to already have someone who essentially has been preparing for this position for all of her 30-year career,” said City of Durham Mayor Steve Schewel. “Wanda is a consummate professional with vast experience, rock-solid judgment, and a deep knowledge of local government and our community. Furthermore, she has earned the respect and support of the organization and community as a trusted leader, not just over the past six months, but during her entire tenure in City government.”

Support for Page was unanimous added Mayor Pro Tem Jillian Johnson. “Wanda has clearly demonstrated that she understands the values of the Durham community, and will continue to work to carry out plans and initiatives that make Durham the special place that it is, always striving to be inclusive, innovative and community oriented, while being fiscally responsible,” she said.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime — to lead an organization that I truly love that serves the needs of a community that I truly love,” said Page. “While recovery from the economic and personal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been my strong focus over the past six months, other issues the city faces, like many other cities across the country, are just as complex. Creating a safer community continues to be high on my list, and effective solutions must involve constant innovation and a broad range of collaborators and partners.”

“Also, I believe that we as a local government must always consider the impact and persistence of inequitable systems that affect the quality of life of residents in our community, particularly in communities of color. These inequities have led to slower-than-desired progress in areas such as economic prosperity and safe, affordable housing options for all residents. Solutions will take creative, innovative thinking and consistent, sustainable, and equitable engagement to find solutions that lead to real progress,” said Page.

Page joined the City of Durham in 1987 as a senior staff accountant and then served as assistant finance director/controller from 1999 to 2002. From 2002 to 2006, she served as the internal audit director, and then as assistant city manager from 2006 to 2008, and was named deputy city manager later that year, with the arrival of the previous city manager.

Page is a 1982 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She later earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Central University in 1995. She has been an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) credentialed manager since 2010, and is also licensed by the North Carolina State Board Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examiners and the Institute of Internal Auditors as a certified internal auditor.

Page currently serves on the executive board of the Lincoln Community Health Center Foundation and on the MPA Advisory Board of the Public Administration Department at North Carolina Central University.

Page was named interim city manager following former City Manager Tom Bonfield’s retirement on September 30, 2020.

News Media Contact
Beverly B. Thompson, Public Affairs Director
919.475.2362 (mobile)
Beverly.Thompson@DurhamNC.gov

DURHAM, N.C. — Nearly 1,000,000,000,000 gallons of water are wasted due to leaks in American homes each year.* That’s right, nearly one trillion gallons. A one with 12 zeros behind it. That equals the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes. It means a valuable natural resource is being wasted, and it’s preventable. Leaks can run, but they can’t hide. And that provides an opportunity for customers to save money by fixing water leaks in their homes.

Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program, Fix a Leak Week is March 15-21, 2021, and the City’s Water Management Department encourages residents to find and fix residential leaks with a series of fun activities and helpful tips.

“Leaks can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water in an average home every year—the amount of water it takes to wash 300 loads of laundry,” said James Lim, Water Efficiency and Conservation Program Manager. “As a WaterSense partner, we are hosting a number of virtual opportunities during Fix a Leak Week, including three virtual workshops that are free to the public.”

Fix a Leak Week Workshops (FREE to the public)

• Tuesday, March 16, 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, March 18, Noon to 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 20, 11:30 a.m. to Noon

To register for these free virtual workshops, visit: https://durhamnc.gov/FormCenter/Water-Management-16/Fix-a-Leak-Week-2021-Virtual-Workshop-Re-264

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

In addition to the workshops, the Department is hosting a fun and easy scavenger hunt beginning March 15 on its website. Participants of all ages can enjoy a quick and educational quest, and City of Durham water customers that complete the scavenger hunt will be awarded prizes (limited to the first 150). The scavenger hunt will begin March 15 and run through March 21, starting from durhamsaveswater.org.

Check, Twist, and Replace

To save water, energy, and also to lower your water bills, customers should check, twist, and replace:

• Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures. Check toilets for silent leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring into the tank and then waiting 10 minutes to see if the color appears in the bowl before you flush. Be sure to check irrigation systems and spigots too.
• Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections. Twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator and you’ll save water and still have adequate water pressure for brushing teeth and washing hands.
• Replace the fixture if necessary. WaterSense labeled models are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well as or better than standard models. These items are included in the Water Efficiency Kits available at Durham City Hall for only $3!

In many cases, replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by the homeowner or a local plumbing professional. Irrigation professionals certified through a WaterSense labeled program can also check your systems for leaks. Visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find WaterSense labeled products or an auditor in your area.

