With 14 huge economic projects underway in Durham - and more jobs increasing by the day - the economic forecast for the Bull City's future is looking bright.

Applause filled the Carolina Theatre on Wednesday as more than 100 people celebrated a shift in the local economy.

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Wednesday was the first time in two years people were able to gather in-person at such a capacity. The mask mandate has been lifted, and people are finding a sense of normalcy again.

It marked a pivotal moment in this pandemic – and in the plan to get the local economy back on track.

"This past weekend was like record-breaking for sales across-the-board for small businesses. Even my restaurant. We haven’t seen those numbers since pre-pandemic," said Durham councilman Leonardo Williams.

Opportunity and growth in Durham was highlighted by the Durham Chamber of Commerce. The county has 14 economic development projects since April 2020, expected to bring 6,900 new jobs.

"There’s so much going on in Durham as a whole. When you look around and you see the opportunities that exist in Durham," said Nicole Thompson, CEO of DDI.

The priority now is to outline ways to bounce back from COVID, with a push to support local businesses, as well as safely getting people working back in offices. There's also a push to promote equitable growth.

One local father said he was excited to see his children growing up in a city that's "at the forefront of change."

Thompson acknowledged that Durham is not out of the woods just yet, but that overall, she believes things are good.

However, there is a new issue that could hinder that progress.

"Now we have to prepare for the global impact of what’s happening unfortunately in Ukraine and Russia," said Williams. "We are now bracing for an influx in prices for food cost. Because it’s gonna cost more to travel."

But if there’s one lesson learned from the pandemic, it’s how to face uncertainty. The city is pivoting on putting COVID behind them and prosperity before them.

Last year, there were nearly 4,000 new jobs announced associated with economic development projects in Durham County.