During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on the agreement between the city and the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Council members raised concerns about eviction protections for tenants benefiting from the funding. A council member inquired whether stronger language could be included in the agreement to prevent evictions after city funds were allocated. Deputy City Manager Bertha Winbush clarified that the agreement would refer to DHA's existing eviction policy, which stipulates that evictions cannot occur after two missed payments without prior contact.

The council member sought further assurance on the protections, but Winbush confirmed that no additional safeguards beyond the current policy would be implemented. The conversation also touched on the potential for unutilized funding, with the council noting that DHA would submit a proposal on how to allocate any remaining funds, although this would occur after the initial funding distribution.

Following these discussions, the council unanimously approved a motion to authorize the city manager to execute the ARPA subrecipient grant agreement with DHA, amounting to $280,917.73. The meeting then transitioned to the public hearing agenda, beginning with the consolidated annexation of Woodlands Preserve on Torridge Road.