From the desk of the County Manager,

Happy New Year, Durham County!

As we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 with open arms, now is the perfect time to reflect on what brings us together as a community. The new year offers us all an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the values we share and to the work that makes Durham County such a special place to call home.

Here at Durham County Government, we strive to cultivate responsible public service, which is vital for all residents to experience a high quality of life, while amplifying the diverse heritage of our community. Here, history and innovation live and breathe together and inspire all of us to make DCo one of the most wonderful communities in the nation that we help make it empowered, vibrant, and sustainable and provide opportunities for all residents to live, grow, and thrive!

Over the past 12 months, our organization has won seven Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties for the innovative and dedicated work we do for the residents of Durham County. We maintained our top-10 status in the Digital Counties Survey, ranking 8^th among counties with a population between 250,000 and 499,999.

Our Durham Soil and Water Conservation District celebrated its 60^th anniversary and our Durham County Emergency Medical Services Division its 50^th anniversary in 2025.

Our employees have also taken on leadership roles in national, state, and local organizations. I’ve admired the fact that so many of our employees have undertaken training both inside and outside of Durham County Government. Some have received degrees from universities and colleges. Others have gotten certified in their specialties. And 21 have taken part in our own Durham County Leadership Academy.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg on achievements captured by staff and departments. I couldn’t be prouder of the work they do to make a difference in our community members’ lives each day.

I was reminded of the impact of public service in November when SNAP benefits were delayed due to the federal government shutdown. Throughout Durham County, individuals, families, organizations, classrooms, and yes, local government all came together to help and deliver for those who were impacted with food drives, pop-up and regular distribution sites, gathering and distribution of information, and a helping hand with a smile.

With many years of public service, most here in DCo, I was in awe of everyone’s generosity, empathy, and willingness to help.

Also, our Board of Commissioners passed a historic $1.04 billion Budget Ordinance in June that allows our work to make our community a leader in educational efforts, public safety, and delivering the vital services needed in health, social services, planning, and so much more! Looking ahead, we've begun work on the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, which starts July 1, 2026, and while the current fiscal landscape presents considerable uncertainties. I am confident that by working together, we will navigate this challenge successfully.

I hope the holiday season allowed everyone the chance to share special moments with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Whether it was over a good meal, swapping stories, or lending a hand in the community, the holidays in Durham County are all about connection and mutual respect – reflecting the welcoming and caring spirit that makes this place home.

Here’s to a 2026 of progress, togetherness, and public service!

Until next week,

Claudia Hager | County Manager