This week, I have the pleasure of announcing that the Board of County Commissioners, led by Chair Nida Allam, will present the 2025 State of the County during the Board’s Regular Session on Monday, November 24.

The evening will open with a special performance by the Southwest Elementary School chorus welcoming everyone with song.

This marks Chair Allam's first State of the County presentation, and she's chosen a collaborative approach—each Commissioner will participate in sharing the address.

While this year has brought challenges for local governments, it has also been marked by significant achievements for Durham County Government. Chair Allam and the Board will explore both dimensions – celebrating our department's innovative work in delivering exceptional public services while addressing the evolving challenges of meeting our community's needs.

All residents are encouraged to attend the presentation, which will be held in person inside the Commissioners’ Chambers, located on the 2^nd floor of the Durham County Administration I Building at 200 East Main Street in downtown.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for attendees to support a food drive, continuing the momentum of Durham County employees' DCo Staff Coming Together to Support the Community Food Drive. That drive saw employees donating, bagging up, and distributing over 700 bags of food to our community in need after the federal government’s shutdown temporarily interrupted food and nutrition services benefits distribution. During this season, food banks still need support to address food insecurity throughout the community.

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to the meeting. These donations will be collected to help stock local food banks during a time of critical need, supporting families facing food insecurity throughout Durham County.

If you are not able to come, please know that we have two other options for you to be a part of our session. You can watch live video either on the Durham Television Network and the Durham County YouTube channel or join the meeting via Zoom.

Here is the information to join the Zoom session online or by phone:

• Online link to join Zoom meeting: https://bit.ly/DCoBOCC112425
• Dial-in Number: 929-436-2866
• Meeting ID: 830 3608 7556 Passcode: 035245

Our award-winning organization is proud of what we accomplish each year in providing our residents with world-class local government services. I hope you’ll come downtown or tune in online for the State of the County Address to hear about what we are accomplishing here in Durham County!

Until next time,

Claudia Hager | County Manager