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🌳 Our 2025 Review
Plus: New 55-plus community opens in Durham
Jordan Parker
January 01, 2026
In this issue:
A quick year in review
State audit reviews Little River Complex
Duke cuts $299M amid federal changes
New 55-plus community opens in Durham
Approx Read Time: 3 mins
A quick year in review
Hey Durham! launched on February 7 with a simple idea: help neighbors stay informed about what’s happening in Durham, without the noise or the overwhelm. What we didn’t know then was how quickly this would turn into a real community.
In under a year, we’ve published 47 issues, grown to 6,500 subscribers, and delivered more than 185,000 emails. But the numbers only tell part of the story. You’ve replied with tips, forwarded issues to friends, corrected us when we missed something, and shared this newsletter in group chats, emails, and neighborhood threads.
Some of our most-read emails this year focused on local elections, including our 2025 Durham Voter Guide and coverage of a competitive city election cycle. This year’s local turnout was the highest it’s been in years, and while many things contributed, we’re proud to have played a small role in helping neighbors feel informed and ready to participate.
Most of all, thank you for reading, for caring about this city, and for showing up for local news at a time when it really matters. Hey Durham! exists because of this community, and we’re grateful to be part of it.
As we head into the new year, we want to make sure we’re serving you well.
👉 Help shape what’s next by taking our quick reader survey:
It takes about two minutes, and your feedback genuinely helps guide what we cover and how we cover it.
State audit reviews Little River Complex
A state audit found that Durham County’s Little River Community Complex is open, operational, and properly managing its finances after a tip alleged the facility had closed and misused funds. While those claims were deemed unsubstantiated, the report highlighted major maintenance challenges at the historic site and raised questions about long-term oversight.
No wrongdoing found: Auditors confirmed the nonprofit is managing its roughly $60,000 annual budget appropriately and receives no state or federal funding.
Facility remains active: The senior center continues to offer daily programs, meals, and community services and earned a 98.5 health and safety score from the Durham County Health Department.
Repairs still needed: The campus, a former segregated school dating to 1935, faces significant infrastructure needs estimated at $5–6 million.
Duke cuts $299M amid federal changes
Duke University has reduced spending by nearly $300 million through buyouts, layoffs, and building closures as it responds to federal policy changes affecting research funding, healthcare reimbursement, and higher education finances.
Staff reductions: Duke offered voluntary buyouts to 939 employees, with 599 accepting, followed by 45 layoffs later in the year.
Facilities impact: The university implemented a hiring freeze, cut administrative spending, and decommissioned buildings, including a research facility in the School of Medicine.
Budget outlook: University leaders say the cost-cutting program positions Duke to stabilize its finances amid ongoing uncertainty around federal funding.
New 55-plus community opens in Durham
A new age-restricted housing development has opened in eastern Durham, adding to a growing number of “active adult” communities across the Triangle aimed at residents 55 and older.
Development details: The Courtyards on Oak Grove will include 166 ranch-style homes and townhomes with two- to four-bedroom floor plans.
Pricing and amenities: Homes start in the high $400,000s and feature a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, pickleball court, and private courtyards.
Broader trend: The project reflects rising demand for senior-focused housing as the Triangle’s 65-and-over population continues to grow rapidly.
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