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County to Celebrate National County Government Month This April

April 16, 2026

Durham, NC –  Durham County (DCo) Government began its annual celebration of National County Government Month (NCGM) 2026 earlier this month. Throughout the month of April, DCo will highlight how counties support their residents and build healthy, safe, and vibrant communities.

During NCGM, the National Association of Counties (NACo) encourages counties nationwide to champion the county workforce, boost civic engagement, and raise public awareness of the vital role of county government in the daily lives of our communities.

“National County Government Month is a meaningful time to reflect on why local government matters most and to celebrate the people who make it work. Durham County Government exists because of our residents and for our residents, and our dedicated employees show that commitment every day, in every department and every neighborhood; making our community a place where people and families can truly thrive,” said Dr. Mike Lee, Chair of the Durham Board of County Commissioners, when asked about the importance of National County Government Month. “I’m proud of the innovative programs, hardworking staff, and collaborative spirit that define Durham County Government, and honored to serve alongside a team so deeply committed to this community.”

DCo leaders and staff use this month as an opportunity to showcase county innovations and resources offered through its many programs and services. Events and engagement opportunities designed for both employees and the public are organized during this special month.

Activities planned for the public include:

April 9: The Role of Communications in Local Government. Durham County Public Information Office met with aspiring communications professionals at North Carolina Central University to discuss how well-executed communications and help public information officers help the public understand local government, know their elected officials, and participate in decision making that impacts their daily lives.

April 17: Did you know that Durham County was officially formed on April 17, 1881? National County Government Month is a perfect time to celebrate the significance of the year 1881 and the rich history of our community!

The public is invited to enjoy 1881 Day by learning more about Durham County Government by doing any or all of these activities:

  • Visit a Durham County Building. Locations and addresses for our buildings are found at www.dconc.gov.
  • Visit a Board of County Commissioners Meeting. The next Regular Session is scheduled for April 27. The 2026 BOCC Meeting Schedule found here.
  • Visit and take in Durham County commissioned public art. Use the Durham County Public Art Guide to discover artistic expressions in our area.
  • Visit the historic site and statues outside of the Durham County Administration Building I located at 200 E. Main Street in downtown Durham.

Share your 1881 Day images with us by tagging Durham County Government when you post to social media pages Facebook or Instagram

April 24: Explore Durham’s Public Art: Discover the Beauty of Downtown Durham.

Have you paused lately to enjoy the vibrant public art that brightens Durham’s streets and neighborhoods? Our community is home to an extensive collection of murals, sculptures, and installations that add meaning, beauty, and character to shared spaces. 

In celebration of National County Government Month, the community is invited to join staff for a guided walking tour of Downtown Durham to learn more about these artworks and the talented public artists who help shape our county’s cultural landscape. 

The one‑hour tour, led by Durham County Public Art Coordinator Sarah Martin, will feature five unique stops on Friday, April 24, from 1-2 p.m. To register for this event: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/EMQ0Bc2K9f.

If you’re unable to join the tour, we invite you to explore the Durham County Public Art Guide and discover the creative spirit woven throughout Downtown Durham. Snapping selfies during your public art adventure? Share the fun on social media using #DCoPublicArt , we’d love to see where your journey takes you!

April 28: Guided Nature Walk at Hollow Rock: Step Into Nature with Open Space

Join us for a Nature Walk on Tuesday, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m., at Durham County | Hollow Rock Natural Park, 692 Erwin Road. The Durham County Open Space Program invites the public to celebrate National County Government Month during a guide walk where participants will learn from Open Space staff how DCo, other agencies and boards, and the public work collaboratively to protect and care for important conservation lands. 

Attendees will explore the unique ecology, geology, and human history of the park itself. This event requires walking about 1.5 miles on natural surface trail over moderately hilly terrain.

To RSVP, visit https://forms.office.com/g/A1UZQS8xLK. Direct questions about this event to David Bradley, Open Space Specialist, at dabradley@dconc.gov or 919-943-3997.

In addition to these events, the Durham Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as National County Government Month during its March 23 Regular Session. The latest edition of In Touch with Durham County, airing April 1, is dedicated to NCGM. The “Crash Course on Durham County,” presented by North Carolina Collection Manager Lauren Panny, has also been recorded and is now available on the County’s  YouTube channel  here.

During the internal celebration of National County Government Month, employees, who provide an essential role in carrying out the County’s work, will be invited to a leadership‑led panel discussion on the importance of their day‑to‑day contributions. Additional DCo pride activities that celebrate the pride of the County are planned throughout the second week of April.

“Behind every county service is a person who chose to show up for Durham. National County Government Month gives us an opportunity to honor the people at the core of everything we do,” said County Manager Claudia Hager. “Each day, our agencies show up for residents — especially those who need support the most.  Durham County employees bring dedication and purpose to their work every day, and our residents are better for it. We are grateful for each one of them.”

Read more from Manager Hager about DCo’s celebration of NCGM in the March 27th edition of Durham This Week Online.

Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the country to raise awareness about county roles, responsibilities, and services throughout April. NCGM is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role county governments play in improving everyday life for residents.

This April, DCo will highlight why counties matter. Learn more about how Durham County Government connects, inspires, and leads every day, including details about programs and services, at dconc.gov.

Happy National County Government Month! Follow DCo’s social media channels for updates throughout April and for the latest news from Durham County Government:

For more information, contact the Durham County Public Information Office at 919-560-9920 or publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.

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