Cumberland County officials are inviting residents to weigh in on the future of local data center development through a series of upcoming community input sessions.
The public forums are designed to gather early community feedback before a formal draft ordinance is written. The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners passed a six-month moratorium on data centers in June to pause development while they researched options. According to county officials, feedback from these meetings will directly shape the upcoming policy framework.
Participants will be able to visit several interactive discussion stations, with each area focusing on a specific aspect of data center infrastructure. The discussions will cover utility considerations like water use and power grid capacity, noise levels, air quality, land use and zoning rules. The stations will also address the broader community footprint, focusing on environmental considerations and economic impacts. Staff facilitators will be present at every station to document public comments.
The first public session will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stedman Baptist Church located at 7750 Clinton Road in Stedman. A second session is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the J.D. Pone Recreation Center located at 2964 School Road in Hope Mills.
Residents seeking more details can review project updates and frequently asked questions at cumberlandcountync.gov/datacenter.
The Fayetteville City Council has also scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville City Hall. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss and vote on proposed changes to the city's Unified Development Ordinance regarding the regulation and zoning of high-density data centers.
In other Cumberland County news
At their regularly scheduled meeting on July 20, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved $121,500 in county incentives to recruit the U.S. headquarters and first domestic production facility for a Ukrainian drone manufacturing company. The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corp. projects this move will create 162 jobs—averaging salaries over $70,000—and bring $68 million in local economic output. The Fayetteville City Council approved a $121,500 grant for the facility, known as Project Odesa, in June. The project will be located at 223 Dedication Drive, off Black and Decker Road, in Fayetteville.
Commissioners also approved a $439,068 agreement with LS3P Associates Ltd. to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a new regional aquatic facility. The firm will formulate site designs, operational models and cost estimates.
Further, board members passed a budget ordinance amendment reappropriating $5.56 million of unspent funds from 2026 into the 2027 fiscal year. This covers incomplete multi-year initiatives, including American Rescue Plan Act programs and Emergency Services grant projects. They also unanimously approved an updated bid to supply materials and technical processing services for the county library system.
Key leadership adjustments included nominating new members to the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board, the Fayetteville Technical Community College Board of Trustees and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, while formally appointing the new ABC Board Chairperson.
City of Fayetteville
The City of Fayetteville recently updated its Utility Connection Assistance Program to pay a $5,000 utility assessment and up to $1,000 for plumber costs, raising the income limit to 120% of the area median income.
The program helps owner-occupied homes in annexation and utility extension areas connect to sanitary sewer service. Applicants must live in the home, stay current on taxes, have $50,000 or less in liquid assets and never have received this help before.
Construction runs through 2037. Homeowners can apply early at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/City-Departments/Economic-Community-Development/Water-Sewer-Assistance or call 910-433-1590.
North Carolina House and Senate
The North Carolina General Assembly reconvened on July 27 following a temporary adjournment that began on July 2, but no major policy veto overrides or final votes on major pending bills occurred. One spicy bit of controversy recently reported by The Carolina Journal was a $300,000 earmark in the state budget originally awarded to the private Carolina Lakes HOA in Harnett County. It was clawed back by lawmakers following public backlash over conflict-of-interest concerns involving a local representative. Instead of returning to Raleigh, the funds were redirected to the Harnett County government to be used for public county purposes under local oversight.
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.