The City of Durham, North Carolina, has received the 2025 Community Health & Safety Award from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The award recognizes the city’s Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams (HEART) program, which is part of the Durham Community Safety Department. The program provides non-police responses to behavioral health crises and quality-of-life concerns.
The ICMA’s Local Government Excellence Awards highlight local government initiatives across the United States. Durham’s HEART program was selected for its national impact and effectiveness. The Durham City Council plans to issue a proclamation in November 2025, led by Mayor Leonardo Williams, to declare a “Durham Has a HEART Recognition Day.”
City Manager Bo Ferguson said the award reflects the work of HEART responders and the city’s partnerships. He stated that the program’s results show how collaboration and data-driven care can affect public safety outcomes…