For more information about the events or additional conservation tips, the City’s water customers can call (919) 560-4381, e-mail savewater@durhamnc.gov or visit DurhamSavesWater.org.

Fun fact

March 11, 2021 is World Plumbing Day!

About the Durham Water Management Department

Durham Water Management is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Durham’s water supply, water treatment and water reclamation (wastewater treatment) facilities, the collection and distribution systems (including meter reading), and customer billing services. The department has a wide variety of support divisions and programs to maintain the existing infrastructure that provide these integral services, and strives to be a responsible steward of the City’s physical assets. For information, visit http://durhamnc.gov/944/, like Durham Saves Water on Facebook, and follow @DurhamWater on Twitter.

*Statistic comes from the EPA’s WaterSense website: Fix a Leak Week | WaterSense | US EPA

News Media Contact
Joe Lunne, Sr. Public Information & Communications Analyst
Water Management Dept.
919.560.4381 ext. 35255 | 919.397.6131 (mobile)
Joe.Lunne@DurhamNC.gov

Who: City of Durham Equity and Inclusion Department and the Durham County Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program

When: Thursday, March 18, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Virtual mixer; pre-registration is required for log-in instructions

Fast Facts about this Networking Mixer:

• As many businesses were forced to pivot as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more necessary to remain connected and engaged through this period of uncertainty. Company offerings and personnel may have shifted, while the creation and maintenance of sustainable relationships has grown in the virtual networking environment that has become the new normal.
• Small business owners are invited to this virtual business mixer with local government representatives and other members of the business community to examine how to put the necessary pieces in place to help prepare for the business landscape now and after the pandemic ends. Participants should come ready to engage and discover a path forward to increase marketability and connectivity in uncertain times.
• Pre-registration for this free event is required. Log-in instructions for this virtual training seminar will be sent to registered email addresses.
• For additional information about this free networking mixer, contact Contracting and Compliance Manager Eric Miller with the City’s Equity and Inclusion Office at (919) 560-4180, ext. 17241 or by email.

News Media Contact
Amy Blalock, Public Affairs Manager
919.560.4123 x11253 | 919.475.7735 (mobile)
Amy.Blalock@DurhamNC.gov

DURHAM, N.C. – Plans are moving forward to create a new bicycle lane on Willard Street and public input is now needed to refine the proposed designs.

The City of Durham Transportation Department is planning to restripe Willard Street between Jackson Street and Blackwell Street to add a bicycle climbing lane, and is seeking public input from now until April 1, 2021 to refine the proposed restriping designs through an online survey and an interactive map.

The restriping project is set to begin later this spring in coordination with Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the American Tobacco District Waterline Replacement Project construction in 2021 and 2022.

Spring 2021 – Restriping after Phase 1 Completion of the American Tobacco District Waterline Replacement Project:

• Restripe Willard Street from Julian Carr Street to Jackson Street.
• Restripe Jackson Street to include bicycle sharrows to connect to the proposed bike lane on S. Duke Street.

Summer 2022 – Restriping after Phase 2 Completion of the American Tobacco District Waterline Replacement Project:

• Restripe Willard Street from Julian Carr Street to Blackwell Street to connect the American Tobacco Trail with the new Willard Street bicycle climbing lane.

To learn more about this restriping project, visit the project webpage or contact Transportation Planner Brian Taylor by email with any questions or requests for language translation assistance.

About the City of Durham Transportation Department

The Transportation Department remains steadfast in its commitment to providing and maintaining quality, multimodal infrastructure to improve mobility, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for current and future Durham residents, businesses, and visitors. To learn more, follow the department on Twitter.

News Media Contact
Amy Blalock, Public Affairs Manager
919.560.4123 x11253 | 919.475.7735 (mobile)
Amy.Blalock@DurhamNC.gov

Based on responses from more than 1,800 residents through an online community vote held last month, Carver received the most votes for her proposed concept. From now until mid-March 2021, Carver will work with community members and stakeholders to refine her initial designs for her crosswalk asphalt art to transform the intersection of West Club Boulevard and Glendale Avenue. The project budget includes $5,000 for these ongoing community engagement activities with an additional budget of $10,500 for the installation process and materials.

The new Club Crossing Project location was selected because the site has a well-documented vehicle speeding problem, and it attracts many pedestrians and cyclists including students at Club Boulevard Elementary, visitors to Northgate Park, and users of the Ellerbe Creek Trail.

