The Durham Renewal Project requests the following changes to the City of Durham,

North Carolina FY20-21 Proposed Budget to address longstanding economic,

environmental, infrastructure, human rights, criminal justice, employment and housing
inequities within Black and brown communities in Durham.

Economic
• Creation of a $1,000,000 Black Small Business Development Fund to support
the creation and growth of Black businesses that employ Black and brown
Durham residents.

• Economic incentive (e.g. grants, tax credits) funding for creation of Black-
owned/operated community grocery stores/markets supplied by Black and
brown farmers, butchers, brewers/distillers/winemakers, to fight food insecurity
and help increase agricultural commerce and employ Black and brown residents
of Durham. Initial funding will depend on the number of qualified applicants and
will be capped at $500,000.

Human/Civil Rights
• $500,000 for the creation of an LGBTQ Community Center operated by Black
LGBTQ community leaders to combat homelessness, destitution, employment
and mental health challenges that affect Black and brown LGBTQ residents of
Durham.

Criminal Justice
• “Hometown Heroes” initiative to put Black and brown police officers back into
their own communities to protect and serve the public. Recruiting and districting
(assignment of officers to neighborhoods) practices must prioritize the recruiting
and assignment of Black and brown officers to Black and brown communities.

Environmental
• $500,000 for community gardens, farmers markets, healthy eating and agricultural
training programs in Black and brown communities. City-owned vacant lots can
be used for this effort.

Employment
• $500,000 to establish/support a community-based resource center, operated
by Black and brown leaders, that will offer computer/internet access, workforce
training, emotional wellness programs, drop-in childcare, after school tutoring and
extracurricular activities for Black and brown youth.

• Commit $3,000,000 (less than 1% of the city’s budget) to expand youth

employment opportunities. Durham must expand year-round and summer youth
 employment opportunities for youth 14-24 years old, with 1,000 youth
employment opportunities being made available in FY20-21.

Housing
• Immediate housing relief in the amount of $2,000,000 for Black and brown
residents through the creation of a Housing Assistance Grant Program that `will
provide residents up to $1,000 to cover rent or mortgage payments.

• $3,000,000 for the Cceation of an Affordable Housing Stabilization Program to

provide owners of affordable housing rental units assistance for lost rent, general
maintenance, cleaning and other needs related to impacts of COVID-19. Owners
would be required to keep rates affordable (as determined by the City) and not
evict current tenants who are unable to pay rent due to economic hardships.