Durham Next

Cara Rousseau joins our board as Discover Durham's new president and CEO. Over the last decade, she's led several initiatives to advance Discover Durham's mission to create economic and social opportunity in Durham through local tourism, playing an instrumental role in the development of Durham's Destination Master Plan and the establishment of Durham Next. Her presence on our board ensures alignment between Discover Durham's efforts to support Durham's visitor economy and Durham Next's efforts to invest in it. Visit the link below to learn more about our Board. https://lnkd.in/ek9A_9ca

Durham secures the 17th spot among the nation’s best-run cities according to WalletHub. https://lnkd.in/e4wfy6iM

As Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at North Carolina Central University, Gary L Brown, Ph.D. brings more than two decades of leadership experience, institutional strategy and community impact to the Durham Next Board. His work reflects a focus on building institutions that not only serve students effectively but also act as catalysts for inclusive growth and community progress. Dr. Brown's long-standing commitment to effective stewardship and cross-sector collaboration is integral to the Board's work of guiding our strategic priorities. Visit the link below to learn more about our Board. https://lnkd.in/ek9A_9ca

Durham ranks second on Niche.com's 2026 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina, receiving an "A" rating for its diversity, nightlife, outdoor activities and commutes. https://lnkd.in/et8q53cZ

2026 applications for Accelerate: A Festival Collective and the Impact Fund are now closed, and submissions are under review. Our team will reach out to provide updates by midsummer. To those that applied, we thank you for your interest in collaborating with Durham Next and for your commitment to keeping Durham vibrant for visitors and residents alike.

Today is the last day to apply for open funding opportunities through our Community Investment Program. From homegrown festival producers to organizations with bold new ideas, this program is designed to increase economic impact through visitation by amplifying what already makes Durham great. Submit your application before the 12 p.m. deadline. https://lnkd.in/eGTce_pJ

Still wondering if our Community Investment Program is the right you? Applications for Accelerate: A Durham Festival Collective and the Durham Next Impact Fund are available until Monday, June 15. If you’re a festival producer looking to grow your impact or if you’re a community partner with a bold idea to drive more visitors to Durham, we invite you to submit your application today. https://lnkd.in/eGTce_pJ

Underrated, with a vibe that's not easily duplicated. Durham's dramatic evolution from a tobacco town into a nationally recognized science, art, sports and entertainment hub lands it a spot on CNN Travel's list of the USA’s 25 most underrated destinations. https://lnkd.in/eMnFkJWK

The June 15 deadline to apply for 2026 funding opportunities through our Community Investment Program is only one week away. Whether you're a festival producer interested in joining Accelerate or an organization with a bold idea for the Impact Fund, now is the time to apply. https://lnkd.in/eGTce_pJ

In urban destinations, trails play an important role, providing residents with flexible mobility options and connecting experiential districts to support the visitor experience. If you're looking for a sign to check out the urban trails that help bridge the Durham community, this is it. #NationalTrailsDay