Beckmann and Spann Join “In Touch with Durham County” Show for July Episode
Durham, N.C. – The July 2026 episode of the “In Touch with Durham County” show produced by the Durham County Public Information Office has premiered, with the conversation centering on centering on how Durham County is planning for growth, strengthening mobility, and deepening partnerships with residents. In our latest episode, host Deborah Craig-Ray, Durham County Chief Communications Officer, welcomes Ellen Beckmann, Director of Durham County Transportation, and Miles Spann, Community Engagement Analyst in Durham County Community Partnerships & Engagement office.
Watch it on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/gFOA5IfdGcs.
Each episode is focused on important conversations with our Durham County Government staff, elected officials, and community partners to keep residents informed about the latest happenings, programs, and services. The show is available to watch on the DCo YouTube channel (subscribe here), as well as on the Durham County Government website and the Durham Television Network.
In the conversation with Beckmann, she discusses the ongoing work Durham County Transportation is engaged with to improve transportation across Durham and connect transportation to the region as the area continues to experience tremendous growth. Beckman has been with the county since 2020 and previously served as the City of Durham's Transportation Planning Manager. She provides updates on the Durham County Transit Plan, adopted in 2023; fiscal year funding priorities and improvements; and ongoing work with area transit partners, including the City of Durham, the Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Planning Organization, and GoTriangle. Most recently, the County conducted a survey and held public workshops to gather resident feedback to inform the creation of a Bus Rapid Transit Vision Plan that will expand transit connections and mobility in the coming years and decades. Beckmann also highlights other plans, including the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail, 2026 Bike + Walk Plan and the East Durham Railroad Crossing Study.
Spann began serving in Durham County Government in 2024, prevoiusly working in the area of community engagement for the City of Durham. Spann expands on how Community Partnerships & Engagement is organized and guided by its mission to ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to shape county decisions. His discussion explains how the department builds relationships across neighborhoods and organizations, helping elevate community voices and connect residents to resources. He notes that Durham’s rapid growth and evolving community needs create opportunities to strengthen connection and participation. Spann’s team offers numerous ways to provide feedback and partner with local leaders and community groups. Finally, he highlights recent initiatives that outline future priorities focused on expanding engagement tools and strengthening partnerships.
We hope you explore this month’s show!
About “In Touch with Durham County”
The “In Touch with Durham County” show is a regular program that provides governmental programming and access to your local government and provides timely, ongoing coverage of Durham County Government. The show airs on the Durham Television Network (DTN). DTN is available on Spectrum (channel 8 and 1302), and AT&T U-verse channel 99. Residents may also download the BoxCast app, available for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV and search for “City of Durham” to find content available on demand.
To view past editions of the “In Touch with Durham County” show, visit the DCo YouTube Channel here.
For more information on the Durham County Public Information Office, visit the PIO website, call 919-560-0000 or email publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.
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