2025 Annual Report

Less than a year and a half ago, Durham Next didn’t exist.

At that time, this team had the findings of Durham’s Destination Master Plan, a concept of a framework and Durham’s community-wide vision in hand and needed a pathway to move it forward. In a short time, this nascent organization has emerged to become a prominent conversation-starter, partner, convenor and accelerator for transformational investment in Durham.

The opportunity to join such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization has been truly inspiring, and I am eager to help make Durham not just the best place to live, work and visit — but a place that thrives because of its community. As the newest member of the team, I’ve been impressed with the energy, resilience and passion displayed by this organization, our partners and the community members that have engaged with us so authentically. It is with great honor and deep enthusiasm that I take on the task of building upon the momentum that Discover Durham began.

As Durham Next continues to collaborate across the county, it’s important for me to say that, above all, my role in this organization is one of service — service to this incredible community, to the individuals who call Durham home and to the partners who share our vision of creating lasting, positive change. I believe deeply in the power of collaboration, in the ability of every voice to contribute to a greater whole, and in the transformative potential of building on what makes Durham so special: its history, its people and its spirit of innovation.

I want to recognize our elected leaders and staff at the City of Durham and Durham County Government, as well as our leaders in the community’s private sector, who have not hesitated to be a part of the effort. Durham Next’s extraordinary timeline of success and operational development would not have been possible without your support. We thank you for approaching this work with an open mind, embracing innovation and ensuring Durham’s values remain at the forefront of what we do.

As I step into this role, I am committed to listening, learning and working tirelessly to ensure that every initiative we pursue is done with the collective good in mind. Together, we will accelerate the development of community assets — spaces, projects and experiences — that are rooted in Durham’s values and aspirations. From welcoming public spaces to dynamic cultural experiences and everything in between, we will create a future that honors both our rich past and our bright future.

I know that our best days are ahead of us, and I am excited to be part of this journey with all of you. As we embark on this mission, I invite you to share your ideas, your passion and your vision for Durham’s future.

Together, we will not only create a destination for visitors, but a place where our community feels truly at home.

What an honor it’s been to be a part of this bold and innovative effort to serve the Durham Community and to work toward securing a future that, in turn, serves the folks that live, work and create here.

Often imitated, but never duplicated, Durham is one of one. The community’s unmatched creativity, inclusive nature, rich history, vibrant culture and resolute pride set it apart from the rest. Durham is an incredible place that’s quickly growing into its potential, and everyone sees it. The buzz about Durham is growing, and that means so are we.

Durham’s greatness is a result of the outstanding contributions of those who call this place home, and we must prioritize planning for the future if we want to ensure Durham can continue to cultivate its character. We’re now taking advantage of the asset that many other communities across our state and nation use to support those dreams: leveraging visitor spending in Durham to reinvest in our dreams for our future. Durham Next has created a pathway to get us there.

The community collectively crafted a vision for who we wanted to be in 20 years, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring to see Durham’s leaders, educators, advocates, culture-drivers, workforce, students and more coming together to start planting these seeds of transformation. We have the chance to make Durham a place where residents, business owners and visitors feel welcomed, valued and empowered. This isn’t just about attracting visitor dollars; it’s about creating a Durham where everyone can thrive. It’s about investing in our communities, amplifying local businesses and creating experiences that not only support tourism, but make living and working here a joy.

Within the last nine months, this organization has made unprecedented strides to create alignment in the community and kick-start collective momentum around major local projects that make the community more colorful and connected. Durham Next is a true champion of Durham, pushing forward the projects that will provide social and economic benefits that the community shouldn’t have to wait years to experience.

As I work alongside this Board, our partners and you — our community — I’m confident that we can make Durham the destination to beat: a place where the best of business, culture and community come together. A place where every voice matters and where the dream of a brighter future is no longer just a vision, but a reality.

Let’s continue to DREAM BIG, and together, usher in Durham’s next era.

Farad Ali
Board Chair, Durham Next
Co-Founder of ALI | HEIJMEN

Recruited for their proven experience in community leadership, cultural development and business investment, Durham Next’s Board of Directors collaboratively shape the organization’s priorities and guide the initial steps for pursuing projects proposed in the DMP.

Our Board members represent agencies and groups from both public and private sectors across Durham County, providing the perspectives and abilities to forge those necessary partnerships that help to further Durham Next’s mission.