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Public Policy & Civic Leadership

The Chamber serves as the leading voice for businesses across Durham—advocating on the issues that shape our community at the local, regional, state, and national levels. We encourage you to subscribe for updates, stay connected, and engage in our upcoming events as we continue building strong partnerships with local elected officials and stakeholders.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Ramsay Ritchie at rritchie@durhamchamber.org.

Strategic Pillars

Employers have always been at the heart of Durham’s story—driving innovation, creating opportunities, and fueling prosperity through investment and growth. As Durham’s trusted leader in economic development, the Chamber is committed to empowering our community by supporting businesses that are equitable, inclusive, diverse, and collaborative.

On behalf of our members, we actively engage with partners at the local, regional, state, and federal levels to influence key issues that shape business success and community well-being—including economic development, workforce and education, health, transportation, housing, planning, public safety, and sustainability.

Looking ahead, the Chamber remains focused on advancing education and workforce development strategies that strengthen our talent pipeline, prioritizing transportation and infrastructure that keep Durham moving, and supporting initiatives that foster safer, stronger communities. Together, we will ensure Durham continues to thrive as a place of opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.

Board of Commissioners

Dr. Mike Lee

Chair


(984) 314-6165

mike lee- vice chair

Nida Allam

Vice Chair


984-227-9462

nida allam- chair

Stephen Valentine

Commissioner


919-214-7582

Stephen Valentine

Wendy Jacobs


919-417-3169

Wendy Jacobs

Michelle Burton

Commissioner


919-314-7587

Michelle Burton

City Council

Leonardo Williams

Mayor


919-560-4396 ext. 10273

mayor 2

Javiera Caballero

Mayor Pro Tempore


919-560-4396 ext. 10272

jav 2

Nate Baker

At-Large Council Member


919-560-4396

Nate Baker

Carl Rist

At-Large Council Member


919-560-4396

Carl Rist

Matt Kopac

Ward 1 Council Member


919-560-4396

Matt Kopac

Shanetta Burris

Ward 2 Council Member


919-560-4396

Shanetta Burris

Chelsea Cook

Ward 3 Council Member


919-560-4396

Chelsea Cook

Durham Public School Board

Bettina Umstead

Chair & District 2


919-972-8274

Bettina Umstead

Millicent Rogers

Vice Chair, Consolidated District B


919-270-33247

Millicent Rogers

Emily Chavez

District 1


919-642-3736

Emily Chavez

Wendell Tabb

Board Member, Consolidated District A


919-480-2124

Wendell Tabb

Joy Harrell Goff

Board Member At-Large


984-340-0176

Joy Harrell Goff

Jessica Carda-Auten

District 3


919-695-7411

Jessica Carda-Auten

Natalie Beyer

District 4


919-382-2823

Natalie Beyer

NC & US: Find Your State and Federal Representatives

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