Education Funding Priorities and RTP Rezoning Decisions

The council underscores major education investments amid fiscal headwinds and formalizes a sweeping rezoning of Research Triangle Park to the new UC 3 district. Community solidarity after a tense federal immigration visit and a proclamation honoring Booker T. Spicely also shape the meeting. 11mins

Awards & Recognitions Planning & Zoning
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Original Meeting

Monday, November 24th, 2025
5818.255
Full Meeting on Granicus
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Wes Platt
Durham, NC
Neighborhood news guy for Southpoint Access in Durham.
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In This Video
  • Chair Allam recounted an unannounced, intimidating presence by federal immigration agents and highlighted the community’s collective support and solidarity in response.
  • Commissioner Jacobs highlighted the $1.4 billion county budget’s strong support for education, including $15.93 million in new funding for Durham Public Schools and nearly $9 million for pre-K, while noting looming fiscal headwinds from expiring federal funds, slowing revenues, and ongoing capital needs.
  • Chair Allam reported that Durham County, the city, and Durham Public Schools began holding quarterly joint meetings to coordinate planning and respond to potential state and federal changes.
  • Commissioner Valentine read a proclamation honoring Private First Class Booker T. Spice Lee, recounting his 1944 killing after resisting bus segregation in Durham and recognizing his civil rights legacy.
  • A speaker from the Booker T. Spicely Committee addressed the board, acknowledging predecessors whose efforts laid the groundwork for current benefits and community progress.
  • A speaker emphasized that ancestors like Private First Class Booker T. Spicely sacrificed for the country and equal justice, highlighting his legacy for the Black community.
  • A speaker reflected that the legacy of past sacrifices inspired continued efforts to build a more just, fair, and equitable society, echoing the vision of the beloved community referenced by Dr. King and others.
  • County planning staff outlined a proposed UDO amendment to add a UC 3 zoning district for large scientific and technical research parks, explaining the tiered campus framework and buffer areas and noting that Research Triangle Park Foundation staff could provide further details.
  • A speaker urged that data centers be explicitly permitted in the proposed UC 3 district, noting an existing RTP facility and the UDO’s lack of a data center definition amid growing regional demand.
  • Commissioner Jacobs confirmed that existing uses would be grandfathered, and Vice Chair Lee clarified that the RTP data center could continue operating under the industrial light use category permitted in the district.
  • Planning staff presented a rezoning request to convert most of Research Triangle Park—over 5,000 acres excluding the Durham County Wildlife Club parcel—to the newly adopted UC 3 district.
  • The Board unanimously adopted an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance to rezone multiple categories in Research Triangle Park to the University and College 3 district.
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