Funding for transportation projects in NC favors driving. State legislators should incentivize residents to be less reliant on cars and help cities like Durham offer bus and bike options.
Justin Laidlaw
Justin Laidlaw is a reporter for the INDY, covering Durham. A Bull City native, he joined the staff in 2023 and previously wrote By The Horns, a blog about city council.
Posted inEnvironment
Despite Development, the City of Durham’s Tree Canopy Continues to Grow
As trees are cut down for new developments, Durham has gained some tree coverage since 2016, though the canopy remains unevenly distributed between neighborhoods.
Posted inCommunity
Firm Will Study Lead Remediation Options for Shuttered Durham Parks
The city of Durham is hiring a consulting firm to help expedite lead remediation at the parks by developing a “menu” of options in the next six months.
Posted inFirst Person
Column: Can Moving to Even-Numbered Election Years Stimulate Voter Turnout in Durham?
Turnout in Durham’s municipal elections pales in comparison to Raleigh. Changing the schedule could save money and uplift downballot races.
Posted inPolitics & Government
As Costs Rise, Two Durham Park Projects Delayed
The city is seeking a $15 million federal grant to close a funding gap for improvements at East End Park and Long Meadow Park that were approved by voters in a 2024 bond referendum.
Posted inDurham County
In Split Vote, Durham City Council Renews Contract with Trump-Tied Lobbyists
Checkmate Government Relations was hired in part because of its sway with Republicans in the state legislature. Some council members questioned if the firm has been effective.
Posted inFirst Person
Column: Reintroducing ‘By The Horns,’ a Column for the Local Government Nerd in You
INDY’s Justin Laidlaw is here to help readers get a grip on politics and civic life in Durham.
Posted inEducation
The High Schoolers Graduating with College Degrees
Thousands of N.C. students are getting college credits, professional certifications, and even degrees while they’re still in high school. By 2028, Durham Public Schools hopes a quarter of its graduates will also have an associate’s degree.
Posted inBusiness & Economy
Keep It Durham-Owned Initiative Aims to Expand Employee Ownership of Local Businesses
Most business owners don’t have a succession plan in place. A new city program aims to help them pass on their businesses to workers.
Posted inCulture
Durham’s Cultural Roadmap Gets the Green Light
At the Thursday-night meeting, local arts workers celebrated the adoption of the plan, which has been in the works for four years, while calling for more clarity around funding initiatives and plan implementation.
