Downtown Durham Inc. seeks funds for retail incubator, expanded ambassador staffing and placekeeping in new blueprint

Downtown Durham Incorporated (DDI) presented a draft "Blueprint 2035," an update to the district’s strategy, and described specific budget requests to expand ambassador staffing, create a multi‑stall retail incubator and fund placekeeping projects and park/alleys improvements.

DDI’s goals and budget requests DDI President and CEO Nicole Thompson told council the downtown business improvement district covers the core commercial area and that DDI’s mission remains focused on making the district "a diverse, unique and thriving heart of Durham." DDI has launched a new ambassador program this year in partnership with Block by Block and said it now operates roughly 13 ambassadors and two supervisor positions to patrol downtown, clean public spaces and provide a visitor presence.

Requests outlined to council - Retail incubator: DDI asked for funding to create a multi‑stall retail incubator (three to four booths or kiosk spaces) to give local entrepreneurs a lower‑cost, front‑street opportunity to test retail concepts. The request covers design/build, rent offset for entrepreneurs and a part‑time manager for the space. - Commercial land‑trust study: The organization asked for a modest allocation (staff estimated $10,000) to study a commercial land‑trust model that could buy or hold small downtown properties to preserve long‑term ground‑floor small business space. - Ambassador and safety staffing: DDI asked for funding to maintain its full ambassador payroll and to add four safety‑focused ambassadors who would be unarmed, specially trained and focused on downtown safety during high‑need hours; DDI also seeks a larger street‑level operations space and a break room for ambassadors. - Placekeeping, parklets and alleys: DDI proposed $40,000 for pilot placekeeping investments — alleys, parklets and pop‑up activation — and described coordination with Parks and Central Park planning work.

Blueprint 2035 and engagement Thompson said DDI engaged more than 2,200 participants through surveys, stakeholder interviews, pop‑up events and two public state‑of‑downtown events. The blueprint centers on seven goals including inclusive economic growth, a safe and welcoming downtown, and preservation of local culture. Staff said a full draft is scheduled for release in late summer and DDI will seek formal adoption by the city and county.

Public services and partnerships DDI described new public amenities funded with partners: Wi‑Fi benches in Central Park and Black Wall Street Garden, the “bull ride” electric cart used during Third Fridays, and the live holiday tree at CCB Plaza. On solid waste and outreach issues, Thompson said the ambassador team coordinates closely with the HEART program and the city’s homeless services team.

Council questions and follow‑up Councilors asked about the retail strategy and whether DDI’s consultant will explore grocery or larger retail anchors in downtown, about the timeline for the blueprint and whether measures such as closing Corcoran Street or reconfiguring the downtown loop are in scope. Thompson said DDI will brief council with a final blueprint this summer and that consultants will help identify retail recruitment and possible streetscape changes.

Ending: Thompson summarized DDI’s requests as investments in activation, safety and small business preservation and asked the council to consider DDI’s municipal service district and general fund contract requests as the budget moves toward adoption.