Once the project is finished later this spring, the new crosswalk should improve street and pedestrian safety by activating the intersection and travel lanes through artwork in the crosswalk in front of Club Boulevard Elementary, reducing speeding on West Club Boulevard, and increasing yielding to pedestrians crossing West Club Boulevard and Glendale Avenue near the school. It will also help to tie distinct elements of this corridor together: Club Boulevard Elementary, Northgate Park, Ellerbe Creek Trail, and the East Coast Greenway.

Carver is a Durham native who spent her formative years in Indiana, where she developed her abstract creativity. As a self-taught artist, she has been painting for over 20 years. Her artwork is inspired by her personal journey to experience and share positive and encouraging emotions. Her goal is for the viewer to be engulfed by the tangibility of strength, power, boldness, and resilience of her art.

The Club Crossing Project is funded in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative grant program, which assists small and medium-sized cities looking to use art and design to improve street safety, revitalize public spaces, and engage their communities. In July 2020, the City of Durham was one of 16 U.S. cities selected to receive $25,000 from the program to help fund this crosswalk public art project. Additional City funds contributing to this project are from the Cultural and Public Art Program as well as matching in-kind costs for staff time and physical resources.

For more information about this project, visit the Club Crossing Project webpage or contact Cultural and Public Art Program Manager Rebecca Brown with the City’s General Services Department at (912) 398-8075 or by email.

About the City of Durham Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee serves as an advisory body to the Durham City Council and the City Manager, and its functions include assisting the City’s General Services Department on matters relating to public art; implementation of the Public Art Policy; and reviewing proposals for public art projects brought to it by the City administration; and making recommendations to the Durham Cultural Advisory Board regarding project approvals.

To further help artists connect with opportunities, the City has also launched a Durham Calls for Artists page on its website, which lists a number of upcoming opportunities for artists in and around Durham. Artists and other stakeholders who would like to be notified of current and future art-related opportunities and news can now sign up for alerts through the Cultural and Public Arts Calls for Art mailing list. For more information about the City’s Cultural and Public Arts Program, visit the City’s cultural and public arts page.

About the City of Durham General Services Department

The General Services Department builds and maintains City properties to make Durham a great place for people to live, work, and play. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department’s core functions include the acquisition and sale of properties, design and management of new construction and renovation projects, building maintenance, landscaping and urban forestry services, cemeteries management, sustainability and energy management, and supporting the nonprofit Keep Durham Beautiful.

About the City of Durham Transportation Department

The Transportation Department remains steadfast in its commitment to providing and maintaining quality, multimodal infrastructure to improve mobility, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for current and future Durham residents, businesses, and visitors. To learn more, follow the department on Twitter.

About the Durham Parks Foundation

The Durham Parks Foundation exists to preserve, strengthen and expand parks, trails, open space and recreational opportunities in Durham through diverse community involvement, fundraising, partnerships and education. Founded in 2015 to facilitate public/private partnerships for the benefit of all in Durham, the foundation assists groups with fundraising, providing information about future projects in parks, and advocating for the expansion and improvement of parks, trails, and open space in Durham. For more information, follow on Facebook and Twitter.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 810 cities and 170 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2020, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.6 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, and Flickr.

News Media Contact
Amy Blalock, Public Affairs Manager
919.560.4123 x11253 | 919.475.7735 (mobile)
Amy.Blalock@DurhamNC.gov

DURHAM, N.C. – Over the coming year, GoDurham riders will experience better reliability, comfort, convenience, safety, and other improvements thanks to a new project designed to enhance rider experiences.

The City of Durham Transportation Department is launching the Better Bus Project, a $1.5 million initiative funded by the Durham County Transit Plan, to design sidewalk, bus stop, and street improvements that enhance the GoDurham bus riding experience by providing safe pedestrian access to bus stops, enhanced comfort at bus stops, and improved bus service on routes.

“The goal of these projects is to transform the experience of GoDurham bus riders with high-quality infrastructure along major corridors and safety improvements that prioritize pedestrians and transit riders” said Director Sean Egan with the City’s Transportation Department. “Additionally, these investments focus benefits in traditionally disadvantaged communities when viewed through an equity lens as more than 80% of GoDurham riders are people of color, 75% have household incomes less than $25,000, and more than two-thirds live in zero-car households.”

