A Q&A with Joshua Gunn, Durham’s New Head of Economic Development

In 2020, Durham faced a significant challenge. After a decade marked by growth and vibrancy, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, putting a brake on local economic advancements. Amid this turmoil, Joshua Gunn, a native of Durham known not only for his creative flair as a hip-hop artist but also for his professional role in economic development, found himself at a critical juncture in his career.

Previously, Gunn had unsuccessfully run for a seat on the Durham City Council and served as vice president of the Durham Chamber of Commerce. However, a new opportunity arose when he was recruited to lead the economic recovery in Peoria, Illinois, as the CEO of the local chamber of commerce. This was a pivotal time for Peoria, especially after the departure of Caterpillar, a major employer that had anchored the local economy for decades. Following a successful stint there, where Gunn oversaw significant economic initiatives, he transitioned to Glendale, Arizona, one of the region’s fastest-developing cities.

Now, Joshua Gunn has returned to Durham, assuming the directorship of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. His mission is clear: to foster a new era of economic prosperity for his hometown.

In a recent interview, Gunn articulates his excitement about returning to Durham, a city he has a personal connection to, both as an artist and a budding economic development advocate. “My passion for economic development is really born out of a passion for Durham,” he admits. Experience in Peoria and Glendale has bolstered his understanding of economic dynamics and city planning, but he is chiefly motivated by a desire to help the people of his community.

One of Gunn’s core missions is job creation. He has witnessed firsthand the impact of economic development efforts on people’s lives. “I’m passionate about helping individuals start and grow businesses,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of providing access to skills and training through trade schools or community colleges. This focus on workforce development aligns with Durham’s needs as it prepares for the future.

During his tenure in Peoria, Gunn learned valuable lessons about how to navigate economic landscape shifts. The city struggled with its identity after the loss of Caterpillar; however, it had a resilient community with immense pride. “They had a chip on their shoulder, but the people loved it,” he reflects. This sentiment parallels his observations about Durham, which has also faced its share of challenges. By fostering a sense of community pride and reimagining economic strategy, Gunn was able to help Peoria develop a more diversified economic base. This experience fuels his vision for Durham, where he believes that various collective efforts can unite to stimulate economic growth.

Gunn’s time in Glendale, though brief, provided him with insights into large-scale economic projects. He saw how initiatives like the State Farm Stadium could galvanize economic growth and enhance community appeal. Using these insights, he acknowledges the importance of creative and authentic approaches to potential developments in Durham, such as a new convention center.

Discussing the city’s economic ecosystem, Gunn identifies Durham’s cultural mosaic as a significant driver of its appeal. Unlike other cities that may chase uniformity, he believes Durham thrives on its diverse identity. “The more we can embrace who we are and not try to be anybody else, the better,” Gunn asserts. This authenticity is crucial for attracting businesses and talent.

As the Triangle region is home to notable educational institutions such as Duke, Central, and NC State, Gunn recognizes the existing strength of Durham’s workforce. However, he highlights the need for addressing issues of equity and inclusion to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or identity, can thrive in the city.

Engaging with the local community and understanding its evolving dynamics is important to Gunn. As he embarks on this new journey, he is eager to reacquaint himself with Durham’s culinary scene, reflecting on the restaurants he once enjoyed and expressing curiosity about the new establishments that have emerged during his absence.

His heartfelt connection to Durham, coupled with extensive experience in economic development, places Joshua Gunn in a unique position to reshape the city’s economic landscape. As he begins this important work, his commitment to empowering individuals and nurturing businesses will likely play a vital role in driving Durham towards a promising economic future.

Gunn’s story serves as a reminder of the significant intersections between art, community, and economic growth. As he channels his passion for both creative pursuits and economic development, the hope is that Durham will emerge as a vibrant example of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Джust as he continues to learn about the evolving dynamics of his hometown, Gunn aims to foster a sense of possibility and hope for others navigating their paths in Durham.

Looking ahead, Gunn’s leadership brings the promise of reinvigorating local economies while maintaining the unique cultural essence that makes Durham special. His inclusive approach aims to not only attract talent and businesses but also ignite a sense of shared community among residents. The Bull City stands at a new threshold, and with Gunn’s involvement, there is an air of optimism about the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.

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