🌳 Triangle’s Population Growth Surges

In this issue:

• Triangle’s Population Growth Surges

• Avelo Airlines Adds Three New Routes from RDU

• Dreamville Festival’s Final Music Festival

• Durham City Council Approves Annexation, Zoning Changes, and Reviews Budget Priorities

• New Dinosaur License Plate Supports NC Museum

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

Triangle’s Population Growth Surges

The Triangle area, including Raleigh and Durham, has experienced rapid population growth, outpacing most U.S. regions. From 2020 to 2024, the Raleigh-Cary metro area grew by 10.2%, reaching 1.6 million residents, driven mainly by international migration and domestic relocations.

• Raleigh-Cary added 150K+ people: Many relocating from New York and California.

• Durham-Chapel Hill also growing: Increased demand for housing and schools.

• Growth impacts public services: Rising pressure on housing, traffic, and resources.

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Avelo Airlines Adds Three New Routes from RDU

Avelo Airlines is expanding at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) with new nonstop flights to Grand Rapids, MI, Wilmington, DE, and Nassau, Bahamas starting in May and June 2025.

• New Grand Rapids route (GRR): Service begins May 23, 2025, with twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays starting at $69 one-way.

• New Wilmington/Philly route (ILG): Service begins May 22, 2025, with twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays starting at $49 one-way.

• New Nassau, Bahamas route (NAS): Service begins June 11, 2025, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at $99 one-way.

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Dreamville Festival’s Final Music Festival

The fifth and final Dreamville Festival, curated by J. Cole, is set for April 5-6, 2025, at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh.

• Saturday, April 5 lineup: Lil Wayne & Hot Boys, 21 Savage, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ludacris, Ari Lennox, Chief Keef, Keyshia Cole, Bas, Young Nudy, Ab-Soul, Lute, Omen, Kai Ca$h & Nico Brim.

• Sunday, April 6 lineup: J. Cole, Erykah Badu, Tems, GloRilla, J.I.D., Wale, Coco Jones, BigXThaPlug, EarthGang, Anycia, Cozz, Akia.

• Tickets start at $299.99: The 2024 festival generated $145.9 million in Raleigh.

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Durham City Council Approves Annexation, Zoning Changes, and Reviews Budget Priorities

The Durham City Council met on March 17, 2025, to discuss annexation requests, zoning changes, public transit funding, affordable housing, and safety initiatives. The council approved new residential developments, utility extensions, and budget planning discussions, while also reviewing proposals for expanding public services and transit.

• Annexation & Housing Development Approved: The council approved the annexation of 1012 Vet Drive and a zoning change for 140 new apartment units on Picket Road, supporting Durham’s residential growth.

• Affordable Housing Expansion: Developers increased their commitment to affordable housing from 3% to 6% at 60% AMI for 30 years, aligning with Durham’s long-term housing goals.

• Public Transit & H.E.A.R.T. Program Debates: Residents pushed for fare-free transit funding and a 24/7 expansion of the Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.), but no immediate decisions were made.

• Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Requests: Community members urged the city to redesign high-risk roads like Roxboro and Mangum Streets to improve pedestrian safety and align with Vision Zero goals.

• FY25-26 Budget Planning Underway: The council began budget and capital improvement discussions, with final decisions scheduled for June 16, 2025.

Watch the Full Discussion >>

New Dinosaur License Plate Supports NC Museum

A North Carolina dinosaur-themed license plate featuring the Acrocanthosaurus, the “Terror of the South,” is now available for pre-order. Proceeds benefit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.

• Cost is $30 per plate: $20 goes to support the museum.

• 500 orders needed to print: Available online or at the museum.

• Personalized plates optional: Custom text available for an extra fee.

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Beetlejuice: The Musical
Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
March 19 – March 23
A Broadway musical based on Tim Burton’s classic film.
Details >>

Downtown Bike Lanes Open House
Durham Armory
March 20 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Learn about upcoming bike lane projects and provide feedback.
Details >>

Durham Vintage After Dark
Durham Armory, 212 Foster St
March 21 | 4 PM – 9 PM
A one-night vintage shopping event featuring five local vintage shops, artisans, and vendors in one space, free and open to the public.
Details >>

The Block Party
Artpost, 718 Iredell St, Durham
March 23 | 3pm
A free community event featuring a halfpipe, skate contests, graffiti art walls, live music, and food, hosted by Manifest Skate Shop and Artpost.
Details >>

RetroGothic Film Series
Carolina Theatre
Apr 25 - May 1
A gothic horror film series featuring classic vampire tales and stylish giallo thrillers from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Details >>