Steve Schewel was elected to a second term as mayor, as expected. But he had even more to celebrate Tuesday night.
In February, during his city address, Schewel introduced a plan for a $95 million bond. An ambitious and aggressive solution to Durham’s affordable housing crisis, the bond is expected to create 1,600 affordable housing units, among other initiatives.
Today, the bond passed with 75.89% of votes in favor. Schewel can confidently say he now has the funds and resources to accomplish his housing goals.
The bond is a “big bite out of the apple,” for an affordable housing issue that has permeated all corners of the city, the mayor said.
In a victory speech following incumbent re-elected candidates Javiera Caballero, Charlie Reece, and Jillian Johnson, Schewel thanked the crowd for their continued support of him as mayor and for voting to enact the bond.
Schewel said the City Council worked to prepare the city for the bond and make the case for the affordable housing solution. “Everyone knew the problem but we needed a big, bold solution,” he said.
The next step for Schewel and the City Council is to ensure the bond is implemented according to their five-year plan.
“It is going to be hard, we are going to make mistakes, but with our leadership it will work,” he said.
Comments are closed.