Durham Next Launches Application for New Community Advisory Council

For Immediate Release:

Members to Help Shape Transformational Projects Set Forth in Destination Master Plan

[DURHAM, N.C.] April 1, 2025 — Durham Next, a visionary community partnership for the sustainable advancement of Durham over the next 20 years, today introduces its Community Advisory Council as a new approach for ensuring a wide range of Durham voices have ongoing input into projects and initiatives put forth in the Destination Master Plan (DMP). The online application period is open now through May 30 for those interested in participating, advising and informing Durham’s future. Between 25 and 50 will be selected for the inaugural volunteer leadership group to serve a two-year term.

“We worked with the community to draft Durham’s 20-year vision, and now we’re recruiting the community to help bring it to life,” said Farad Ali, Durham Next Board Chair. “We’re looking for residents and newcomers, workers and business owners, creatives, parents, students, everyone and anyone with their own perspective – together we’ll have a variety of voices to help guide us in the process of making it happen.”

The Council will advise the Durham Next Board on how to harness collective benefit, engage Durham residents, reflect community values and ignite forward progress for priority projects. This group will be charged with sharing feedback with the Board as well as helping to shape outreach and engagement efforts based on the organization’s community engagement pillars. Stewarding a vision for the community, the collaboration and the investments made by Durham Next to fulfill what was put in motion by the DMP will drive positive change, enhance the visitor economy, support local businesses, drive job creation and promote experiences that increase Durham residents’ quality of life. The 501(c)3 organization is managed by Discover Durham, the county’s destination marketing organization.

“There are four strategic goals outlined in the Destination Master Plan – enhance tourism infrastructure; develop attractions, events and experiences; support purposeful placemaking; and accelerate community alignment,” said Susan Amey, president & CEO of Discover Durham. “The Board and Community Advisory Council supporting one another is critical to furthering each of those goals while staying true to our vision of thoughtfully honoring our community’s history and people. We’re excited to welcome more viewpoints in as the work is just getting started, anticipating great engagement on projects that will be transformational for Durham.”

To be eligible for a position on the Community Advisory Council, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and either live, work or attend school in Durham County. There will be an option for selected members to sign on for an additional term if interested. In addition to the quarterly meetings to discuss project updates, members are expected to be responsive to periodic communications from Durham Next. Those who may need assistance to participate, such as help with transportation costs or language translation, are encouraged to indicate those on the application form.

The application is available now in both English and Spanish and will remain open through Friday, May 30. The final roster is expected to be announced in July.

For additional information on the Community Advisory Council, please visit durhamnext.org/cac or email questions to applications@durhamnext.org.