An Innovative, New Approach to Engagement: the Durham Next Community Advisory Council Launches

Communities don't change overnight, but the kickoff meetings for the Durham Next Community Advisory Council (CAC) made one thing clear: the seeds of transformation are being planted, and they're already starting to grow. 

Excitement and curiosity buzzed in the air as community members gathered at the Durham County Main Library, marking the launch of our innovative, new approach to community engagement.  

Through regular meetings and ongoing touchpoints about priority projects, the 30+ Council members will ensure we recruit equitable engagement while maintaining progress on years-long initiatives.  

Creating a community that their children can thrive in and come back to, representing the voices of those that often go overlooked, giving back to the community that has given so much to them—all reasons Council members shared for them being in the room.  

"The room reflected all walks of life, with diverse experiences, thoughtful feedback and lots of laughs along the way," said Council Member Jacinta Walker. "The dialogue showed that we share similar goals—making Durham the best it can be for both residents and visitors."

Executive Director Tara Kenchen reviewed the findings of the Destination Master Plan and discussed how the 63+ initiatives lie at the intersection of bringing more visitors to Durham and increasing the quality of life for residents. By increasing tourism and the dollars visitors spend once they're here, we will generate more economic and social benefits for the community that lives and works here. 

During the second half of the meeting, the CAC spent time discussing their thoughts and experiences around Durham's existing festivals in breakout groups. Council members shared what kind of programming they'd like to see more of, barriers that keep them from engaging with local festivals and events and ways to put Durham on the map with a signature festival reflective of the bold and vibrant community that's here. These insights will be included in our ongoing research to create more efficient processes and additional support of Durham's festival and events ecosystem. 

"It's truly inspiring to see how much Durham values the input of the community and how many people want to get involved to lift up our city and participate in the positive vision for its future," said Council Member Leslie Matista. 

New faces became familiar ones. Laughter echoed throughout the room as the meeting drew to a close, and Durham Next's staff, Board members and Council members walked out of the library shrouded in a singular, shared feeling: hope.  

Hope for the Durham of today. Hope for the Durham of tomorrow. Hope for the Durham of 2044 and beyond. We're proud to have the 30+ dedicated community members at our side and look forward to our work together to make Durham the best place to live, work and visit.