New Durham council members promise focus on affordability, justice, transparency
Durham began a new chapter in city government Monday night as two newly elected members and two incumbents took the oath of office.
All of them promised to focus on affordability, social justice and engaging more community members in city decision making.
Newcomers Matt Kopac (Ward 1) and Shanetta Burris (Ward 2) were sworn in alongside Mayor Leo Williams, who is starting his second two-year term, and Councilwoman Chelsea Cook, who won the Ward 3 election after being appointed to it last year.
The swearing in followed an emotional farewell for outgoing members DeDreana Freeman and Mark-Anthony Middleton.
Williams focuses on unity and growth
Williams expressed gratitude for the departing council members and welcomed the “fresh legs” joining the team.
“Durham politics is unique, and we embrace it all,” he said. “We showed the true diversity of conflict and camaraderie; we show the true diversity of politics from one end of the spectrum to the other.”
He stressed the need for mutual respect despite disagreement between members and residents.
“One thing I can promise is this city will move forward. It will grow, it will be built, it will develop, and we’re going to make each other better,” he said.
Cook thanked her family, including her spouse and campaign manager, Mike.
“We built off the work of so many before us and pushed for the rights of people over profit. We pushed for transparency for care, for centering community,” she said. “I look forward [to] you all holding us accountable as we move through these times.”
Matt Kopac: Ward 1
Kopac, a former chair of the Environmental Affairs Board and member of the Durham Planning Commission, defeated Freeman with 52% of the vote. He raised the most money of all the candidates and was endorsed by two major political action committees.
His oath of office, administered by Superior Court Judge Shamieka Rhinehart, was briefly interrupted by an outburst from a resident who opposed his election win.
In his remarks, Kopac acknowledged his deep connection to Durham, saying he ran “because I love this city so deeply, care for our people so deeply, this is home.”
“I ran because I wanted to see Durham, with time, become a city that is more affordable, more just, more sustainable, and hopefully, with time, one that is more united,” he said.
He campaigned on increasing housing affordability, prioritizing gun violence prevention and public safety, and supporting residents facing financial pressures due to eviction, home repairs and food insecurity.
In addressing concerns that he might continue the council’s sometimes 4-3 split in favor of controversial development, Kopac made a “sacred promise” to be transparent and accessible.
“A promise that if you stop me on the street and say ‘Matt, there’s this thing going on in my block,’ that I will listen and respect and honor your perspectives,” he said.
Shanetta Burris: Ward 2
Burris, a community organizer and N.C. Central University alumna, brings a strong grassroots mandate to the council. This was her second bid for City Council, following an unsuccessful at-large run in 2023.
Burris defeated Middleton with 68% of the vote — the highest margin among the races. She also received the second-highest number of votes overall at 31,050, behind Cook’s 33,762. Despite raising the least amount of money on the campaign trail, Burris’ campaign resonated widely, she said.
“My message was powerful, and my commitment was even more powerful to the people of Durham,” she said. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”
Burris, who emphasized housing affordability, the environment, infrastructure and youth programs during her campaign, vowed to be a voice for marginalized residents in Durham.
“I’m immensely grateful for this moment. … I am here to serve our community and make sure people aren’t voiceless,” she said.
This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 12:40 PM with the headline "New Durham council members promise focus on affordability, justice, transparency."