Job description

Do you love the Bull City and want to work to make it better? Do you want to spend Monday nights and Tuesday afternoons listening to citizens and learning about zoning statutes? Do you live on Durham’s west side? 

If the answer to all of those questions is an enthusiastic yes, you may be the perfect candidate for Durham City Council’s Ward III seat. 

Mayor Leonardo Williams vacated the seat when he ascended to the top job last month. Per the city’s charter, the council must make a good faith effort to fill the seat within 60 days of the vacancy. If the six sitting council members can’t reach a consensus, the seat will be up for a special election in 2024.

On Tuesday, the city clerk said the city has only received three applications for the seat.

In a city that’s sick of the council drama of the past two years, the appointee will have the chance to help the mayor move on and address the substantial challenges of affordable housing, worker’s wages, and public safety. 

Any city council is an undeniably tough place to work. This city deserves someone with the community connections, interpersonal skills, and true desire to put their head down and do that work to make Durham a better place for everyone.

Salary: Part-time position but probably should be full time. Salary is $35,200 annually.

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age 
  • Live within the corporate city limits of Durham 
  • Reside in Ward 3 of the City of Durham 
  • Be a registered voter within the Durham County Board of Elections 
  • Be current on City and County taxes at the time of application submission

Next steps: 

  • Applicants must fill out this initial application by 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 21,
  • A more detailed questionnaire, available soon, will be due by January 3, 2024.

Opportunities for growth:

  • Ascend to future positions in local government, including Durham mayor and NC state representative 
  • Build skills including public speaking prowess, knowledge of city processes, and tact in fielding nosy text messages from INDY reporters

Reports to:

  • Durham voters
  • Anyone in the world who finds your email online and is annoyed about anything
Credit: Illustration by Nicole Pajor Moore

Testimonials from past and current council members:

“I hope nobody else ever goes through what I went through.” – Former council member Monique Holsey-Hyman

“Are you going to hit me again?” – Mayor pro tem Mark-Anthony Middleton

“I appreciate being from a hometown that would take a little girl from the West End of Durham, North Carolina and raise her up to be a mayor. We are always Bull Citystrong,” –Former Mayor Elaine O’Neal

“You couldn’t pay me enough to run for office right now.” – Former council member Charlie Reece via X (Twitter)

“It’s been hard, but I’m proud of us,” – Former Mayor Steve Schewel

“I’ve enjoyed working with you all somewhat.” – O’Neal

Additional reporting contributed by Lena Geller and Justin Laidlaw.

Reach Reporter Chase Pellegrini de Paur at [email protected]. Comment on this story at [email protected].

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Chase Pellegrini de Paur is a reporter for INDY, covering politics, education, and the delightful characters who make the Triangle special. He joined the staff in 2023 and previously wrote for The Ninth Street Journal.