City of Fayetteville
On May 12, City Manager Doug Hewett presented his recommended $312.5 million budget to the Fayetteville City Council.
Proposed details of the 2026 budget according to the City of Fayetteville include:
• A proposed total ad valorem tax rate of 44.95 cents per $100 of assessed value, reflecting a $0.13 decrease from FY 2025 but 6.19 cents above the revenue-neutral rate, generating $14.5 million in additional revenue for critical services.
• A continued commitment of $114 million to community safety, including $71.7 million for police and $39.7 million for fire, with resources allocated for the step pay compensation and a comprehensive public safety salary study.
• A 4% midpoint compensation increase for non-step employees and an added 1% 401(k) contribution for non-sworn personnel to remain competitive amid a tight labor market.
• Investment in infrastructure and service maintenance:
• $6.3 million for street and stormwater projects,
• Ongoing implementation of the new financial system
• No rate increases for stormwater or solid waste services
• $3.1 million in new program enhancements including 17 positions to strengthen construction management, marketing and communications, legal support, IT security, fire inspections and more.
There will be a public hearing on May 27, and final adoption is slated for June 30 to meet state law deadlines. The new budget will be implemented beginning July 1.

Cumberland County
On May 20, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $1.38 million in American Rescue Plan funds to 63 nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits represented categories including health and human services, religious and faith-based services, public safety and emergency response, educational and youth development and arts, culture and community development. The nonprofits ranged from the United Way of Cumberland County, which received $10,000 to Legal Aid of North Carolina, which received $40,000.
Also, on May 20, the board directed County Manager Clarence Grier to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the Salvation Army to reopen the Pathway to Hope emergency shelter that closed in April citing lack of funding partners. The board asked that the contract not exceed $563,000 per year to fund shelter operations.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners will host a series of in-person gatherings where residents can ask questions and learn more about County priorities.
“This is all about building stronger connections with our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “We want to hear from our residents, and we want them to know they’re part of the conversation when it comes to shaping the future of Cumberland County.”
The remaining dates and locations are as follows: May 27 at the West Regional Library, Cafe West and May 29 at the Town of Spring Lake Town Hall in the Grady Howard Conference Room. All meetings will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
In other Cumberland County news
Effective July 1, the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority will assume all responsibilities previously managed by the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, otherwise known as DistiNCtly Fayetteville. The purpose of the TDA is to promote increased travel, tourism, and use of lodging, meeting, and convention facilities in Cumberland County.
These organizations aim to best serve the interests of tourism and hospitality in the county and streamline efforts to attract visitors and drive economic growth.

About the Greater FayettevilleChamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com

(The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau, known as DistiNCtly Fayetteville, will hand over responsibilities to the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority beginning July 1. Photo courtesy of DistiNCtly Fayetteville's Facebook page)