By Mia Khatib
mia.khatib@triangletribune.com
DURHAM — New Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams is kicking off 2024 with a new vision for the future of the Bull City.
At Monday’s press conference, his first since the election, Williams announced his top three priorities: community, economics and workforce development.
“This Council will be taking a very equitable and holistic approach to governance,” he said in the Council Chambers. “We are going to be unapologetically aggressive in how we address these things. We know what the needs are of the city, and we are going to do what is needed to get there.”
From working on an infrastructure bond that will provide safer and more connected streets to potentially bringing a new convention center to Durham, Williams said his actions will encompass conversations and desires that reflect the constituency base of all council members. And while resistance and disagreement can be expected within the Council, “that’s democracy at work,” he said.
“My goal is to have no surprises. It’s not about us as council members, it’s about the community.”
Williams said community development will encompass enhancing the safety and mobility of all residents; economic development will include expanding opportunities for neighborhoods citywide; and workforce development will foster relationships with corporate communities, local institutions, and small businesses to increase access and opportunities for Durhamites.
“If our youth are not occupied, if their time is not occupied, they’re going to get bored. And when kids get bored, that is the most dangerous thing you could ever have in your hands,” the mayor said. “My goal is to work with my colleagues to ensure the opportunities are present for our youth at a much earlier age.”
He added that city workers are in line for higher pay and his means of crime prevention is tackling the root causes by keeping youth engaged, and bringing more job and housing opportunities to the city.
“Durham is so much bigger than downtown, and we have so many communities that are hungry for opportunity. For example, we may need to look at the zoning designation in certain communities, we may need to make changes so that they can thrive,” he said. “I know for a fact that in East Durham, there are lots of tenants over there, but there are also a lot of small businesses. They are looking to grow.”
When it comes to affordable housing, the mayor said he wants to ensure we’re increasing supply at every level, not building cheaply, and increasing opportunities for residents to better able to attain the home of their choice.
“I want to ensure that inclusivity is prosperous throughout the city, and that goes from saving lives to providing an enriched quality of life for every resident of the city,” Williams, who is also a business owner and former educator, said. “I plan to do this by making sure our government is responsive and equitable.”
Mia Khatib, who covers affordable housing and gentrification, is a Report for America corps member.
