The City of Durham, North Carolina, is aiming at a digital transformation of services and infrastructure across the city. It aims to build this on a base of integrating new AI, machine learning and cloud-based platforms.

The city has embraced a city-wide agile IT governance model to align technology developments with the city’s strategic goals.

In FY25, the city is aiming at a full-scale digital transformation of its core IT systems. These include finance, human resources, budgeting, and asset management. All these systems will be enhanced with AI, machine learning and advanced automation. City-wide IT systems will move to modern cloud platforms.

The City’s strategic imperative is to drive quality and delivery improvements in public service provision. It aims to achieve this through five strategic goals. The City aims to foster innovation and collaboration internally; strengthen public safety, with neighbourhood and community partnerships; promote a stronger and more diverse economy; build community engagement across all the communities across the City; and expand sustainability and environmental resilience.

In 2024, the City of Durham and the Technology Solutions Department received two honours from the Centre for Digital Government, acknowledging excellence in digital inclusion, resident engagement, and the strategic use of AI-powered tools. In September, Durham was named one of six finalists for the 2024 Government Experience Award at the 8th annual GovX Summit. Durham was honoured for its advancements in cybersecurity, AI integration, customer service, accessibility, and broadband access. Other GovX finalists included Los Angeles, CA; El Paso, TX; and Fort Collins, CO.