Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
In Progress | 
On Hold | 
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 1.31 Develop, pilot and expand employment opportunities through a Good Jobs and Equity program
Shared Economic Prosperity
Description
This initiative will explore the feasibility of building an apprenticeship program to create equitable career opportunities and pathways into quality jobs within City Government for Durham residents. If determined to be feasible, the program will focus on historically disadvantaged residents who do not have bachelor's degrees. The lack of a college degree is one of many systemic barriers faced by Black and Brown residents between the ages of 18-29 in Durham.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
The focus of this project is an expansion of employment opportunities through a work experience program. In fiscal year 2025, the groundwork was laid for the work experience program using Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding. WIOA is a federally funded program designed to help individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. WIOA provides various services aimed at skill-building, career planning, and job placement assistance through NC Works Career Centers. It also focuses on serving specific populations like veterans, dislocated workers, and individuals with disabilities, among others.
Why is it important?
An apprenticeship program is one way to address systemic barriers for residents without bachelor’s degrees. If determined to be feasible, it will enable access to stable, quality jobs and career paths for historically disadvantaged Durham residents. The goal is shared economic prosperity, and the best way to create this pathway is within City government, where the vision of inclusivity is driving new ways of thinking about attracting and retaining talent.
What have we been doing?
Staff are in the process of transitioning and planning for this initiative following a handoff from E&I to OEWD in September 2025. OEWD leadership is currently developing a plan to move the initiative forward using available grant funds.
Key activities include:
• Completing the departmental handoff from E&I to OEWD.
• Initiating planning discussions on how to deploy $25,000 in grant funds to advance Good Jobs and Equity goals.
What's next?
Efforts will focus on translating planning into action through the following activities:
• Initiative Planning – Finalizing OEWD's plan for how to advance the Good Jobs and Equity program.
• Grant Fund Deployment – Determining the most impactful use of available grant funds to support residents facing employment barriers.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division