CityLife

 Durham’s Equal Business Opportunity Program Here, at the City of Durham, we are committed to equity in how we do business. One of the ways that we achieve that is through our Equal Business Opportunity Program. In this CityLife episode, Host Beverly Thompson talks with our Underutilized Business Compliance Manager Timothy Jackson III and business owner Dawayne Crite about what the program is and...

Downtown Durham just got a little friendlier! In this CityLife episode, Host Beverly Thompson talks with Downtown Durham Inc.’s Kenny Valenzuela about the organization’s refreshed Ambassador Program and how the team is bringing more smiles, energy, and support to our downtown streets.      About CityLife CityLife , a talk show that features information on current City issues and upcoming events, a...

After an extensive and long-awaited multi-year renovation project, the Wheels Durham Roller Skating Rink is now open. In this CityLife episode, Host Beverly Thompson talks with Durham Parks and Recreation Director Wade Walcutt and Stuart Yeatts with United Skates of America about how this beloved community landmark is once again serving up fun and memories in a way that is now more inclusive and a...

If you’re a homeowner in Durham, you recently received notice that the tax value of your home has been reappraised.  In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Durham Tax Administrator Keyar Doyle about why that happened and what it may mean to Durham property owners.  About CityLife CityLife , a talk show that features information on current City issues and upcoming events, airs d...

The right leader to guide Durham’s future. That’s how new Durham City Manager Bo Ferguson has been described by our city’s elected officials. In this CityLife episode, Host Beverly Thompson talks with him about his vision for city operations and what challenges he expects to face.    About CityLife CityLife , a talk show that features information on current City issues and upcoming events, airs da...

Have you ever wondered whether tossing that soda can in the blue bin actually helps to save energy? Or how your banana peels could be the secret to reducing pollution? If so, this CityLife episode is for you. Host Beverly Thompson talks with Casey Harris-Pratt and Muriel Williman about how these simple acts aren’t just saving our landfills, they’re helping to keep our city clean and green. 

Police and Fire Diverse Workforce Recruiting Practices Hiring and maintaining a well-qualified workforce that mirrors the rich diversity of Durham is a priority for the City as a whole, but especially for the Police and Fire Departments. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Assistant Fire Chief David Swain, Fire Driver Tim McKoy and Sergeant Roger Lafferty with the Police Dep...

This Episode Celebrating more than three decades of public service to the City of Durham. In July, City Manager Wanda Page announced her retirement effective January 1, 2025. In our new City Life interview, Host Beverly B. Thompson sits down with City Manager Page to reflect on her 36-year career serving the Bull City, and to ask her questions submitted by City of Durham employees on what they’d l...

Smoother streets, more sidewalks, and better parks. That’s what many of you have said you wanted and that’s what all Durham residents will have the chance to vote on in November. The Connecting Durham 2024 Bond Referendum will decide if we can borrow up to $200 million to fund street, sidewalk, and park improvements. So, why are these bonds needed and how would their approval affect you? That’s wh...

How safe your drinking water is when it comes out of your faucet is something we take very seriously. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Harmon Henderson and Syd Miller with our Department of Water Management about the very important topic of lead and copper in drinking water and new regulations that require constant attention.    About CityLife CityLife , a talk show that...

Celebrating 100 Years of DPR Durham Parks and Recreation is celebrating 100 years! In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with DPR’s Mary Unterreiner and Kyesha Jennings about what the department has going on these days, what we have to look forward to, and why an emphasis on Playing More is so important for us all. 

Where does rainwater that doesn’t soak into the ground go? And why wouldn’t it soak into the ground in the first place? In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Michelle Woolfolk and Anna Smith from the Stormwater Quality Division about why stormwater quality in Durham affects us all and what you can do to help protect our streams and creeks.   About CityLife CityLife , a talk sh...

Helping to make the dream of home ownership a reality for Durham residents. That’s the goal of the Durham Down Payment Assistance Program. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Community Development Manager for Neighborhood Stabilization Dr . Michael Pullum about what the program is and who it’s helping.  About CityLife CityLife ,  a talk show that features information on curr...

Vision Zero Explained A commitment to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Durham is the goal of Vision Zero both globally and here in Durham. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with initiative Coordinator Lauren Grove about why we believe this lofty goal is possible and what we’re doing to make it happen.    About CityLife CityLife , a talk show that features information...

CityLife:  Meet Durham’s New City Council MembersDurham’s newest City Council members all have professional backgrounds in some of the most pressing areas facing our city. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Council Members Carl Rist and Nate Baker about how they’re bringing their expertise to the table as they work to help make Durham a thriving and vibrant community for al...

Update on Durham Parks’ Soil Safety As a city that prides itself on the safety, health, and well-being of our communities, we are working to address elevated levels of lead found in the soil at five of our city-owned parks. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Durham Parks and Recreation Director Wade Walcutt and Durham County Department of Public Health Medical Director Dr....

Whether you call him “Leo” or Leonardo, our new mayor is no stranger to Durham. Leonardo Williams has worn and continues to wear many hats in this city, all of which have helped lay the foundation for his new role. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Mayor Williams about how he hopes to lead what he calls Durham’s next transformation. About CityLife CityLife , a talk show th...

Durham Participatory Budgeting Update Public art on bus shelters, technology in schools, park improvements, and new lighting and security cameras for public housing. These are just a few of the projects made possible so far with funding from Participatory Budgeting in Durham. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Andrew Holland and Carmen Ortiz, who manage that innovative prog...

Durham’s ARPA Funding Update American Rescue Plan Act funds are being put to work right here in our community. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Deputy City Manager Bertha Johnson as well as Community Empowerment Fund Executive Director Donna Carrington about how we, along with our local partners, are using these funds to create lasting change and to tackle the critical is...

Are you curious about how our city continues to grow and develop while preserving its unique character? If so, look no further! We’re diving into the role of the Durham City-County Planning Department and the Planning Commission. These two entities work tirelessly to guide the growth and development of our city, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and thriving community for all who call it home. Jo...

Have you ever wished for a career where you can make a good, competitive salary and at the same time make a difference in your community? In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Human Resources Manager for Talent Management and Acquisition James O’Donnell and Public Works Department Assistant Director Phillip Powell about the many diverse jobs available with the City of Durham a...

As parents, we want our kids to enjoy their time out of school in the summer in a fun and safe way, and maybe even slip in something educational too. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Assistant Director for the Recreation Division of Durham Parks & Recreation Jason Jones about how DPR summer camps give parents peace of mind and help our young people make memories that...

It’s an exciting time for the Durham Fire Department! As it’s celebrating its 150th anniversary, the department’s annual recruitment campaign is underway, and the new Fire and EMS Station Number 18 is almost ready to be put into service. In this CityLife episode, host Beverly Thompson talks with Fire Driver Matt Marsee and firefighter Angelo Rogers about everything that’s going on with the fire de...