Durham mayor delivers first State of the City: 'Durham is dope'
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The sounds of NCCU's marching band ushered in the Bull City's newly elected leader, Mayor Leo Williams, who was eager to take the stage, but not without a special acknowledgment of his wife and son.
He dived headfirst into public safety and told the audience he hopes that Durham becomes the most progressive city of public safety in America, but it won't happen without money.
"We need resources that bolster city staff and employees to be the best at their job from competitive market pay to cutting edge technology," Wiliams said.
The mayor delivered his first State of the City address on Tuesday night and spoke on such topics as strengthening the city's relationship with one of its largest employers, Duke University, and announcing mentorship programs connecting at-risk youth with jobs.
"The data speaks for itself. There's a crucial need for more support for young Black men and boys. Simply put: we just have to do more," he said.
Williams touted that the GoDurham bus system is the second largest in the state. He also spoke of economic development and safer streets. Perhaps one of the biggest talkers was affordable housing.
"Oftentimes, we talk about affordable housing," he said. "I want to focus on affordable living."
Durham Housing Authority Director Anthony Scott approved.
"I love the new phrase of it because we need to get out of this market rate..affordable lingo. We need to build solid communities for everybody involved," Scott said.
The mayor told the crowd those are the pillars that define the Bull City. That optimism was felt by residents.
"A blueprint for the rest of the country on how a small town can come from the rubble in hard times and become something beautiful," said Durham resident Davit Melikian.
"Leonardo's style is different. The people can feel him and his genuine persona," said Durham resident Sandra Battle.
Beverly Makhubele has seen firsthand the transformation of east Durham into a flourishing hotspot.
"It's given the area new life," Makhubele said. "We've seen businesses, particularly black-owned businesses increase in the last three or four years."
Williams was just elected to lead the Bull City after serving two years as the City Councilman representing Ward 3.
Williams told ABC11 back in November when he was running for the position that he wanted to capitalize on Durham's growth, while also making longtime locals feel like they are a part of the growth.
Mayor-elect Leo Williams shares vision for Durham
According to a presentation in March, the City of Durham expects the population to nearly double to more than 450,000 by 2047.
The speech was a grand opening and a grand closing with a possible new catchphrase.
"Durham is dope," said Wiliams. "Thank you all so much."
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