Since he first stepped into the Durham political arena, Bill Bell has had a clear mission: to work to make Durham the best that it can be. He set a course to maximize Durham’s strengths to increase its economic power and infrastructure and resources, to engage the citizenry in the vision and to provide for a nurturing, safe and enhanced quality of life for the families, businesses and neighborhoods of the City. And according to the Mayor, while much has been accomplished—there is more work to be done.

A former 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and electrical engineer with the IBM Corporation, Bell’s corporate and leadership achievements coupled with his charismatic character, sharp instincts and quiet wit made him a natural to enter the political arena. Encouraged by friends and community leaders, Bell, a Democrat began his career in politics at the county level—as a Durham County Commissioner in 1972. He continued to serve continuously on the Durham County Board of Commissioners from 1972 – 1994. He served as Chairman of the Durham County Board of Commissioners from 1982 – 1994. Having lost an election in 1994 he was re-elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 1996 and 1998. He chose to not seek re-election to the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 2000.

The over 26 successful years at the county level served as a tremendous training ground for what was to come…a run for Mayor of the City of Durham. In 2001, Mr. Bell led an incredible campaign for Mayor and defeated a second-term incumbent. In 2003 and 2005, again with the encouragement from the community, Mayor Bell ran for re-election and was victorious—winning with an unprecedented and overwhelming, 83% of the vote.

As Mayor, he has consistently focused on building a greater Durham for the good of all. Over the years, Mayor Bell has worked with the members of City Council and community, civic and business organizations to reduce crime, increase safety, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, increase fiscal responsibility, stimulate economic development, improve the infrastructure and make government accountable. Mayor Bell cites the many public/private partnerships as one of his greatest accomplishments. The results of these partnerships can be seen in the renovations of the downtown streetscape from the restoration of the historic tobacco factories to the redevelopment of inner city neighborhoods. These projects go far beyond the bricks and mortar to provide a better quality of life for the citizenry of Durham through jobs, homeownership and greater community development.

Mayor Bell is passionate about Durham. All one needs to do is look at his schedule and it is obvious that he is the People’s Mayor. In addition to the time he spends working at City Hall chairing Council meetings, Mayor Bell commits a significant amount of his energies within the community, supporting events, speaking to organizations, cutting ribbons to welcome new businesses, attending school events, cheering on teams, and keeping the pulse of the city in his heart. Keep in mind that this is a “part-time” job as Durham, like all North Carolina municipalities, operates under a city-manager form of government.

During his tenure as Mayor, the City of Durham has been recognized consistently at the national level being ranked #15 as one of the best places to live; #7 for best business and careers, #3 for best small city for relocating families, #26 for city where business opportunity is greatest for growing companies and the list goes on. But despite these great accolades, Mayor Bell’s message is clear--he says his work is not finished. It is his firm desire to continue to expand and build upon the foundation he has laid as he seeks to serve the people of Durham for an unprecedented 4th term.

Mayor Bell takes great pride in the vibrant culture and diverse community that Durham offers. For nearly 40 years, Durham has been his home. Mayor Bell and his wife Judith have three daughters, Tiffany Anne Bell, Anjanee Nicole Bell and Kristen Vaughn Bell-Hughes who currently reside in Durham and one son, William V. Bell II and his wife Donna who live in Charlotte, NC. The Mayor and Mrs. Bell are also proud grandparents of Aslan Spaulding Hughes, daughter of Kristen and Marcus Hughes.

Mayor Bell is confident that his leadership, integrity, proven experience and progress are attributes that have defined his tenure in public service. He considers it a privilege to work every day for the betterment of Durham and seeks re-election to his fourth term to continue to serve the people of Durham with passion, vigor and pride.

Mayor Bell received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from New York University and a B.S. In Electrical Engineering from Howard University. He is the Executive Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer of UDI/Community Development Corporation and General Manager of Carolina Steel Construction LLC. Mayor Bell has been active in community organizations including the Greater Triangle United Way, Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, North Carolina Central University Board of Trustees, Durham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Triangle Transit Authority, Chairman of the Board of Mutual Community Savings Bank and many others. He also has received numerous civic and professional awards and recognitions. Mayor Bell attends White Rock Baptist Church.

William V. Bell Campaign Committee
P.O. Box 12535
Durham, NC 27709
(919) 768-2398