10 Signs Durham's Image Issue Will Have Turned the Corner

DCVB has taken point over the years to address issues focused in about a 50-mile radius that undermine Durham's image as a place to live and visit. It often involves doing work that isn't so pleasant but made easier now with Durham Image Watch. The problem was documented by opinion surveys beginning in the very early '90s, and the progress has been slow but sure.

To maintain focus here are just 10 of the ways I'll know when we're turning the corner.

10 Signs Durham's Image Issue Will Have Turned the Corner:

Mutual respect for the differences in each part of the region and the unique cultural identity for each community will replace the undercurrent of negativity about Durham among residents in nearby communities.

The term Raleigh-Durham will be reserved for the airport, arrivals at RDU will be welcomed to the Triangle or to Durham & Raleigh and branding within the co-owned airport will reflect each as unique destinations.

Durham will be datelined for positive stories like those at RTP, Duke, NCCU, just as much as its datelined for troubling stories.

Great curb appeal and excellent way-finding in all Durham neighborhoods and districts will reflect the priority local officials place on image, economic development and crime reduction.

All postal delivery addresses assigned in Durham City or County will reflect Durham as the physical location, with the exception of historic Durham substations like Bahama, RTP, Rougemont.

News coverage of issues in various communities will be similar in intensity and tone and comparisons "apples to apples" in perspective.

Durham's unique diversity of opinion and ethnic diversity will be accepted as positively throughout the region as it is here.

Enthusiasts for individual communities or the region will accept this as a polycentric region that is not centered around any one dominant community.

Regionalists will embrace both/and, celebrating a family of distinct communities with both shared and differing priorities bringing the region closer on issues of water, air, traffic etc.

No community will be bullied by another to subsidize its project decisions, and events and assets termed "regional" will be those that can occur throughout the region rather than just draw from throughout the region.