Economy
Durham's Growing Pains
Durham, North Carolina was once a tobacco hub. Mayor William Bell talks about on his city’s post-industrial transformation—and the challenges that come with it.
By the late 20th century, Durham, North Carolina, was in a downwards spiral. The former tobacco hub was bleeding jobs. And by the turn of the century, its downtown area was a shell with boarded-up storefronts, blighted housing, and abandoned factories.
In the last two decades however, the city has seen its fortune reverse. It now boasts a growing research and development sector, and a swelling young population. Cranes peck at new development around the city. If you walk around downtown, you can see new beer gardens, restaurants, cafés, and renovated industrial lofts. And there’s more to come.