Believing In Durham, Building Durham, Being Bold For Durham
Running for All of Us
As Durham County continues to grow and evolve, it's crucial that our community's development is anchored in equity, inclusion, and opportunity for every resident. Nimasheena Burns, a dedicated County Commissioner, is re-running for office with a comprehensive platform that addresses some of the most pressing needs of Durham County. Her vision is to create a county that is not only thriving economically but also compassionate and inclusive, ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of their background, has the chance to contribute to and benefit from our county's prosperity.
The Sky's the Limit
Commissioner Burns has always and will always put Durham first. She is committed to fostering a Durham that is prosperous, equitable, and supportive of every resident. Her comprehensive platform addresses the diverse needs of our community, ensuring that everyone in Durham has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for Durham County. In her bid for re-election, Durham County Commissioner Nimasheena Burns is focused on driving sustainable economic growth and ensuring that the benefits of this growth are shared by all residents. Her platform is built on the principles of local empowerment, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic resilience. By prioritizing economic development initiatives that keep jobs in Durham and investing in sustainability, Commissioner Burns aims to create a future where Durham thrives as a model of progressive and environmentally responsible urban development.
Priority: Expanding Accessible and Affordable Housing Solutions
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Objective: Increase affordable housing units by 30% over the next five years.
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Strategy: Partner with local developers and non-profits to build affordable housing, utilizing innovative building techniques and sustainable materials.
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Statistical Context: Durham County has seen over a 15% rise in housing prices over the last year, outpacing wage growth and pushing affordable housing out of reach for many (Source: Durham Housing Authority).
Fully Funding Education
Priority: Ensuring High-Quality Education for All
Objective: Boost school funding by 10% over 3 years to enhance educational resources and teacher support.
Strategy: Allocate funds for modernizing classrooms, teacher training, and student support services.
Economic Development Initiatives for Local Employment
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Objective: To increase local employment rates by fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages the growth of Durham-based companies and attracts new businesses to the area.
Strategy:
Facilitate partnerships between local businesses, educational institutions, and government entities to align workforce skills with market needs.
Provide incentives and support to small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on sectors like technology, healthcare, and green industries.
Statistical Context: As of the last quarter, Durham's unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, with small and medium enterprises contributing to 35% of the job market (Source: Durham Economic Development Committee).
Creating Economic Inclusion and Ending Economic Disparities
Priority: Boosting Women and Minority Owned Enterprises
Objective: Increase funding and support for women and minority-owned businesses by 40% within the next three years.
Strategy: Implement grant programs, provide mentorship, and enhance access to capital.
Statistical Context: Minority-owned businesses represent 29% of all businesses in Durham, yet face disproportionate challenges in funding (Source: Durham Economic Development Committee).
Supporting Non-Profits in Youth Criminal Justice Reform
Objective: Increase funding and support for non-profits working in youth criminal justice reform by 25%.
Strategy: Partner with organizations to provide rehabilitation programs and alternative sentencing options.
Statistical Context: Juvenile arrest rates in Durham have decreased by 10% due to effective youth intervention programs. While crime is on the rise providing additional support can reduce arrest rates and recidivism rates among our youth. (Source: Durham County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council).
Supporting Maternal Health Initiatives
Objective: Improve maternal health outcomes by increasing funding and support for maternal health initiatives by 30%.
Strategy: Collaborate with healthcare providers to enhance access to prenatal and postnatal care.
Statistical Context: Durham County’s maternal mortality rate is 20% higher than the national average (Source: Durham County Health Department).
Supporting Our Farmers
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Priority: Establishing the Durham County Community Farm
Objective: Launch a Community Farm project to support local farmers and landowners.
Strategy: Provide land, resources, and training to encourage sustainable and local farming practices.
Statistical Context: Small farms constitute 60% of Durham’s agricultural sector, yet lack adequate support (Source: Durham County Agricultural Development Council).
Supporting our Seniors Because They Deserve Our Best
Priority: Enhancing Quality of Life for Durham's Elderly
Objective: To improve the overall well-being and quality of life for senior citizens in Durham County through comprehensive support services, healthcare accessibility, and community engagement initiatives.
Strategy:
Expand access to affordable healthcare and support services tailored to the needs of seniors, including in-home care and mental health services.
Develop community programs that promote active aging, including fitness classes, social clubs, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Increase affordable housing options for seniors, with a focus on accessibility and proximity to essential services.
Foster intergenerational programs and partnerships to bridge the gap between seniors and younger generations, promoting mutual understanding and support.
Statistical Context:
Durham County's senior population (aged 65 and older) has grown by 20% in the past decade, currently accounting for approximately 14% of the total population (Source: Durham County Aging Services).
Surveys indicate that 30% of Durham’s senior citizens face challenges related to healthcare access, housing affordability, and social isolation (Source: Durham Senior Needs Assessment Survey).
