Happy Friday --

Here's a roundup of important information to wrap up your month of May. Please share with your friends and community members- you never know who might need it.

This month, we’re exploring community stories from East End as part of Our Community Stories video series. This event will take place May 28 at noon. RSVP and register for the Zoom link.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

P.S. Did you get this email from a friend? Sign up to receive this newsletter directly.

Click these links to jump to sections:

Announcements | Financial Assistance
 Public Input Opportunities | Things to Do

Announcements 

Our Community Stories: East End

Our Community Stories are conversations with recent and longtime residents of predominately Black and African American communities in Durham. This month, we’re focusing on East End. RSVP for the Zoom session on Friday, May 28 at noon.

Urban Heat Island Map - Volunteers Needed

Financial Assistance

Durham ERAP

If you are behind on your rent & facing eviction due to COVID19, apply now for financial help from the new Durham Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program can provide a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills. See if you qualify and apply online.

Preservation Equity Project

Qualified homeowners in target areas of Durham can apply for grants to help small home repairs on historic properties. Read more and apply.

Community Health Coalition for Utility Bills

Need help paying utility bills? Durham, Orange, Person, and Granville county residents can apply for assistance.

Public Input Opportunities

Long-Range Transportation Plan

Do you have feedback about highways, sidepaths, or transit? Read Amendment #3 to the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which plans for 20-30+ years into the future. Read details about the proposed amendment and provide your feedback by May 25.

Participatory Budgeting for COVID-19 recovery projects

Which 31 nonprofits and community organizations should receive up to $50,000 for COVID-19 response? Beginning today, City of Durham residents can vote to help select the winning projects. Learn more and cast your vote!

Durham Budget Virtual Public Hearing

Durham's proposed FY21-22 budget includes a 2-cent property tax increase to cover the Affordable Housing Bond and new green and equitable infrastructure projects. A virtual public hearing will be held June 7 at 7 p.m. for the public to provide comments.

Durham Police Chief Search

What should Durham look for in the next police chief? Provide your input in online surveys, or attend an open forum (English/Spanish on May 25, English only on May 26). Read details.

GoDurham Better Bus Project

Do you see a bus stop missing a sidewalk or crosswalk?  Does your bus arrive late? Take GoDurham’s Better Bus Project survey by June 18. Learn more about the project.

Things to Do

LIVE! From The Fayetteville Street Corridor: Third Friday Art & Business Walk

Live music, food truck; arts, culture & business highlights! Come on out on third Fridays (this one's tonight, May 21!) from 7-9pm at the Hayti Heritage Center. Learn more.

Cooperative Extension Annual Report & Events

Join Durham County Cooperative Extension for a week of exciting events! Kick things off with a full team webinar during which you can learn about each of their programs, followed by a Wish Tree activity for families, a garden tour, a cooking class, and a car seat demonstration! Learn more.

May is National Bike Month

Check out Bike Durham's event calendar for some fun events to close out Bike Month 2021.