With concerns of groundwater contamination from "forever chemicals" like PFAS, Cumberland County is looking to create two new water and sewer districts in order to be eligible for grants and low-interest loans to fund engineering reports.
The proposed districts are the East Central Water and Sewer District, located between the Sampson County boundary and NC Highway 210, and the Cedar Creek Water and Sewer District. Both districts have been affected by “contaminated private wells linked to PFAS from the Fayetteville Works site, creating ongoing health and safety concerns for impacted property owners,” according to county officials.
At the Jan. 20 meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, there were four speakers against the creation of the water districts. The board asked staff to host town hall sessions in both locations to give residents more information and allow them to share concerns with county staff.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners' Chair Kirk deViere said that this was a step to see how the county could provide clean, safe, regulated drinking water, and there was no cost to residents at this time.
The official map and list of all parcels within the proposed East Central and Cedar Creek Water and Sewer Districts are available for inspection during normal business hours at the County Public Utilities Department, 698 Ann Street, Fayetteville, NC. Further information can also be found on the Public Utilities website at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/utility.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners also held its Strategic Planning Retreat on Jan. 23. Among the many topics were federal and budget updates, an overview of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, local impacts to federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, as well as updates to their strategic plan.
Key examples and focus areas from the strategic plan update included:
• Manna Church was selected as the operator of the unhoused support center to reduce homelessness. Completion is expected by April 2027.
• Implementing a digital dispatch system by June/July 2026 and establishing a joint community center (911)..
• Expanding existing landfill facilities, including the Ann Street Transfer Station, to be operational by fall 2026.
• Working to complete the UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) by early to mid- 2027 for planning, zoning and development improvements.
• Create an aquatic center and children’s museum development plan. The feasibility study will be completed by early March.
• Enhancing a Parks and Recreation Interlocal agreement to ensure all County communities have adequate accessibility to recreation facilities and services, with a framework of agreement to be presented to the board in February.
• Funding the entire FY2026 request to Cumberland County Schools in the adopted county budget.

City of Fayetteville
The Jan. 25 board meeting was cancelled due to the weather-related state of emergency. A public hearing for the “no parking” policy change for multi-use lanes is anticipated at the next board meeting. These lanes, separated from the roadway by a shoulder line, are intended for parking, cycling and pedestrian use.
The policy would allow residents to request “no parking” zones in multi-use lanes through a formal City process, which includes being reviewed and evaluated by City staff. Residents must obtain at least 70 percent approval from affected residents on each side of the street, regardless of which side the parking restriction is requested. Signatures can be collected from property owners, renters and tenants; however, a property owner's signature takes precedence in the event of a dispute.
In other news, the Fayetteville City Council will hold its Strategic Planning Retreat on Feb. 3-4.

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.
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.

(Photo: The Market House gets a blanket of snow, Jan. 31. Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville, NC Facebook page)