This new initiative consists of six related projects in five areas that will be completed over the next 12 months:

Bus Access Project:

The City has increasingly focused on coordinating bus stop and service improvements with sidewalk and crosswalk improvements that enhance access to stops. Pedestrian access to bus stops in many neighborhoods is limited by incomplete sidewalks, inadequate crosswalks, busy driveways, and other hazards. This project will identify and design sidewalks, crosswalks, and other facilities to address gaps and hazards on the streets around bus stops.

Bus Speed and Reliability Project:

Bus speed is the ability of the bus to move along a route in a reasonable amount of time. Bus reliability is the ability of the bus to arrive at stops at consistent and predictable times. Improving GoDurham bus speed and reliability will require the City to address congestion, parking conflicts, signal timing, intersection configuration, and other factors. This project will evaluate bus speed and reliability issues identified on high demand GoDurham routes, and design bus priority spot projects that modify traffic controls, pavement markings, or signage to improve bus service.

Durham Station Transit Area Project:

Bus speed and reliability issues are especially acute on downtown streets where GoDurham bus routes converge as they enter and exit Durham Station. Traffic congestion, curbside conflicts, and limited right-of-way present a growing challenge in downtown. The City will design bus priority improvements and street reconfigurations that improve bus service on all GoDurham routes.

Fayetteville Street Transit Corridor Project:

The Durham County Transit Plan includes funding for bus infrastructure improvements within designated transit corridors. The Fayetteville Street Transit Corridor has the second highest ridership in the GoDurham system and now provides 15-minute service. This project will identify and design sidewalk, street, and bus stop improvements for GoDurham riders along a 2.8-mile section of Fayetteville Street from Lakewood Avenue to Riddle Road that is served by GoDurham Route 5.

Holloway Street Transit Corridor Project:

The Holloway Street Transit Corridor has the highest ridership in the GoDurham system and also provides 15-minute service. This project will identify and design sidewalk, street, and bus stop improvements for GoDurham riders along a2.1-mile section of GoDurham Route 3 (Holloway Street, Liberty Street, Elizabeth Street) from Roxboro Street to U.S. Highway 70.

• Village Transit Center Plan: The City will also upgrade the bus stops at The Village to a more comfortable and convenient transit center for bus riders. The Route 3 bus stops at The Village on Raynor Street see higher boarding and alighting counts than all other stops in the GoDurham system, excluding Durham Station. These high-use bus stops need additional shelter, real-time bus information, and other amenities. This project will consider the redesign of these stops, including lighting, landscaping, and shelter designs that create inviting public spaces.

According to Egan, the Bus Access Project and Bus Speed and Reliability Project will identify and design “quick-build” street and sidewalk improvements across Durham that the City can move to construction in spring 2022. Conceptual designs will be developed for more comprehensive improvements identified in the two transit corridors and around Durham Station. The City will complete design and construction work for these improvements as funding becomes available.

As the Better Bus Project gets underway, Durham residents will have virtual and in-person opportunities to provide their input on improvements to bus access and bus service. Public engagement will follow the City’s Equitable Community Engagement Blueprint, which includes intentional engagement procedures to ensure historically underrepresented communities are included in planning and decision-making processes. The Better Bus Project team is working with community partners and other local stakeholders to engage bus riders and other residents whose voices are often missing from City plans and projects. The feedback received during the engagement process will help the Transportation Department identify, prioritize, and design improvements to sidewalks, streets, and bus stops.

The Better Bus Project team will also coordinate outreach with related City projects, including the Durham County Transit Plan update, the Comprehensive Plan update, the GoDurham Bus Stop Improvements project, and the Sidewalk Assessment and Inventory project.

The Better Bus Project is funded by the transit-dedicated half-cent sales tax, passed in 2011 by voters to implement the Durham County Transit Plan. To get involved, sign up to receive project updates, learn about upcoming events, or to leave a comment now, riders should visit the Better Bus Project webpage. For additional information or requests for language translation assistance, contact Transportation Planner Brian Taylor by email or Project Manager Greg Saur by email.

About the City of Durham Transportation Department

The Transportation Department remains steadfast in its commitment to providing and maintaining quality, multimodal infrastructure to improve mobility, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for current and future Durham residents, businesses, and visitors. To learn more, follow the department on Twitter.

News Media Contact
Amy Blalock, Public Affairs Manager
919.560.4123 x11253 | 919.475.7735 (mobile)
Amy.Blalock@DurhamNC.gov

Amy Blalock, Public Affairs Manager

919.560.4123 x11253 | 919.475.7735 (mobile)

Amy.Blalock@DurhamNC.gov

DURHAM, N.C. – Have no idea when’s the best time to give your ideas for the City of Durham’s budget? Attend a free event next month to find out how and when to share your budgetary ideas and priorities.

