RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. [June 17, 2025] — The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, stewards of Research Triangle Park (RTP), today announced the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to amend RTP’s zoning district in its unified development ordinance, paving the way for new development options in RTP. The decision marks an important milestone in the Foundation’s efforts to ensure RTP remains globally competitive as a leading innovation hub.
The vote took place on June 16 during a scheduled meeting of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. The Wake County ordinances will take effect when Durham County adopts similar zoning amendments for RTP, or May 1, 2026, whichever occurs first.
“Our vision for RTP 3.0 aligns with the growth and land use priorities outlined in Wake County’s comprehensive plan, and we appreciate the Commissioners’ enthusiastic support for this initiative to help shape the region’s future,” said Scott Levitan, president and CEO, Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina. “Sustaining RTP’s global leadership requires bold, forward-looking collaboration. These development pathways will enhance RTP’s competitiveness and also empower existing companies to reimagine their campuses—expanding opportunities for the Triangle’s workforce and economy. We are grateful for the partnership with Wake and Durham Counties in shaping this opportunity for the Triangle to grow in a smart and sustainable manner.”
Led by the Foundation in collaboration with RTP companies, chambers of commerce leaders, and local officials, RTP 3.0 is a planning process to envision RTP for the next 50 years. A core tenet of RTP 3.0 is to give RTP landowners the flexibility to modernize their campuses, adapt to evolving workforce needs and strengthen R&D capabilities.
During the meeting, Travis Crayton, vice president of planning and public policy for the Research Triangle Foundation, was present to answer questions and several Commissioners gave remarks about the RTP 3.0 initiative.
“I’d like to say how thoroughly excited I am about this. I very much appreciate what Research Triangle Park has meant to this area; we all know it is the cornerstone that put us on the map with economic development, and it’s been wonderful,” said Susan Evans, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “We certainly want to make it an option for as many people as possible to be able to live near where they work. It is a paradigm shift that’s been in place since the early 60s, so no small thing, but I think it’s exactly what needs to happen at this point and time.”
Commissioner Shinica Thomas added, “I also wanted to give a nod to Scott Levitan; we’ve talked often about the development in RTP. This is not just about housing but it’s about really creating community within the Park, and you have already started that by adding some amenities, recreational opportunities and restaurants. Thank you so much for your strategic foresight.”
Commissioner Vickie Adamson remarked, “I am very excited about this. With the growth pressures we have in Wake County, there are really limited opportunities to expand. I think this accomplishes two goals: people can live near the companies in the Park and … it will give us some density that we need.”
Earlier this year, members of the RTP Owners & Tenants Association voted overwhelmingly to approve revised land covenants, laying the groundwork for future development aligned with the RTP 3.0 vision. The Foundation continues to work closely with Association members and company leaders to develop updated land use guidelines and is pursuing parallel zoning amendments with Durham County.
To learn more about the RTP 3.0 vision and milestones, visit https://www.rtp.org/rtp3-0.
About Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Since 1959, the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (Foundation) has served Research Triangle Park in its mission to facilitate collaboration among our region’s industries, universities, and workforce, and create economic impact for the residents of North Carolina by attracting the world’s most innovative companies and top-tier talent. Comprised of 7,000 acres, RTP’s boundaries are centrally located among Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. RTP is home to 55,000 employees and more than 375 companies and national labs, including Apple, BASF, Biogen, Cisco Systems, EPA, Fidelity Investments, IBM, LabCorp, Lenovo, Lilly, NetApp, NIEHS, RTI International and United Therapeutics. For more information, visit https://rtp.org.
About RTP 3.0
Focused on meeting the needs of the next generation of workers and residents of the Triangle region, Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina is actively shaping RTP 3.0, a bold, collaborative planning initiative to set a 50-year vision for Research Triangle Park (RTP) that focuses on adaptability, sustainability and community connectivity. Working in close coordination with county, city, university and RTP company partners, the Foundation is working with partners to help reimagine how companies evolve their campuses to enhance research and development efforts, meet new workforce demands and create inviting residential communities. To learn more about the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina and RTP 3.0, visit https://www.rtp.org/rtp3-0.
Media contact
Kelly Propst
VP of Marketing & Communications
propst@rtp.org