what matters most to us
The Friends of Durham recognizes that there are numerous local issues that are important in creating a city that is responsive to the needs of all its residents. However, we also recognize that by focusing our efforts on key issues, we are more likely to bring forth meaningful change.
Our four key issues are crime, education, governance, and a strong economy.
Our four key issues are crime, education, governance, and a strong economy.
CRIME
Our belief is that crime anywhere in Durham hurts all of Durham.
For 2018, the Durham Police Department reported that violent crime dropped to a four-year low. But it's important to note that homicides rose 52%, and car thefts were at a 10-year high. These statistics are simply unacceptable. Crime prevention must be a priority, even with the limited resources and the competing priorities that challenge our city. A two prong approach to crime is necessary to make an impact on these numbers and make our city safe for all residents. We must address both the root causes of crime and the systems that are in place for incarceration and rehabilitation.
Our belief is that crime anywhere in Durham hurts all of Durham.
For 2018, the Durham Police Department reported that violent crime dropped to a four-year low. But it's important to note that homicides rose 52%, and car thefts were at a 10-year high. These statistics are simply unacceptable. Crime prevention must be a priority, even with the limited resources and the competing priorities that challenge our city. A two prong approach to crime is necessary to make an impact on these numbers and make our city safe for all residents. We must address both the root causes of crime and the systems that are in place for incarceration and rehabilitation.
EDUCATION
Durham Public Schools face many challenges.
In the 2023–24 school year, Durham Public Schools served approximately 30,901 students across 55 schools (Ed NC). According to the most recent state School Report Card data (for 2023–24). Discipline statistics show short‑term suspension rates for elementary students rose to about 3.09% and for secondary students about 11.74% during 2022–23; long‑term suspensions for secondary students increased to 0.5% of that student population (WRAL.com).
Durham spends more than both Orange and Wake Counties per pupil at $17,524 (21-22 data) relative to $15,558 and $13,460, respectively, while achieving the lowest academic proficiency of all three counties. This is a big issue that we believe requires our attention. We see this as a major area requiring reform to make Durham a better place for all.
Durham Public Schools face many challenges.
In the 2023–24 school year, Durham Public Schools served approximately 30,901 students across 55 schools (Ed NC). According to the most recent state School Report Card data (for 2023–24). Discipline statistics show short‑term suspension rates for elementary students rose to about 3.09% and for secondary students about 11.74% during 2022–23; long‑term suspensions for secondary students increased to 0.5% of that student population (WRAL.com).
Durham spends more than both Orange and Wake Counties per pupil at $17,524 (21-22 data) relative to $15,558 and $13,460, respectively, while achieving the lowest academic proficiency of all three counties. This is a big issue that we believe requires our attention. We see this as a major area requiring reform to make Durham a better place for all.
GOVERNANCE
The Friends of Durham has a long history of interviewing and endorsing candidates running for local offices. We look for candidates 1) who are knowledgeable about the challenges facing the community, 2) who understand the functions of local government, and 3) who are committed to the public service that is so vital in helping the city operate in an efficient and effective manner. Our resources are limited, and we support tax policies that contribute to the health and growth of our city in a manner that positively impacts all Durham residents.
The Friends of Durham has a long history of interviewing and endorsing candidates running for local offices. We look for candidates 1) who are knowledgeable about the challenges facing the community, 2) who understand the functions of local government, and 3) who are committed to the public service that is so vital in helping the city operate in an efficient and effective manner. Our resources are limited, and we support tax policies that contribute to the health and growth of our city in a manner that positively impacts all Durham residents.
STRONG ECONOMY
The welfare of our residents is often tied to their individual economic wealth and stability. Although Durham's growth has brought tremendous career opportunities to some, those opportunities have not always benefitted all of our current residents. We must embrace every possible opportunity to align the employment needs of the employer with the education and job training opportunities being provided in our community to our residents.
The welfare of our residents is often tied to their individual economic wealth and stability. Although Durham's growth has brought tremendous career opportunities to some, those opportunities have not always benefitted all of our current residents. We must embrace every possible opportunity to align the employment needs of the employer with the education and job training opportunities being provided in our community to our residents.
