Durham, NC
Durham’s renaissance: Embracing diversity and growth
Since 2020, Durham has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., attracting artists, wealthy professionals, and young families from outside of the state.
Home to comparatively affordable housing, a revitalized downtown, and a unique blend of racial diversity – where Black and white residents each constitute roughly 40% of the population – the city has been a magnet for newcomers and is experiencing a renaissance.
Why Durham?
Left behind amidst rapid growth and displacement
Unfortunately, Durham’s growth has led to the gentrification and displacement of Black residents who are unable to afford higher housing costs. The Black community, once known as the capital of the Black middle class, was already struggling to rebuild after decades of disinvestment and disastrous urban renewal policies. Today, the city’s economic boom has only exacerbated those challenges.
Durham’s stark racial inequities shine light on a hidden crisis
17%
The poverty rate in Durham is 17%, the highest in surrounding area
20%
Black homeownership is 20% lower than white residents
87%
Black families have 87% less net worth than white families
There are $4 trillion at stake, coming out of the various Infrastructure and Reduction Act and stimulus bills. Those dollars will fundamentally change the structure and the economic trajectory of communities in America. If those dollars are not invested into communities of color that are under-resourced, like Durham’s Black community, we will never, ever be able to close that divide.
Susan Thomas, Founder of PERC and President of Melville Charitable Trust
Durham Local Partners
Bridging the divide
The PERC Durham coalition includes a mix of 40 community individuals and organizations representing sectors in health care, education, economic stability, community, and environment led by:
- National Institute of Minority Economic Development
- Durham Housing Authority (DHA)
- Office of Mayor Leonardo Williams
PERC Durham in action
Building the action plan
Using PERC’s model for shared decision-making and consensus building, PERC Durham has designed a data-centered action plan to apply for potential investment dollars, and to execute and deliver measurable, results-based outcomes once the investment is received.
Identifying Solutions
New systems for long-term change
The Durham coalition is currently developing public investment opportunities to influence the factors driving racial inequities while building new systems for long-term impact. Here are highlights for five-year targets:
Are you interested in becoming an active participant in PERC’s transformation process? Let’s partner!