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130 Empowerment Coats, heavy duty sleeping bags that convert into a winter coat when needed, to distribute throughout Durham. 1131r nfiel Ilf :)lire lir lien During the 1990s, many areas of Durham, once bustling with activity were left vacant or underutilized because they might be contaminated with pollutants. These types of sites are called brownfields. In 2006, the City received the first of three grants from the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Assessment Program to help assess the pollution on sites ripe for redevelopment. This program, administered through the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, focuses on removing some of the barriers to the development of brownfield sites by paying the due - diligence costs that prospective property buyers may not otherwise have been willing to risk. These grant funds, which total $1.2 million, are used for environmental testing, conceptual work, planning, and other associated costs to focus on blighted, underutilized properties in and around Northeast Central Durham. Redevelopment of these Accessible Icon features active wheelchair users properties offers significant upside potential. Brownfield cleanup and repurposing utilizes existing infrastructure, increases the local tax base, provides job opportunities, promotes revitalization of the immediate surrounding area, and improves and protects the environment and public health. Accessible Ill lin 11::Iroject In 2016, community volunteers in partnership with the City's General Services department installed 104 accessible icons at City -owned and County -owned facilities, schools, private businesses, and churches. This symbol of active wheelchair users highlights the new, inspired, and more accurate representation of disabled persons who are willing and able, powerful and valuable members of our community. To get involved in this design activism initiative, visit: IhLLp: / /NtJly /?NdV RglL i1::)6111ce Ilf; 111 lir° lii m m lii m° Ill,,,, 1113 M 11 lasain Officeir and II° °Ill lii 111 lnll tr Ih ° m lir Safe and secure neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life and economic vitality of the City. The City's Police Department recently added a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Liaison Officer and Hispanic Outreach Officer to its ranks to help ensure communities' needs are addressed for all residents. These liaisons are creating a customized approach to helping the Police Department bridge the gap between police and LGBTQ and Hispanic communities, promote understanding, and breaking down the wall of mistrust. They also help to increase awareness of public safety programs, resources, and methods. Liaisons will be a resource to victims of crime, including those acts that are driven by prejudice. One of the first communities in North Carolina to establish a Sustainability Office, Durham is often on the leading edge when it comes to local government best practices and processes. Durham constantly strives towards good governance, exemplary performance, and innovative, creative approaches to community challenges. One of Durham's Strategic Plan goals is to be an "Innovative and High Performing Organization." The Office of Performance and Innovation was created in 2016 to work alongside all 24 departments to help accomplish this goal by fostering a culture of innovation. V7 I City of IDurharn 20!7 Sustainability IReport