On Thursday, July 16, leaders from across the Research Triangle Region gathered at Horseshoe at Hub RTP to celebrate the adoption and implementation of RTP 3.0, a long-range vision and land-use framework designed to guide the next 50 years of growth, innovation and economic opportunity in Research Triangle Park (RTP).
Hosted by the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, the RTP 3.0 Press Conference and Reception marked the official opening of applications under the RTP 3.0 framework following the approval of new development standards, land-use regulations and design guidelines by RTP companies, landowners, county leaders and the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Developed through nearly five years of collaboration among RTP companies, universities, elected officials, local governments, economic development organizations and community partners, RTP 3.0 creates new opportunities for companies and landowners to modernize and evolve their properties over time, while preserving RTP’s core mission as a global center for research and innovation.
joined Research Triangle Park companies, landowners and tenants, the Foundation Board of Directors, regional partners, elected officials and the broader RTP community to celebrate the adoption of the RTP 3.0 land-use framework.
The celebration featured remarks from Research Triangle Foundation President and CEO Scott Levitan; RTP Owners & Tenants Association President Gina Andersen and Immediate Past President Greg Luberecki; Foundation Vice President of Planning and Public Policy Travis Crayton; Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Dr. Mike Lee; North Carolina State University Chancellor Kevin Howell, representing the University of North Carolina System and President Peter Hans; and Research Triangle Foundation Board Chair Barbara Mulkey.
Opening the program, Levitan reflected on the collaboration that made RTP 3.0 possible, recognizing the companies, universities, public officials, board members, community leaders and economic development partners who helped shape the framework.
The theme of collaboration was present throughout the ceremony.
“RTP has always been a testament to what North Carolina can accomplish when we all are working together,” said N.C. State University Chancellor Howell.
Speakers also reflected on the perseverance, engagement and trust-building that helped transform a long-range vision into an approved framework.
“Achieving unanimous support from those voting did not happen overnight,” said Luberecki. “It was built through trust, transparency and a genuine commitment to collaboration.”
Andersen emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and the flexibility RTP 3.0 creates for employers and landowners across the Park.
“Today’s milestone reflects the commitment and patience that [the Foundation] brought to this effort, ensuring that RTP 3.0 reflects the needs of today’s employers while also preparing RTP for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
A key milestone celebrated during the event was the opening of RTP 3.0 development applications. For the first time in the Park’s nearly 70-year history, companies and landowners can pursue new development pathways under the RTP 3.0 framework, including enhanced corporate campuses, mixed-use environments and residential neighborhoods.
“This is the moment when nearly five years of planning, collaboration and approvals become real-world opportunities,” Crayton said during his remarks.
Commissioner Lee highlighted the broader regional impact of the framework and its potential to support future economic growth across Durham County, the Triangle and North Carolina.
“The decisions we’re celebrating today are not only about development; they’re about creating opportunity,” said Dr. Lee. “Opportunity for businesses to grow, opportunity for students to build careers, opportunity for workers and families to thrive.”
Throughout the program, speakers reinforced that RTP 3.0 is not a prescriptive master plan, but a flexible framework designed to help companies and landowners make decisions that respond to changing business needs, workforce expectations and market conditions over time.
As attendees gathered following the ceremony, the event served as both a celebration of a significant milestone and a reminder of the collaborative spirit that has defined RTP since its founding in 1959.
The Research Triangle Foundation is grateful to the many companies, universities, local governments, volunteers and community partners whose contributions helped bring RTP 3.0 to life and position Research Triangle Park for its next era of innovation and growth.
Learn more about RTP 3.0: https://rtp.org/reimagine
View event photos: https://rtp.mediavalet.com/portals/reimaginethepark-press
Read the RTP 3.0 announcement: https://www.rtp.org/2026/06/research-triangle-park-approves-3-0