Durham Mayor's Bold Plan to Tackle Violence & Homelessness

0:00Durham's Mayor Leo Williams just dropped his state of the city address, zeroing in on the real battles, gun violence, homelessness, and keeping folks housed so they can stay safe. He laid out a bold vision to make homelessness rare and brief by June 2031, tying it straight to public safety like their two sides of the same coin. He shouted out big partnerships like Duke University's $203 million homegrown push for local jobs, second chances, and contracts. With 120 million in construction steering, two-thirds to minority and women-owned businesses. Still, he stressed the gaps in wealth and resources that government can't fix solo. Gun violence hit hard this year with 61 shootings as of April 18th, 10 fatal, mostly young black men. Williams got personal saying those involved look like him, refusing to go numb and pushing back on online hate toward leaders allocating resources. City, county, and schools are holding listening sessions leading to a summer summit for real strategies. On housing,

1:04he called it a moral must and key to deeper fixes, not just managing encampments like the recent one at Oakwood Park. The community safety department wants $13 million community-wide for more options, partnering with county groups and philanthropists. He even brought up Baltimore's police chief, who slashed homicides nearly 60 percent in five years through health-focused interruptors, jobs for, at-risk folks, and tackling vacant buildings. Wrapping strong, Williams headed checks to groups like black farmers market and meals on wheels, plus boosted the bull city future fund for youth. He asked who the city is really for, families rooted here, young folks pouring back in. It's all about showing up for each other to keep Durham thriving. Durham news today. Powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Cory with the story.