Durham, NC: What the Mayor Wants You to Know

Introduction

If you're thinking about moving to Durham, North Carolina, there’s no better perspective than hearing directly from the city’s leadership.

Mayor Leonardo Williams didn’t follow a traditional path to City Hall. He moved to Durham as a kid, played in a college marching band, worked as a teacher, ran restaurants, and eventually got involved in local government over something as simple—and relatable—as a confusing tax bill.

That journey—curious, hands-on, and deeply connected to the community—mirrors Durham itself.

Because Durham isn’t a city that followed a script. It’s a city that evolved.

A City That Rewrote Its Story

Not long ago, Durham had a reputation that kept people away.

Today, it’s being recognized as one of the most resilient and future-ready cities in the country.

It’s also:

• A top destination for arts and performing theater

• A leading city for millennial women

• Home to standout institutions like North Carolina Central University, known for producing Black female legal professionals

This transformation didn’t happen by accident.

City leadership—and the community—made a conscious decision to redefine Durham’s identity.

As Mayor Williams puts it: Durham is a place for innovators, risk-takers, and people who want to create something meaningful.

A Local-First Economy

One of the most unique things about Durham? Its commitment to locally owned businesses.

Unlike many cities filled with national chains, Durham has intentionally cultivated a local-first economy.

The impact is significant:

• About $0.41 of every dollar spent locally stays in the community

• Compared to just $0.14 when spent at national chains

This approach has helped build a distinct culture—especially in food, retail, and small business innovation.

Even the mayor is part of it. He co-owns a restaurant at the American Tobacco Campus, helping bring a unique dining experience to the city that didn’t exist before.

Housing: More Supply, More Flexibility

Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing growing cities—and Durham is tackling it head-on.

Instead of restricting growth, the city is increasing housing supply through policy changes.

Key initiatives include:

• Legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across the city

• Offering financial incentives for homeowners to build additional units

• Updating zoning laws to allow multiple smaller homes on a single lot

The philosophy is straightforward: you can’t improve affordability without increasing supply.

And it’s starting to show results. Rental prices have stabilized and, in some areas, are beginning to trend downward.

Smart Growth & Economic Expansion

Durham’s growth has been significant.

Since the late 1990s, the population has nearly doubled—from around 175,000 to over 330,000 residents.

But this growth isn’t happening randomly—it’s being planned.

For example:

• Southpoint Mall generates a major share of the city’s sales tax revenue

• Plans are underway to convert surrounding areas into housing, creating mixed-use development

• A major employer is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs with strong wages and accessible entry requirements

At the same time, the city is looking ahead to future infrastructure needs—including expanding event and convention space to support tourism and business growth.

Public Safety & Community Investment

Durham is also rethinking how it approaches public safety and community support.

One initiative is the HEART program—an alternative response unit that handles certain calls without involving traditional law enforcement.

In addition, the city is investing heavily in youth and community programs:

• Partnerships with nonprofits and local organizations

• Funding initiatives focused on education and opportunity

• A coordinated effort to reduce violent crime through prevention

The goal is long-term impact—not just short-term solutions.

What This Means for People Moving to Durham

Durham isn’t a finished product—and that’s part of its appeal.

It’s a city in transition:

• Growing

• Evolving

• Improving

For some, that means opportunity.

As Mayor Williams puts it, Durham is big enough to offer excitement and career growth—but small enough that you can still make a real impact.

Final Thoughts

Durham is no longer the city people remember from decades ago.

It’s:

• Innovative

• Community-driven

• Entrepreneurial

• Still evolving

If you’re looking for a place where you can not only live—but contribute, build, and grow alongside the city—Durham might be exactly what you’re looking for.

And that may be the most important thing the mayor wants you to know.