Mary Grace Stoneking @stonekingqueen MPP ‘21 is looking back on her amazing summer:

This summer I worked as the Management Intern in the City Manager’s Office in Durham. I was able to work on some incredibly important projects such as data analysis for the Racial Equity Viewpoint Survey taken by city employees, and with Mayor Schewel’s Recovery and Renewal Task Force. It was incredible to work on two of the most timely, significant, and intertwined projects- Racial Equity during a needed time of awakening after George Floyd’s murder, and recovery efforts during COVID-19.

I oversaw and coordinated a local student research team for the Recovery and Renewal Task force, with students from NCCU, Duke, and UNC. I got to witness amazing research by passionate peers. Students recommended innovative ideas based on what they found in other cities, and national and local data. Throughout all of their research they kept an equity focus. Jacquie Ayala and Ashley Hawkes both MPP candidates at Sanford recommended having an equitable system of enforcement for compliance with local public health ordinances, which has now turned into the Community Ambassador program that the City of Durham is implementing as an alternative to increased law enforcement.

I have been able to learn what a huge impact (good and bad) that local governments can have- and am excited to say it has convinced me that I want to continue to work in local government and perhaps bring more justice and wealth equity to it.

#mpp #dukesanford