And for the first time in RTP's history, property owners may pursue mixed-use development and residential neighborhood options alongside traditional and enhanced research campuses.
RTP 3.0 is the culmination of nearly five years of collaboration among companies, universities, local governments, landowners, and community stakeholders, the foundation says.
Other key facts
- RTP companies and landowners can now submit applications under the newly adopted RTP 3.0 framework.
- RTP spans 7,000 acres and supports more than 55,000 employees across 385+ companies and national laboratories, making it one of North Carolina's most significant economic engines.
From vision to reality
In June 2025, Wake County Commissioners approved a rezoning that allowed RTP 3.0 to move forward. The project includes recent efforts to offer new dining and retail options and promote livability in RTP, but it also provides corporations that already have a footprint in the park with a chance to expand their presence. Scott Levitan, President and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation, says it's the growth that's needed to meet a changing landscape.
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In December, Durham County Commissioners recently approved a rezoning that allows land at RTP historically zoned exclusively for research and development to be used for mixed-use and residential. It's a major step in RTP's goal to transform the area from clusters of office buildings and sprawling corporate campuses to a denser community with more restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
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