Michelle was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, IL. She earned her bachelor's degree in speech communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

LinkedIn

Michelle currently works as a school library media specialist for Durham Public Schools. She previously served as president for the North Carolina Association of Educators. 

Michelle Burton's campaign for the Durham County Board of Commissioners is her first run for public office.

Candidate website

Supports adequately funding and staffing public services to ensure all Durham County residents have a good quality of life.

- Supports adequately funding and staffing public services to ensure all Durham County residents have a good quality of life.

Public Services

Believes in an inclusive economy where all residents benefit. Supports livable wages for Durham County Government and Durham Public School employees and encourages businesses to pay fair wages.

 Supports livable wages for Durham County Government and Durham Public School employees and encourages businesses to pay fair wages.

Believes in collaborating with community partners to create an inclusive economy for all. Plans to work with organizations like the Durham Chamber of Commerce to foster shared prosperity in Durham County.

 Plans to collaborate with organizations like the Durham Chamber of Commerce to foster ideas for economic opportunities in Durham County.

-  Supports livable wages for Durham County Government and Durham Public School employees and encourages businesses to pay fair wages.
-  Plans to collaborate with organizations like the Durham Chamber of Commerce to foster ideas for economic opportunities in Durham County.

Economy

Believes education is crucial for Durham County's success and supports investing in Durham Public Schools to ensure livable wages for all school workers.

Supports providing livable wages for all school employees and educators.

Supports investing in modern instructional materials, school infrastructure, and technology to enhance 21st-century learning. Plans to update school buildings for collaborative teaching and ensure all classrooms have current devices.

Supports investing in modern instructional materials, school infrastructure, and technology to enhance 21st-century learning.

Supports prioritizing funding for programs like My Brother’s Keeper and advocates for a countywide HEART Program and the Bull City Community Schools initiative.

Supports investing in affordable education at Durham Tech and providing scholarships for DPS graduates to enhance job market competitiveness and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Supports affordable post-secondary education and scholarships for student graduates to enhance job market competitiveness and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Believes in advocating for universal pre-k to prepare children for future educational success. As a Durham County Commissioner, supports initiatives that benefit early childhood education.

Said, "As a Durham County Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for universal pre-k as an initiative that prepares our youngest Durham residents for Kindergarten and beyond"

- Supports providing livable wages for all school employees and educators.
- Supports investing in modern instructional materials, school infrastructure, and technology to enhance 21st-century learning.
- Supports prioritizing funding for programs like My Brother’s Keeper and advocates for a countywide HEART Program and the Bull City Community Schools initiative.
- Supports affordable post-secondary education and scholarships for student graduates to enhance job market competitiveness and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Said, "As a Durham County Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for universal pre-k as an initiative that prepares our youngest Durham residents for Kindergarten and beyond"

Education

As of June 22, 2025, Michelle Burton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Supports continuing tax and rent assistance programs and collaborating with city leadership and community partners to maintain down payment assistance.

Supports continuing tax, rent, and down payment assistance programs.

Plans to develop incentives and home programs to help residents purchase and retain homes.

- Supports continuing tax, rent, and down payment assistance programs.
- Plans to develop incentives and home programs to help residents purchase and retain homes.

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Michelle Burton

Mike earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, his Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and his Doctor of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Mike and his wife, Erin, have three children.

Mike currently works as manager of customer success for Avalara. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Ballotpedia, Michael Lee

Mike Lee previously served as a member of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education. He served two terms from 2014 to 2022. 

Believes all Durham County residents belong regardless of background and supports programs enhancing security and belonging. Plans to partner with nonprofits and County programs to expand inclusion for minority, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Plans to partner with nonprofits and county programs to expand inclusion for minority, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities.

- Plans to partner with nonprofits and county programs to expand inclusion for minority, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Indy Week, Durham County Board of Commissioners: Mike Lee

Supports creating a framework to evaluate county spending, ensuring taxpayer money is used wisely and effectively.

