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Facebook’s parent company Meta planning ‘significant presence’ in Durham, sources say

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Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to Durham, sources told WRAL News on Monday.

Jobs with the company are already posted on LinkedIn.

Sources told WRAL News that Meta will have a “significant presence” in Durham.

“The announcement by Meta of their intention to open an office in Durham is yet another indication that this is the most desirable city in the United States,” said Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton in a written statement. “Our highly educated population resulting from NCCU, Duke and Durham Public Schools coupled with our art, food and cultural scene should leave no one surprised by this decision.

“However, we also know that this will present a not so unique set of challenges to push for safeguards against gentrification and to ensure the participation of native Black and Brown Durhamites in the growing wealth of our city.”

WRAL News asked Meta where the company plans to open its offices, how many people it will employ and when the office is scheduled to open.

“We have nothing to share regarding any plans in the Research Triangle at this time,” Meta spokesperson Jamila Reeves wrote in an email to WRAL News.

Durham city council member Javiera Caballero said the city wants high-paying jobs for residents.

“We also have some trepidation about, ‘what does it mean for our area with rising housing costs and pushing out people who have been here for a long time?’” Caballero said.

Caballero said he hopes Meta works collaboratively with the city to make sure residents benefit from having a high-profile company in the Bull City.

North Carolina State Economist Mike Walden said there are many reasons why the Triangle is so attractive to Meta.

“Not surprised. Not surprised at all. This area has so much more room to grow,” said Walden. “For the sector, we have four major universities in the Triangle that turn out graduates in the tech and life sciences every year we have a constant labor supply here.”

Durham resident Lily McWilliams explained her reaction to Monday’s announcement.

“I think it’s changing the demographic of Durham,” McWilliams said. “Like, I feel like it’s kind of been known as like a medical and research place, and now it’s getting more tech and big business.

“Of course, the downside is that the prices of everything [are] going to go up, and further gentrification. Pros and cons for sure.”

Nina Bartmann says it’s great to hear the Triangle is attracting these big tech companies, but she shared she is also concerned this move will drive the cost of living up.

“More affluent people come in and move into the apartment complexes and drive up inner-city living costs,” said Bartmann.

Durham resident Sara Alsibae called Monday’s announcement “awesome.”

“I think Durham is up-and-coming, and Google is already here,” Alsibae said. “I think a lot of young people are coming, and I think it’ll be nice for the city.”

What about the talent pool? Are there enough qualified employees to choose from?

Walden doesn’t see that as an issue. He believes Meta’s presence will produce more talent and even create more options for competitors – with all the big names in tech now setting up shop in the Triangle with Meta, Apple, Amazon and Google.

“Companies that are alike or competitors, they want to locate near each other. That gives them a composite of strength,” said Walden. “They can get some additional programs at the university that they want to attract more students to those universities.”

No word of when an official announcement could come down.

On Friday, former Meta Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg is planning to visit Durham. This visit is reportedly for unrelated business.

Last week, Sandberg announced she was stepping down as Meta’s COO. Sandberg is leaving Meta in the fall and will continue to serve on the company’s board.

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