From the Desk of the County Manager, April 24, 2026
Greetings Durham!
April has been a month filled with several recognitions and celebrations as part of Durham County Government’s participation in National County Government Month. This also makes it a timely moment to highlight meaningful ways our residents can actively engage and serve to shape Durham County today and tomorrow.
Citizens volunteer regularly as participants on Durham County’s 43 advisory Boards and Commissions that cover a variety of areas in our community. They include the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Board of Health, Discover Durham Tourism Development Authority, Durham County Women’s Commission, Homeless Services Advisory Committee and Workforce Development Board, to name a few. (A full description of all boards and commissions is available here.) Each plays a vital role in connecting community voices to County leadership. They ensure that decisions made on behalf of the County reflect the priorities and aspirations of those who call Durham home.
Each month, we invite more residents to take a seat at the table and apply to volunteer and serve for citizen appointment vacancies.
Why Your Participation Matters
When we asked Monica W. Wallace, Clerk to the Durham Board of Commissioners and Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Clerks, why she encourages residents to volunteer on boards and commissions, she put it simply: “It is a great way for citizens’ voices to be heard.” She also stated: “These boards and commissions exist because local government works best when the people making decisions reflect the community they serve.”
Serving on a County board or commission allows residents to:
- Influence local policy. Volunteers help shape recommendations and decisions that guide County programs, services and long‑term planning.
- Bring diverse perspectives to the table. Durham is a community rich in culture, experience, and expertise. When residents with different backgrounds participate, it strengthens the quality and fairness of County decision‑making.
- Bridge the gap between residents and leadership. Board members regularly engage with County Commissioners, the County Manager and staff liaisons. These dialogues help ensure that community needs and concerns are understood at the highest levels of local government.
Advisory boards and commissions are an effective way to turn community insight into community impact.
Boards and Commissions Are Essential to County Government
These volunteer groups are more than advisory bodies as they are engines of collaboration, innovation and accountability. They help County government:
- Identify emerging needs. Whether it’s public health trends, environmental challenges or economic development opportunities, boards help surface issues early and clearly.
- Strengthen community partnerships. Many boards include both residents and County staff, creating space for in‑depth dialogue and shared problem‑solving.
- Shape long‑term priorities. Recommendations from boards often inform County plans, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Volunteers help guide Durham County's direction for years to come.
As Monica Wallace noted, community volunteer participants “get to help shape the future of Durham County.” Their work influences everything from how we protect natural resources to how we support families, invest in infrastructure and preserve the cultural vibrancy of our community.
Who Should Apply
Any resident who cares about Durham County is qualified to serve. Other eligibility guidelines are listed here.
We welcome residents from all walks of life -- newcomers and long‑time residents alike. You don’t need prior government experience. You simply need a willingness to listen, learn, contribute and collaborate.
How to Get Involved
Take a moment to explore the full list of boards and commissions and apply online. Vacancies are posted monthly. Meetings are held monthly or bi-monthly throughout the year. Learn more and consider applying. Review meeting dates and past meeting minutes online.
As National County Government Month draws to a close, consider stepping into a role that strengthens our community and deepens your connection to local government. Durham County thrives when residents are engaged, informed and empowered to serve. Your insights, involvement and voice could likely spark the next great idea or help solve a challenge facing our community.
Together with our citizens, we continue building a strong Durham County.