It’s a new year, and that means two things: property tax is due and it is time to set goats for 2026.
Anyone who owns taxable property in Cumberland County, the 2026 property listing period is Jan. 1 - 31. Listing forms must be updated, signed and returned by Monday, Feb. 2. Forms postmarked after Feb. 2 will be considered late and incur a 10% late listing penalty. Taxable property includes agri-business/farm income-producing property, business and income-producing property, improvements to owned real estate and personal property.
Greater Fayetteville Chamber Advocacy Goals for 2026
Along with the Chamber's vision and focus to serve, our main objective is to enhance our standing as the voice of business in the Greater Fayetteville/ Cumberland County area and its positive influence through advocacy.
Our goal is to work with state, local and federal elected officials, maintain high visibility regarding issues impacting our business climate and communicate concerns on behalf of our membership for a more business friendly community.
These areas include:
• Small Business Support: Endorsing business friendly policies that provide resources, grants and regulatory relief for small businesses, which form the backbone of the Chamber's membership and community. Advocate for a comprehensive review and streamlining of the local development regulation process to improve efficiency and attract investment.
• Economic Development: Advocating for policies that encourage investment in local businesses, support startups and attract new industries to Cumberland County.
• Infrastructure and Transportation: Championing improvements in local infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, schools and broadband, which are essential for regional connectivity and economic growth. Advocate for state and federal funding for major transportation projects, including I-685 and expanded transportation to better link I-95 and I-295.
• Military and Defense: Given the region's close ties with Fort Bragg, promoting legislation that supports our military installation infrastructure, military families, veterans' services and policies to maintain and expand military-related economic activity. Continuing our Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council initiatives connecting our business community with the military and their families.
• Healthcare and Public Safety: Advocating for policies that address healthcare workforce shortages and support workplace health and wellness programs and enhance public safety measures for a healthier, more secure community. Focusing on the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, a critical component in the county's goals of enhancing health and wellness and supporting a high-performing education system pipeline. Supporting a regional public safety training center and a joint 911 communication center to modernize and improve emergency response capabilities.
• Workforce and Education: Supporting policies that strengthen educational opportunities, workforce training programs and partnerships with local educational institutions such as Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and Fayetteville Technical Community College to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers for the region.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Supporting measures that promote tourism in Cumberland County, including investments in cultural and recreational attractions, which help to attract visitors and stimulate the local economy. Monitoring legislation regarding tax allocation and distribution to ensure an equitable and competitive tax structure for local businesses and governments. Increasing STARnetwork for support and further connection among hospitality businesses including service, tourism, activities and restaurants.
If you have any questions or would like to join the efforts of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, visit www.faybiz.com. Our Government Relations committee meets regularly to discuss issues.
Stay tuned for more government meeting recaps in the next issue after the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and the Fayetteville City Council meet again.
National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will allow middle school students (6th, 7th and 8th grades) to participate for the first time in North Carolina this year and Fayetteville through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber was chosen as a regional site. Applications for students officially are open and students have until Feb. 3.
For more information about the program including educator resources and how to participate in the 2026 competition, visit www.faybiz.com/civicsbee.
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.