City Manager Doug Hewett will step down before the end of 2026, closing a decade of leadership that included hurricane recovery, neighborhood investment and the arrival of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. The city announced his departure Oct. 8.
Hewett joined Fayetteville in 2004 as management services director and became assistant city manager in 2007. After working in Florida and Virginia, he returned in 2015 and became city manager in April 2016. His career spans more than 25 years in local government.
Working with elected officials and development partners, Hewett helped advance Segra Stadium, which brought affiliated minor league baseball back to Fayetteville. The Woodpeckers played their first home game April 18, 2019, before a sold-out crowd. Conceived as an anchor for downtown redevelopment, the stadium also provides space for community and cultural events beyond baseball.
His tenure included responses to Hurricanes Matthew and Florence and the COVID-19 pandemic. The city also credited his work on infrastructure and recreation bonds and a $25.1 million federal grant supporting transformation along the Murchison Road corridor.
Hewett’s departure will close a chapter in city administration that included both emergency response and major investments in Fayetteville’s future with the Woodpeckers’ downtown home among its most recognizable results.
Greater Fayetteville Chamber President/CEO and former mayor Nat Robertson said that Hewett will be missed.
“In my five decades being involved with city government and local politics, I can tell you Doug Hewett is one of the most conscientious and caring city managers that Fayetteville has had,” Robertson said. “Many of the amenities that we enjoy today are in part due to Doug’s vision for a better quality of life for our residents.”
The city said an interim manager would be announced in the coming weeks.

City of Fayetteville
The Fayetteville City Council moved toward hiring a new downtown parking operator Oct. 5, unanimously agreeing to bring a finalized contract with Pivot Parking to a future meeting for approval.
The proposed operator would manage more than 2,000 public parking spaces and begin service no later than Jan. 1, 2027. The decision followed questions about malfunctioning payment kiosks, confusing signs and the financial direction of the city’s parking program.
Brian McGill, the city’s assistant public services director for traffc services, reported that many of the parking kiosks were malfunctioning. The proposed agreement would require equipment maintenance and impose penalties when performance requirements are not met.
Parking rates and enforcement changes remained unresolved. Pivot Parking would evaluate operations and recommend changes, including possible adjustments to rates, enforcement hours and free parking.
Downtown business owners have raised concerns about signs, lighting and the possibility of free parking with time limits on Hay and Person streets.
At the Sept. 28 regular meeting, the agenda included a proposed financing package of up to $28.5 million for the McArthur Road Sports Complex and fire vehicles.
Staff estimated the sports complex would cost about $18.5 million and the fire apparatus about $8 million. The requested preliminary resolution would allow the city to seek approval from the North Carolina Local Government Commission. It would not authorize the final bond sale, which would require a separate council action.
Other Sept. 28 proposals included accepting $644,285 in state funding for one-time law enforcement bonuses. Staff identified 342 eligible sworn officers for $1,750 payments, with the city providing an additional $29,925 for required retirement contributions.
The Police Department also requested a 75-month agreement with Axon Enterprise costing approximately $17.37 million. The proposal would consolidate digital evidence services and provide updated body cameras, vehicle cameras, Tasers and a drone first responder program.

Cumberland County
Cumberland County commissioners unanimously approved public hearings Oct. 5 to gather property owners’ comments on the proposed East Central and Cedar Creek water and sewer districts.
Staff proposed Nov. 16 for the hearings with January 2027 as the latest anticipated timing. Educational outreach and communications plans are scheduled for discussion at the board’s Oct. 15 agenda session.
Commissioners also unanimously scheduled an Oct. 19 hearing on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. County Manager Clarence Grier said the funding would help cover Sheriff’s Office equipment and training costs.
The board approved an amendment to its attorney fee contract for Chemours litigation, changes to meeting schedules and proclamations recognizing Fire Prevention Week and Oct. 10 as Firefighter and EMS Memorial Day.
Commissioners recognized the county’s emergency dispatch center for maintaining accreditation in medical, police and fire dispatch.

National Civics Bee
Best wishes to Fayetteville Academy 9th grader Callie Tisdale as she represents North Carolina in the National Civics Bee! Your dedication, curiosity and commitment to understanding our democracy make our community proud. Enjoy this incredible opportunity, trust your preparation and let your knowledge shine. We’re cheering you on every step of the way, Callie!

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: City Manager Doug Hewett announced on Oct. 8 that he would be stepping down before the end of 2026. Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville)