Fayetteville Today

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The City Council of Fayetteville recently held a two-day strategic planning retreat to discuss and update the city's goals and priorities for the year ahead. The retreat took place at the Dorothy Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center, where council members celebrated past accomplishments and recognized the city's recent success.

Mayor Mitch Colvin emphasized the importance of understanding what makes Fayetteville a desirable place to live, work, and recreate. He stated, "We need to look across the community and focus on what makes Fayetteville a desirable place to live, work and recreate."

During the retreat, the council revisited the Vision Statement for Fayetteville 2032, which envisions the city as "An attractive, culturally diverse and inclusive city that is safe, prosperous, innovative, and unified." The Mission Statement describes the city's purpose in achieving this vision, which is to provide quality and sustainable public services for the community to thrive and businesses to grow.

The council discussed the six existing goals that serve as strategic guideposts for the city's success. In addition, they added five new priorities to address in the coming year. These priorities include creating a more comprehensive response to emergency 911, establishing an Office of Community Safety, committing to community revitalization and affordable housing, enhancing community-based Parks & Recreation opportunities, and evaluating and returning municipal assets to tax rolls.

Each goal has specific initiatives aimed at achieving its objectives. Goal 1 focuses on making Fayetteville a safe and secure community. It involves rigorous emergency preparedness, enhancing traffic and pedestrian safety measures, proactive policing, and community engagement.

Goal 2 aims to have a responsive city government that supports a diverse and viable economy. This involves ensuring a diverse tax base, forging strategic partnerships for job creation and retention, and sustaining a favorable development climate.

Goal 3 focuses on being a city invested in today and tomorrow. It includes optimizing street connectivity and stormwater systems, strategic land use planning, efficient construction review and building inspection services, and neighborhood revitalization.

Goal 4 is to be a highly desirable place to live, work, and recreate. This goal encompasses maintaining and improving public transportation, enhancing recreation and cultural opportunities, investing in sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes, and creating a clean and beautiful community.

Goal 5 is to be a financially sound city providing exemplary services. This involves strong financial management, innovative technologies, and nurturing an exceptional workforce.

Lastly, Goal 6 emphasizes a collaborative citizen and business engagement base. It includes cultivating relationships with the business community, providing transparency and high-quality customer service, and enhancing public outreach and community dialogue.

City Manager Douglas J. Hewett expressed gratitude to the Mayor and City Council for their vision and leadership. He acknowledged the priorities set by the council and assured that the city staff will remain focused on efforts concerning traffic calming, crime reduction, beautification, and efficient operations.

The council also received updates on economic development in Fayetteville and Cumberland County from the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development President and CEO, Robert Van Geons, as well as installation priorities and partnerships from Fort Liberty Garrison Commander, Col. John Wilcox.

The strategic planning retreat was a significant step in aligning the goals and priorities of the City Council with the needs and desires of the residents. By focusing on these priorities, Fayetteville aims to continue its growth as an attractive, safe, and prosperous city that provides quality services and opportunities for its community to thrive.