Set for Monday, March 16 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, residents are invited to meet with employees while learning about the annual budget process and the various ways they can provide ideas about the City’s current and future direction at the first-ever Durham Budget Academy. Food will be provided as will Spanish translation. Free parking will also be available in the gravel parking lots located at the corner of Cleveland Street and Seminary Avenue. 

“When we’re out and about in the community, our team often engages with residents who don’t fully understand where and how the City allocates tax dollars.  Residents also don’t know about all of the opportunities they have to voice their thoughts about Durham, and how those opportunities can influence future budget decisions,” said Director Bertha Johnson with the City’s Budget and Management Services Department. “One way we’re working to address this is by hosting a Durham Budget Academy, which will give attendees insight into this process, the tough decisions that must be made when deciding what gets funding, and how the City Council’s budget guidelines serve as a crucial guide for our staff.”

During this event, attendees will engage in a budget process simulation while learning about how budget guidelines influence funding decisions. Staff will also share annual budget timeline information and provide insight on the best time to share budgetary ideas. Other City departments will also be on hand to share ways residents can get involved with their work and help shape the City’s direction, whether that’s by joining a Board, Commission or Committee, voting on Participatory Budgeting projects, or providing input on the City’s Comprehensive Plan. 

According to Johnson, this free event is being held prior to the first-of-two Public Budget Hearings, which takes place at 7 p.m. inside Council Chambers as part of the City Council’s regular business meeting. During this hearing, Council will vote on this year’s proposed budget guidelines, and Budget Academy attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts with elected officials since Public Budget Hearings support the City’s strategic goal of involving the community in decision making, problem solving, and continuous improvement through information sharing, collaboration, and partnerships. The second budget public hearing is set for Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. inside Council Chambers, and is also as part of the City Council’s regular business meeting.

To RSVP to attend Durham’s Budget Academy, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/budget-academy-tickets-93563096741. For more details about the Budget Academy and the  annual budget development process, visit https://durhamnc.gov/204/Budget-Development-Process.

About the Budget and Management Services Department 

The City of Durham Budget and Management Services Department is responsible for the development and oversight of the City’s annual budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The department is also responsible for performance management, continuous improvement, and strategic planning. A division of the department, the Office of Performance and Innovation, serves as internal consultants, helping City departments accomplish Durham’s “One Vision and Five Goals” through advancing the City’s Strategic Plan; providing framework for data-driven decisions; fostering a culture of innovation; and facilitating process improvements.

In this role, Reaves will cultivate new business relationships and work with companies to find government-backed lending solutions structured to meet their needs.

“Shannon excels at working with customers to understand the nuances of their business,” commented Moran. “Combined with her robust knowledge of lending products and track-record of superb customer service, she is a great addition to our SBA lending team.”

Reaves joined North State in 2016 and has served in roles in the Bank’s Specialized Lending and Mortgage divisions. Prior to that, she held leadership and lending positions at Angel Oak Home Loans, Yadkin Bank (now First National) and Harrington Bank (now Pinnacle Financial Partners). An alumna of Mount Olive College, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Banking at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A life-long North Carolinian, Reaves has called the Triangle home for over 20 years.

“I am excited to join the SBA team,” shared Reaves. “I am doing what I love most, partnering with business owners to help the vision they have for their company become a reality.”

Shannon Reaves

North State is an SBA preferred lender, meaning the Bank can approve, underwrite and service SBA-guaranteed loans without prior review from the SBA, providing quicker turnaround for loan decisions and funding. The Bank earned this designation by demonstrating proficiency in processing and servicing SBA-guaranteed loans. In 2019, the Bank was ranked in the top 25 SBA Lenders in North Carolina.

Founded in 2000, North State Bank is an independent, full-service community bank serving Wake and New Hanover counties through seven offices and serves the community management association industry through its division, CommunityPLUS. 2020 marks the Bank’s 20th year in business.

NEWS RELEASE

For more information, contact: Larry M. Moran
President, Government Lending LMoran@NorthStateBank.com 919.838.7014

###

NorthStateBank.com

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for various reasons, including our ability to manage growth, changes in real estate values and the real estate market, regulatory changes and increased deposit insurance assessments, economic conditions, changes in interest rates, substantial changes in financial markets, loss of deposits and loan demand to other savings and financial institutions and our limited operating history.