If your child is in 6th, 7th or 8th grades, you need to read this! The National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will allow middle school students to participate for the first time in North Carolina this year and Fayetteville through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber was chosen as a regional site (that’s a big deal!).
The Civics Bee invites middle school students to demonstrate their understanding of civics through a competitive, engaging format that begins with a written essay and culminates in a live regional bee.
Finalists will advance to a live, game-show style event hosted by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber in Spring 2026, where they will compete for prizes and the chance to represent Fayetteville at the state and national levels. Winners of each regional competition will receive $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place. Winners will also advance to compete in the North Carolina State Civics Bee.
Applications for students officially are open and students have until Feb. 3, 2026. For more information about the program including educator resources and how to participate in the 2026 competition, visit www.faybiz.com/civicsbee.
Cumberland County
At their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the Northeast Cumberland Land Use Plan, which encompasses 33,000 acres and includes the Towns of Wade, Godwin and Falcon. The land use plan is a strategy guide for managing growth and development in those areas and directs decision-making for zoning and land use, through set policies.
The board also appointed county residents to various committees such as local emergency planning, human relations, the Farm Advisory Board and parks and recreations.
In an emergency effort to respond to the government lapse of appropriations, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners coordinated a meeting on Friday, Oct. 22 with county officials and community partners to address potential disruptions to critical services such as food assistance, mental health support, transportation and shelter resources. Residents are encouraged to visit cumberlandcountync.gov/resources for up-to-date information and a list of resources.
In other news, your visits to the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse whether it be to pay a tax bill, make a court date or attend a board meeting are now a bit easier to navigate when it comes to free parking downtown.
The Board of Commissioners approved three free parking options, outside of paid on-street options, including:
• First Presbyterian Church parking lot, accessible via the 200 block of Person St.
• Designated ADA accessible spaces in the rear courthouse lot facing Cool Spring St., with close proximity to the rear entrance of the courthouse
• Gravel lots at 334 Person St. and 125 S. Kennedy St.
The City of Fayetteville
The official primary election is on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Running for mayor will be current Mayor Mitch Colvin, who is seeking a fifth term, and Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Keefe Jensen, who has served on the council since 2015.
Candidates for the nine districts are as follows: District 1 - Stephon Ferguson and James L. Thomas III, District 2 - Malik Davis and Gail Morfesis, District 3 - Antonio Jones and Jeremy Wright, District 4 - DJ Haire and Stuart A. Collick, District 6 - Derrick Thompson and Kenneth E. Odegard II, District 7 - Brenda McNair and Kathy A. Greggs, District 8 - Rodney E. Garvin and Shaun McMillan and District 9 - Deno Hondros and Joe McGee.
Current Councilwoman Lynne Bissette Greene is running unopposed for District 5.
For more information about candidates running for office this year, visit https://sites.google.com/faybiz.com/gfccandidatesforum2025/home.
At their regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 13, the City Council approved a first quarter performance update for their strategic priorities including public safety, economic growth, revitalization and housing needs, transportation and parks and recreation. An ordinance was adopted to comply with a new state law requiring criminal history checks for applicants working with children. The council also authorized agreements with Methodist University and the Fayetteville Soccer Club and approved the sale of surplus property on Wright Street.
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.