Spur Durham’s Economy through Job and Business Creation and Retention

Identifying and implementing creative strategies to increase Durham’s economy through the creation and retention of jobs and businesses is at the forefront of my agenda.

While Durham has been fortunate in comparison to other cities in North Carolina and across the United States, we have not escaped the impact of a slow economy on our citizens. With an unemployment rate that nearly doubles the national rate we must move forward to seek solutions to spur employment opportunities and the Durham economy. As your Mayor, I will:

• Continue to work with the City Council, to create a business and environmentally friendly atmosphere that entices the private sector to not only grow their businesses and jobs here in Durham, but for the city to also be an attraction to businesses that wish to locate quality jobs in our city.
• Continue to support our existing businesses--including working collaboratively and aggressively in partnership with the Durham Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Durham Inc., Durham County Government, and the North Carolina State Department of Commerce in recruiting quality companies to Durham.
• Establish a target for new jobs in 2012 and measure short and long term progress and effectiveness to achieve our goals.
• Continue to utilize and expand opportunities for grant support from private foundations and incorporate new and green technologies.
• Increase the visibility of the JobLink resources, a federal and city-funded employment service that assists in connecting job seekers to job opportunities.
• Expand and seek businesses to support the Mayor’s Summer Youth Work Program.

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