From the Desk of the County Manager, March 13, 2026

Greetings Durham!

As we move through March, I am pleased to highlight an important moment ahead for Durham County and our Triangle community—one that honors a leader whose service helped shape the foundation of our community. On March 20, 2026, we will gather to unveil the newly renamed William V. Bell Building, a tribute to a public servant whose impact spans more than four decades of dedicated leadership. The ceremony will be held at 201 East Main Street, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Mayor Bell’s legacy in Durham County began long before his historic tenure as Mayor of our great city. He worked for IBM as an electrical engineer and served as a Durham County Commissioner from 1972 to 1994, including 12 years as Chair from 1982 to 1994, and again from 1996 to 2000. His leadership during those years helped guide major investments in county facilities, including the Administrative Complex itself. His name appears on the 1991 marker commemorating the restoration and renovation of the complex, a reminder of his longstanding commitment to strengthening county government and its service to residents. His service remains significant, as the longest-serving Mayor of Durham—he was elected and held the role from 2001 until he decided not to seek re-election in 2017.

Throughout his career, Mayor Bell championed initiatives that expanded opportunity, uplifted neighborhoods, and strengthened collaboration between city and county government. His advocacy for community revitalization, economic development, and strategic partnerships helped lay the groundwork for the Durham we know today — vibrant, innovative, and deeply rooted in a commitment to service that endures to this day.

Renaming the Administration II building in Mayor Bell’s honor is a meaningful recognition of that legacy. It reflects his years of leadership and the values he embodied: integrity, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in Durham’s innate greatness. The William V. Bell Building will stand as a daily reminder of what dedicated, principled leadership can accomplish.

I invite all residents, community members, and partners to join us for this special unveiling ceremony — a moment to celebrate Mayor Bell's remarkable contributions and to reflect on our shared responsibility to continue building a Durham that is full of promise.

Until next week,

Claudia Hager

Durham County Manager