Said, "We need to foster a climate that encourages responsible development, supports local businesses, and attracts new industries that offer diverse employment opportunities."

- Supports creating a framework to evaluate county spending, ensuring taxpayer money is used wisely and effectively.
- Said, "We need to foster a climate that encourages responsible development, supports local businesses, and attracts new industries that offer diverse employment opportunities."

Believes a high-quality public education system is essential for Durham County’s success. Plans to fully fund Durham Pre-K, DPS, and Durham Tech, and invest in mental health support, food resources, and workforce housing for staff.

Believes a high-quality public education system is essential for Durham County’s success and plans to fully fund Durham Pre-K, Durham Public Schools, and Durham Tech.

Supports investing in mental health support, food resources, and workforce housing for Durham Public Schools and county staff.

Supports initiating conversations with Duke University to create voluntary contribution agreements.

- Believes a high-quality public education system is essential for Durham County’s success and plans to fully fund Durham Pre-K, Durham Public Schools, and Durham Tech.
- Supports investing in mental health support, food resources, and workforce housing for Durham Public Schools and county staff.
- Supports initiating conversations with Duke University to create voluntary contribution agreements.

Supports expanding the HEART (Holistic, Empathetic, Assistance, Response Teams) program, which provides unarmed response for nonviolent emergencies.

- Supports expanding the HEART (Holistic, Empathetic, Assistance, Response Teams) program, which provides unarmed response for nonviolent emergencies.

Supports using his customer success background to make property tax relief and social service programs user-friendly. Plans to innovate with county staff to simplify resident services.

Plans to make property tax relief and social service programs more user-friendly. 

Said, "I propose implementing policies that encourage affordable housing development and provide protection against unreasonable rent hikes and property tax increases."

- Plans to make property tax relief and social service programs more user-friendly. 
- Said, "I propose implementing policies that encourage affordable housing development and provide protection against unreasonable rent hikes and property tax increases."

9th Stree Journal, Meet the candidate: Mike Lee

Supports expanding public transport, such as bus rapid transit.

- Supports expanding public transport, such as bus rapid transit.

Mike Lee

Nida earned her bachelor's degree in sustainable materials technology from North Carolina State University. She lives in Durham with her husband, Towqir, and their daughter.

Nida runs the Brighter Future Political Action Committee, which supports young, progressive, first-time political candidates. 

Nida Allam is currently a County Commissioner for Durham. She was elected in 2020 and is serving her first term. Nida previously ran for U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District in 2022, but did not win.

As County Commissioner, Nida Allam helped raise the minimum wage for county employees to $15/hr.

As County Commissioner,  helped raise the minimum wage for county employees to $15/hr.

Supports raising wages for county employees.

- As County Commissioner,  helped raise the minimum wage for county employees to $15/hr.

Opposes private school vouchers and believes taxpayer money should be used for public schools.

- Opposes private school vouchers and believes taxpayer money should be used for public schools.

As of June 22, 2025, Nida Allam’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports property tax relief for low-income residents. As a County Commissioner, advocated for property tax relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a County Commissioner, advocated for property tax relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

- As a County Commissioner, advocated for property tax relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nida Allam

Meet the Candidate: Stephen Valentine for Durham County Board of Commissioners

Ballotpedia

Stephen is originally from Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science and government from Morehouse College, his master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, and his law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Valentine lives in Durham with his wife, Valarie, and their 3 children. 

Stephen currently works as a director and supervising attorney of North Carolina Central University School of Law's Veteran's Law Clinic. He previously worked as an assistant professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law, and a presidential management fellow and foreign affairs officer at the U.S. Department of State. Valentine served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 2015, during which he was a combat soldier, a social work service chief, and a judge advocate general (military lawyer).

Stephen J. Valentine previously ran to be the U.S. Representative for North Carolina  District 4, but lost.

As of June 22, 2025, Stephen J. Valentine did not have a website or any information online.

Supports universal preschool and promises to secure permanent funding to improve early childhood education programs.

