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Chelsea Cook
NONPARTISAN
Chelsea Cook is running for Durham City Council Member.
Personal background
Chelsea Cook earned a bachelor's in Public Policy and Women’s Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. She lives in Durham, North Carolina.
Professional background
Chelsea is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Law at Duke Law School’s Civil Justice Clinic. She previously worked as a Staff Attorney in the Eviction Diversion Program at Legal Aid of North Carolina and as a Stanford Law Fellow at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice.
Political background
Chelsea is currently a member of the Durham City Council, representing Ward 3. She was appointed in January 2024 to fill the vacancy left by former councilman Leonardo Williams.
Economy
Supports a living wage.
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Public Services
Lists her top three priorities as affordable housing, a living wage, and beautification.
Prioritizes protecting tree canopy, waterways, and adding green space requirements in development rules.
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Housing & Urban Development
Supports creating day shelters and safe parking/tent options for unhoused residents, coupled with eviction diversion programs.
Favors 100% affordable housing developments instead of relying on limited proffers in market-rate projects.
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Public Safety
Supports expanding the HEART crisis response program into Durham Public Schools, but prefers county-level funding.
Advocates for addressing root causes of crime through youth programming, housing, and mental health resources.
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Transportation & Infrastructure
Backs fare-free buses as a top budget priority.
Supports infrastructure to make Durham a 15-minute walkable city, including sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic calming.
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Education
Advocates expanding after school youth employment programs and holistic support.
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