Wendy Jacobs

Commissioner Wendy Jacobs is currently in her fourth term with the BOCC, having been first elected in 2012.

Commissioner Jacobs is a longtime Durham resident, former educator, and advocate for social and economic justice who has served on the Durham County Board of Commissioners since 2012. With a background in public education and community organizing, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to quality education, affordable housing, mental health services, and sustainable transportation. A Duke University graduate and parent of three Durham Public Schools graduates, Wendy has helped lead initiatives supporting early childhood education, community development, environmental stewardship, and public safety. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she continues to work with residents, nonprofits, and local governments to build a more equitable and thriving Durham community.

She was sworn in on December 2, 2024. Jacobs was Vice Chair of the Board of County Commissioners from 2020-2023. The previous four years, (2016-2020), she served as Chair of the County Commissioners.

She currently serves on the following Boards and Commissions:

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board
• Discover Durham Tourism Development Authority
• Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) Board
• Durham Directors Group
• Environmental Affairs Board
• Homeless Services Advisory Committee
• Joint City-County Committee (JCCC)
• Lincoln Community Health Center
• Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)
• Upper Neuse River Basin Association