The Fayetteville City Council has centered its activity on a controversial data center moratorium, major recreation investments and updates to the City's long-term infrastructure planning.
On Apr. 13, Fayetteville City Council board members voted narrowly (5-4) to pause work on a proposed data center ordinance. Instead, they directed staff to present options for a temporary moratorium on data center development. This decision came during a debate over a proposed $6.4 billion data center on 50 acres along Dunn Rd. and the current lack of specific zoning regulations for such facilities.
City Manager Douglas Hewett also presented the 2027 Capital Improvement Program, a six-year roadmap featuring nearly $700 million in planned investments for roads, public safety and stormwater drainage.
Parks and recreation projects also include the $13.6 million McArthur Road Sports Field Complex, which will feature 12 baseball fields, a multi-use building with restrooms, concessions, office space, and an open-air pavilion, as well as a maintenance building to support ongoing operations and is designed to become a regional sports destination. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for April 30.
Construction began on April 21 at Tokay Park to replace aging tennis courts with three tennis and 10 pickleball courts.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has held two key meetings focusing on potential department mergers, land use moratoriums and significant capital projects.
On Apr. 16, during their regularly scheduled agenda session, the board reviewed a proposal to merge the Health and Social Services departments. This move has faced strong pushback from both departmental boards and one commissioner, who cited a lack of transparency and potential service disruption.
The board has also discussed an ordinance to impose a moratorium on new data center development permits. The pause is intended to allow for updated zoning regulations that address high power and water usage.
On Apr. 20, commissioners discussed progress on several high-profile projects, including the Crown Arena modernization, an unhoused support center and a new aquatic center. Commissioner Henry Tyson requested a public dashboard to better communicate project statuses to residents.
The board also unanimously approved a resolution supporting the FY27 State Legislative Agenda and awarded a contract to LS3P to conduct a feasibility study for the Cumberland County Aquatic Center.

NC Department of Labor Safety Awards
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber will host the NC Department of Labor Safety Awards on Tuesday, May 19 at the Crown Complex.
The program recognizes private firms and public agencies throughout the state that achieve and maintain outstanding safety records and is designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety in the workplace by providing an incentive to employers and employees to maintain a safe and healthful workplace.

The Legacy Project of Leadership Fayetteville Class of 2026
Each Leadership Fayetteville class leaves a lasting impact on our community through a unique legacy project. This year, the Leadership Fayetteville Class of 2026 will be doing Buddy Benches for their graduation project. The Buddy Bench idea was brought to the class with the idea of our youth never feeling alone and has been sponsored by Ben Stout Construction and the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation.
The leadership group wants to share that EVERY child deserves a buddy! The concept is if a child is sitting alone on the bench, other children will know to sit with them and become a kind new friend. Buddy benches foster leadership and encourage friendship by providing a safe space for students to connect during recess. Each Buddy Bench will proudly display a commemorative plaque.
The Leadership Fayetteville Class of 2026 Buddy Benches will be installed at the following Cumberland County Schools:
• Sunnyside Elementary School, 3876 Sunnyside School Road, Fayetteville on May 6 at 9:30 a.m.
• Ed V. Baldwin Elementary School, 4441 Legion Road, Hope Mills on May 6 at 1 p.m.
• Bill Hefner Elementary School, 7059 Calamar Drive, Fayetteville on May 11 at 1 p.m.
For more information on Leadership Fayetteville, including how to apply for the Class of 2027, visit www.faybiz.com/leadership-fayetteville.

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.