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Board hears Downtown Durham Blueprint 2035; commissioners ask about county role
Summary
Downtown Durham, Inc. presented the Blueprint 2035 plan; commissioners supported the plan but asked how the County might formally adopt it and raised questions about remote-work impacts on downtown revenue.
Nicole Thompson, president and CEO of Downtown Durham, Inc., presented the Downtown Durham Blueprint 2035 to the Board on Jan. 5, outlining a shared vision, seven targeted goals, and an implementation matrix identifying partners and projects.
Thompson described the Blueprint as a guide to preserve downtown’s character while supporting continued growth and vibrancy through implementable actions and an implementation matrix that lists partners and early-action projects. Board members expressed support for the project but asked why the County had not been asked earlier to adopt the Blueprint given the County’s stake in downtown development. County Manager Hager said the presentation was intended to start dialog and to determine how Durham County might formally adopt the plan.
Commissioners also raised concerns about County remote-work patterns, noting that telework reduces downtown foot traffic and spending; staff provided an overview of current remote-work rates in County departments and said on average about 65% of County staff are in the office four days per week though patterns vary by department.
The Board thanked Thompson and requested further discussion about formal adoption pathways and downtown economic coordination with County policies.
