DURHAM, N.C. (WPTF) – Duke University is investing several million dollars for community projects through what it calls the “HomeGrown” Initiative announced Wednesday (March 18).
The initiative makes commitments across four areas where Duke can have a direct impact on the economic mobility of citizens in its home city and region: employment pathways, construction opportunities, local business partnerships, and affordable housing and home ownership pathways.
“Duke is deeply connected to Durham and the broader Triangle — as a neighbor, a partner, and an anchor institution committed to strengthening the community we call home,” said Duke President Vincent Price in a press release. “As our region has grown and changed, not everyone has benefited equally from that progress. HomeGrown represents our determination to meet this moment with clarity and purpose to ensure that our region’s forward momentum is shared by all who live and work here.”
HomeGrown leverages Duke’s market influence to accelerate local and regional economic growth:
- Employ: Duke will increase local resident hiring from 69% to 80% for entry-level roles with advancement potential, including patient service associates, facilities staff, and administrative positions. The university and health system will double the number of Durham and Triangle second-chance employees from 50 to 100.
- Build: Duke will invest $120 million in Durham and Triangle area construction-related firms. Major projects will require lead national contractors to document local and regional hiring and spending plans.
- Buy: Duke will make its purchasing power more accessible to Durham and Triangle-based businesses, targeting a $45 million increase in its spending with local and regional businesses. The university and health system will host quarterly supplier access sessions outlining requirements, timelines, and how to become bid-eligible.
- Invest: Duke will increase deposits with community development financial institutions by $38 million to support affordable housing development, bringing this investment from $22 million to $60 million. The initiative includes providing down payment assistance and savings support for Duke employees who are first-time homebuyers.
The University will track progress and post it publicly at homegrown.duke.edu.
“Duke’s expanded investment will increase employment opportunities and strengthen talent pipelines across the Durham business community,” said Geoff Durham, President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. “By directing more contract spending to locally based vendors and supporting regional enterprises, this investment will generate broader-reaching economic activity throughout the community.”
“North Carolina’s economic strength depends on connecting people to opportunity and helping businesses grow,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Through the HomeGrown initiative, Duke is making meaningful investments in workforce pathways, local businesses, and community development that will expand opportunity in the Triangle and strengthen our state’s economy. When institutions like Duke commit to developing local talent and supporting small businesses, it creates lasting benefits for communities across North Carolina.”
HomeGrown was developed over the last two years with input from Duke employees, residents of Durham and Wake counties, community organizations and local business owners.
“For many families in Durham and across the region, Duke Health is their first experience with Duke — not just as a place of care, but as an employer and community partner,” said Thomas Owens, MD, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Duke University Health System. “HomeGrown brings focus and transparency to work we’ve been doing for years: creating pathways to good jobs, investing locally, and building a stronger community alongside our neighbors.”
HomeGrown builds on Duke’s recent commitment to raise its minimum wage to $20 per hour, among the highest offered by universities and health systems in North Carolina. More than 4,000 Duke University and Duke University Health System employees saw their pay increase effective July 1. An additional 9,000 employees whose wages are currently near the new minimum will receive wage adjustments in recognition of their experience and years of service to the institution. This action reinforces Duke’s strong total compensation program, which includes market-leading employee benefits. Together, these investments will help Durham and Triangle families build greater financial security and stability.