Economic development incentives have long been a staple in the South, often focusing on providing subsidies and tax breaks for footloose manufacturing plants. The origin of incentives date to the Post-Reconstruction era, when Mississippi led Southern states in luring companies from the Northeast who were seeking lower taxes and weaker labor unions. With important public investments necessary to ensure shared prosperity in Durham, it’s worth asking whether local leaders should still be offering millions in incentives to lure employers to Durham.

The One City Center, which now hosts WeWork, received a nearly $4 million incentive contract in 2014. Photo: Scott Sellers.

Announcements from the December 12, 2019 People's Alliance end of year meeting and party:

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us at The Scrap Exchange for our end-of-year membership meeting and holiday party! After enjoying each other’s company and delicious catering from Zweli’s, People’s Alliance members took the following votes: