Durham Next

Creating a 20-year vision was no small feat. That’s why collaboration was key in getting it right. Along with local residents & workers, we also engaged community leaders who provided guidance during the process, ensuring Durham’s values always remained at the forefront of the work.? ? Visit DurhamNext.org to see the full list of community leaders that helped guide the plan.

In 2023, visitors contributed $80 million to state and local taxes. That means that without visitor spending, each household in Durham County would need to pay $800 more per year in taxes to enjoy the same level of government services.?

To know where we’re headed, we have to know where we’ve been. For the Destination Master Plan, we conducted in-depth interviews, focus groups and community town halls to identify key opportunities and challenges facing the Durham community. Here’s what we heard:

Don't miss the last opportunity to help shape how development looks, feels and sounds in Durham County. The Unified Development Ordinance is getting an update, and you're invited to share your thoughts. Learn more at engagedurham.com/newudo Photo Credit: Durham City-County Planning

If Durham’s 20-year vision is our north star, the strategic goals are the road map to get us there. The DMP lists four strategic goals aimed at increasing visitation, encouraging visitors to stay longer and improving quality of life and economic opportunity for residents.?

The official website for Durham Next is now live!?? ? Visit DurhamNext.org to learn about our organization’s mission, how we operate and the community’s plan to make Durham, North Carolina the best place to live, work and visit in the U.S. by 2044. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know on related updates and upcoming opportunities for community engagement.?

Election Day is tomorrow – if you live within the Durham city limits and are registered to vote, make your voice heard by voting on the local bond referendums. These dollars will support investments in the community, including:? ?? — A new aquatic center at Merrick-Moore Park? —?A new pool, play areas, athletic fields and courts and other improvements at Long Meadow and East End Parks? —?New sidewalks, sidewalk repairs and street pavements throughout the city? ? Video Credit: City of Durham

Thanks, City of Durham General Services Department and Jina Propst for having Geoff Durham, Nicole Thompson and me there to talk about what our organizations all do and how we can collaborate on forging Durham’s future. Durham Next

We had a great time yesterday talking with Durham's entrepreneurs about the role of visitors in supporting our local economy. Thank you Mayor Leonardo Williams for inviting us to represent at the City of Durham Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting on Small Business Growth and Development.?

When we unveiled the community’s 20-year vision, we also noted the innovative and purposeful developments already underway that support it. Swipe through to learn more about these projects that will help Durham thrive as an inviting destination.?