FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
Kickoff Event Launches Campaign Calling on Duke University to make Payments in Lieu of Taxes
Durham, NC — Duke Respect Durham, a local coalition of labor, community, and advocacy groups dedicated to equitable funding for public services, will officially launch its campaign to urge Duke University to start making payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) to the City and County of Durham. The kickoff event is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Asbury United Methodist Church.
The campaign seeks to strengthen the partnership between Duke and Durham and address the additional financial strain faced by Durham’s taxpayers and public services due to Duke University’s tax-exempt status. As the largest private landholder in the city, Duke University benefits significantly from city and county resources, including public schools, transit, parks, infrastructure, and other public services and facilities. However, the university’s tax-exempt status means that Durham’s taxpayers bear an unfair burden. Payments in lieu of taxes covering a portion of lost taxes would help alleviate the responsibility on residents and small businesses to pay for critical public services.
“When we look at the growth and prosperity of Durham, we can certainly point to the presence of Duke University,” says Dr. Davarian Baldwin, Director of the Smart Cities Research Lab at Trinity College and author of In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower. “But Duke’s prosperity on its leafy green quads and in its state-of-the-art laboratories directly stems from the taxes this university doesn’t pay. This is a story I have seen all over the country from Philadelphia and Winston Salem to St. Louis and Los Angeles. It’s time to get bullish and reset the budget so that everyone can thrive. It’s time for Duke to pay its fair share and respect Durham.”
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“Duke University plays an important role in our community and our economy, but with great benefits come great responsibilities,” said Nate Baker, Durham City Councilmember and supporter of Duke Respect Durham. “By starting to make payments in lieu of taxes, Duke can contribute more fairly to the community that supports its success.”
The campaign will include public meetings, outreach efforts, and discussions with Duke University officials. The purpose is to push for a more democratic relationship between Duke and the Durham community, with a key goal to secure a commitment from the university to contribute financial support that will alleviate the pressure on Durham’s public services and ensure a fairer distribution of the tax burden.
Event Highlights:
Speeches by Local Leaders: Hear from community leaders, workers, and advocates.
Engagement Stations: Engage with interactive displays and activities that illustrate the impact of Duke University's tax exemption on local services.
Community Testimonials: Listen to stories from residents and workers about how PILOTs could benefit the community.
Campaign Goals:
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Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the current financial pressures on Durham’s tax base, the existence of other PILOTs around the country, and the benefit it would bring to Durham.
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Build Support: Mobilize community members, local businesses, and civic organizations to support the campaign.
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Advocate for Change: Work directly with Duke University to negotiate a fair PILOT agreement that reflects the university’s benefit from city and county resources.
Join Us:
Duke Respect Durham invites all members of the community to attend the kickoff event and participate in this important conversation. For more information about the event or to get involved with the campaign, please visit www.DukeRespectDurham.org.
About Duke Respect Durham:
Duke Respect Durham is a coalition of community organizations and individuals dedicated to advocating for land and tax justice to support public schools, city workers, affordable housing, and other public services and infrastructure.
Media Inquiries:
For media inquiries or interview requests, please reach out through DukeRespectDurham@gmail.com