Plans to incorporate the Durham Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams (H.E.A.R.T) into local schools to reduce stress on community social services.

- Supports universal preschool and promises to secure permanent funding to improve early childhood education programs.
- Plans to incorporate the Durham Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams (H.E.A.R.T) into local schools to reduce stress on community social services.

Said, "I can say unequivocally that everyone in society should not have a firearm, particularly of the automatic variety.”

Promises to advance measures that would reduce gun violence.

- Said, "I can say unequivocally that everyone in society should not have a firearm, particularly of the automatic variety.”
- Promises to advance measures that would reduce gun violence.

Believes the development committee is underserving "communities of color."

Opposed the Simplified Code for Affordable Housing, which would have loosened local building and zoning regulations.

- Believes the development committee is underserving "communities of color."
- Opposed the Simplified Code for Affordable Housing, which would have loosened local building and zoning regulations.

Youtube

Stephen J. Valentine

Wendy is originally from New Jersey. She earned her bachelor's degree from Duke University. Wendy and her husband have 3 children.

Wendy is the project manager for Unique Places, a real estate and land management company. She has previously worked as an elementary school teacher.

Wendy Jacobs currently serves as a Durham County Commissioner. She was first elected in 2012 and is serving her third term. Wendy was chair of the board from 2016 to 2020 and vice chair from 2020 to 2023.

As a County Commissioner, brought Durham into the national Familiar Faces Initiative to coordinate wrap-around supports for community members with complex health and behavioral needs.

As a County Commissioner, brought Durham into the Familiar Faces Initiative to "coordinate wrap-around supports for community members with complex health and behavioral needs."

- As a County Commissioner, brought Durham into the Familiar Faces Initiative to "coordinate wrap-around supports for community members with complex health and behavioral needs."

As a Durham County Commissioner, raised wages and secured paid family leave for all full-time staff.

As County Commissioner, supported raising wages and securing paid family leave for all full-time staff.

As a County Commissioner, worked with community partners to create the BULLS Initiative, connecting young Durham residents to local biotech and life sciences jobs.

- As County Commissioner, supported raising wages and securing paid family leave for all full-time staff.
- As a County Commissioner, worked with community partners to create the BULLS Initiative, connecting young Durham residents to local biotech and life sciences jobs.

Supports increased funding for public schools and ensuring access to high-quality, affordable pre-K for every child.

As a County Commissioner, increased funding to Durham Public Schools by $34 million over three years to address state funding shortfalls. Ensured raises for classified staff, certified staff, and teachers.

As County Commissioner, increased funding to Durham Public Schools by $34 million over three years to address state funding shortfalls.

Supports full financial backing for DPS and proposes a County-wide literacy initiative to ensure all third graders read at grade level.

Plans to create a countywide literacy initiative to ensure all third graders read at grade level.

Supports funded programs that provide new parents with practical tools and emotional support, such as Welcome Baby, Durham Connects, and Reach Out and Read.

Supports funding programs that provide new parents with tools and emotional support, such as Welcome Baby, Durham Connects, and Reach Out and Read.

- Supports increased funding for public schools and ensuring access to high-quality, affordable pre-K for every child.
- As County Commissioner, increased funding to Durham Public Schools by $34 million over three years to address state funding shortfalls.
- Plans to create a countywide literacy initiative to ensure all third graders read at grade level.
- Supports funding programs that provide new parents with tools and emotional support, such as Welcome Baby, Durham Connects, and Reach Out and Read.

As a public official, funded new investments in harm reduction for substance users, including peer support specialists, safe syringes, and testing strips.

Supports addressing systemic injustices by investing in resources for people affected by substance use, mental illness, and the justice system.

Believes in addressing systemic injustices by investing in community-based, evidence-based, and trauma-informed resources for those involved in substance use, mental illness, and the criminal justice system.

Plans to expand HEART, Durham’s crisis response program, into the County in 2024 by collaborating with the Community Safety Department and Sheriff Birkhead.

Supports expanding funding for harm reduction and substance use treatment.

As a public official, funded nearly $500,000 in community-based mental health services for justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness.

- Supports addressing systemic injustices by investing in resources for people affected by substance use, mental illness, and the justice system.
- Plans to expand HEART, Durham’s crisis response program, into the County in 2024 by collaborating with the Community Safety Department and Sheriff Birkhead.
- Supports expanding funding for harm reduction and substance use treatment.

Supports creating a joint City-County rental assistance fund to help residents at risk of eviction.

Supports using publicly-controlled land to build affordable housing for public school educators, first responders, and City/County employees.

Supports using publicly-controlled land to build affordable housing for public school educators, first responders, and city/county employees.

Supports prioritizing affordable housing near public transit while protecting open spaces, water, and farmland.

As a County Commissioner, worked with various stakeholders to create the Low Income Homeowner Relief Program to assist low-income homeowners with property tax bills.

As County Commissioner, worked with various organizations to create the Low Income Homeowner Relief Program, which assists low-income homeowners with property tax bills.

As a County Commissioner, championed the development of 300 new affordable housing units on County-owned land. Supports increasing affordable housing options to address homelessness and housing needs.

As County Commissioner, supported the development of 300 new affordable housing units on county-owned land. 

Supports revising the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to ensure everyone in Durham has access to affordable housing, schools, parks, and shopping.

Supports revising the Unified Development Ordinance to ensure everyone in Durham has access to affordable housing, schools, parks, and shopping.

Supports creating a day shelter for residents experiencing homelessness by collaborating with the City, a local nonprofit, and community partners.

Supports creating a day shelter for residents experiencing homelessness by collaborating with the City, nonprofits, and community partners.

- Supports creating a joint City-County rental assistance fund to help residents at risk of eviction.
- Supports using publicly-controlled land to build affordable housing for public school educators, first responders, and city/county employees.
- Supports prioritizing affordable housing near public transit while protecting open spaces, water, and farmland.
- As County Commissioner, worked with various organizations to create the Low Income Homeowner Relief Program, which assists low-income homeowners with property tax bills.
- As County Commissioner, supported the development of 300 new affordable housing units on county-owned land. 
- Supports revising the Unified Development Ordinance to ensure everyone in Durham has access to affordable housing, schools, parks, and shopping.
- Supports creating a day shelter for residents experiencing homelessness by collaborating with the City, nonprofits, and community partners.

Supports implementing the County transit plan, including renovating Durham’s bus station, building new bus shelters, planning for Bus Rapid Transit, and advancing regional passenger rail.

Plans to implement county transit plan, including renovating Durham’s bus station, building new bus shelters, planning for Bus Rapid Transit, and advancing regional passenger rail.

Believes in creating a sustainable, navigable, and resilient community. As a member and former chair of the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO, supports informed investment in streets and sidewalks.

Said, "I’m committed to creating a sustainable community that’s easy to navigate and resilient in the face of climate change."

As a County Commissioner, supported and approved a $1 billion investment in local transit, focusing on faster, more reliable buses, and improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

As County Commissioner, supported and approved a $1 billion investment in local transit, focusing on faster, more reliable buses, and improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Supports creating a community with excellent public transit, bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and resilience against climate change.

Supports creating new bike trails to connect communities, including the North Durham Rail Trail and the Triangle Bikeways Trail.

- Plans to implement county transit plan, including renovating Durham’s bus station, building new bus shelters, planning for Bus Rapid Transit, and advancing regional passenger rail.
- Said, "I’m committed to creating a sustainable community that’s easy to navigate and resilient in the face of climate change."
- As County Commissioner, supported and approved a $1 billion investment in local transit, focusing on faster, more reliable buses, and improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
- Supports creating new bike trails to connect communities, including the North Durham Rail Trail and the Triangle Bikeways Trail.

Wendy Jacobs

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners can create, change, or abolish offices, positions, departments that are not required by law. 
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms, with no term limits. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Durham County Commissioner

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Durham County Commissioner

Election results

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