Filing for municipal elections started July 7 and goes through July 18. Any candidates interested may file at the Board of Elections from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for the last filing day on July 18, when hours are from 8 a.m. to noon.
To help candidates prepare for office, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber will be hosting a Candidates Academy on Friday, Aug. 1. This all-day event will bring many local subject matter experts to share their knowledge on the workings of our community and government and outline what elected officials need to know about policy making in our All-America City. Topics will include writing press releases, public body protocols, differences between our government’s jurisdictional boundaries, and identifying needs versus wants, as well as overviews of the downtown business district, the City’s economic outlook, crime and safety, the arts, and our public utilities.
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber will also host a Candidates Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 14, which will be held at Fayetteville Technical Community College in Cumberland Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. This event offers a unique opportunity for the public to hear directly from those seeking to represent them and gain a deeper understanding of each candidate's vision and policies. It is open to the community and free of charge. The Candidates Forum is a valuable platform for community members to become informed voters and participate in the democratic process. Find out more at www.faybiz.com.
Cumberland County
Cumberland County has onboarded 27 interns who will be working throughout various county departments such as Community Development, Engineering and Infrastructure, Human Resources, Soil and Water, Public Library, Planning and Inspections and the Sheriff’s Office for a ten-week summer internship.
This is the fourth year that the Cumberland County Ignite Internship program has been in place for high school and college students to gain experience and further insight into public service operations. The program also allows students ages 16 and up to be mentored by experienced professionals and obtain real-world skills. Sessions are year-round with the summer cohort and 6-10 week internships for college students in the fall and spring. For more information, visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cumberlandcountync
City of Fayetteville
The City of Fayetteville is asking for public input for an almost nine-acre plot of land at the corner of Blount and Gillespie Streets. The city-owned property is located near the heart of downtown and is a strategic space for long-term development.
City staff are hoping that by engaging residents and exploring public-private partnerships, the community will ensure this land is used in a way that creates opportunity, supports growth and contributes to a more vibrant and connected downtown.
If you have an idea, chime in on the online survey, which can be found at FayettevilleNC.gov/ECD. Ideas on social media have included a shaded farmer’s market with outdoor entertainment venues, a multi-use community park designed for families with pickleball courts, walking and running trails and interactive art exhibits and restrooms, a larger amphitheater for outdoor concerts and festivals, a green space park with different water features and places to picnic and a mixed use development with indoor/outdoor parks with dining and shopping along with housing on top.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation
FCEDC launched the Can Do Performance Financing Program, in partnership with the City of Fayetteville and the Community Development Foundation, in January 2025, with $5 million: $2.5 million from the City of Fayetteville and $2.5 million from the State of North Carolina. The program addresses historical barriers to capital that have limited the growth of sustainable businesses within Fayetteville’s low- to moderate-income census tracts, particularly those owned by minorities, veterans, and women. The program supports many of the City’s goals, including supporting a diverse procurement pool and a viable economy. To qualify, businesses must have fifteen or fewer employees and demonstrate viable plans for job creation and capital uses. Additionally, priority consideration is extended to companies operating within the aerospace, technology, defense and cybersecurity sectors. For more information on applying, visit www.candocarolinafund.com. Applications will be accepted until July 11.
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
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.