City Manager's Report

January 16, 2026 | FayettevilleNC.gov

The Latest from Doug

As we move through a busy (and very chilly) January, I want to share a few important opportunities for you to stay connected, stay engaged, and stay safe.

I want to thank Rep. Mike Colvin and Mark Ezzell from the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program for allowing us to host a grant application presentation for Cumberland County municipalities and the County. There was great conversation and a collaborative discussion on highway safety programs and how to apply for safety grants.

I hope you join me for my next “Doug in the District” on Tuesday, Jan. 20. We’ll gather at Coffee Scene, 3818 Morganton Rd. from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. If you’re not able to make it to this one, I’ll have an evening meeting soon so we can catch up on the topics that matter to you. These are one of my favorite ways to connect because they’re simple and genuine: a cup of coffee, a conversation, and a chance for me to hear directly from you and your neighbors about what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s on your mind. If you want to share an idea, raise a concern, or just introduce yourself, I hope you’ll stop by.

Also on Tuesday, the Fayetteville Office of Community Safety is hosting Community Listening Sessions to make sure everyone has a voice in shaping their work ahead. These sessions are designed to gather community input as the OCS develops a strategic plan. The sessions will be Jan. 20 and 21 at the Kiwanis Center in two-hour increments. Jan. 20 sessions are 9–11 a.m., noon–2 p.m., 3–5 p.m., and a 6–8 p.m. session at Smith Recreation Center. Youth ages 12 to 18 will also have a dedicated opportunity to share feedback at the Youth Council Facility on Jan. 21 from 6–8 p.m. To register and learn more, visit FayettevilleNC.gov/OCS and click the “Community Feedback Sessions” bar. I know we will get invaluable feedback from these important conversations.

With the cold weather this weekend, take a moment to check on your friends, neighbors, and loved ones, especially seniors or anyone living alone. Our community is special because we show up for one another, and sometimes the simplest things like a quick call, a knock on the door, or offering a warm place to sit, make the biggest difference.

Best,

Dr. Douglas J. Hewett

MLK Day closures & schedules for City services

City of Fayetteville Government offices will be closed Jan. 19 to observe the Martin Luther King Day Holiday. Please see the following holiday schedules for the Police Department, Solid Waste Division, Fayetteville Regional Airport, Fayetteville Area System of Transit and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation. MORE

City Council Regular Meeting Recap – January 12, 2026

The Fayetteville City Council met Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular council meeting to discuss matters relevant for the City and its residents. MORE

Office of Community Safety to hold community feedback session

The Office of Community Safety (OCS) invites residents to attend a community feedback session to share input, perspectives and priorities to help shape the office’s strategic plan. MORE

Council authorizes grant to advance economic mobility for residents

City Council accepted a $354,000 grant from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) to advance community-wide strategies that will improve economic mobility and opportunities in the City. MORE

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Fayetteville Community Members! The Office of Community Safety wants to hear from YOU! Join us for community feedback sessions where YOU are invited to share input, perspectives, and priorities to help shape the Office of Community Safety's Strategic Plan. Each session will last 2 hours.

January 20:

9 AM to 11 AM - Kiwanis Recreation Center
12 PM to 2 PM - Kiwanis Recreation Center
3 PM to 5 PM -Kiwanis Recreation Center
6 PM to 8 PM - Smith Recreation Center

January 21:

9 AM to 11 AM - Kiwanis Recreation Center
12 PM to 2 PM - Kiwanis Recreation Center
3 PM to 5 PM - Kiwanis Recreation Center
6 PM to 8 PM - Youth Council Facility - Youth ages 12 to 18 only

To register, visit FayettevilleNC.gov/OCS and choose which session you would like to attend.

The Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations (FCHR) Commission has selected the recipients of the 2026 Community Awards for their excellent work and commitment to promoting positive human relations throughout the City and County. The honorees will be presented with their awards at the annual community awards luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N Eastern Blvd.

Community Award Winners are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award, Jerome T. Scott

• Educator Award, Dr. Carmen Nichols-McFarlin

• Individual Award, Dr. Erika McCormick

• Religious Leader Award, Chaplain (CPT) Asnage Castelly

• Humanitarian Award, Carlos Sanchez

• Youth Award, Zamiah Robinson

• Organization Award, Fayetteville NOW

• Military Award, Ignacio (Iggy) Suarez

Tickets are available for $35 and can be purchased online at Fayetteville.gov/HumanRelations or at the Human Relations Department, located at the Festival Park Building, 225 Ray Ave. Suite 100 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsorship tables are also available for $250. Tickets must be purchased by Feb. 4 and no tickets will be sold at the door.

Fayetteville native and Rock103 Radio Host Dominique Womack will be emceeing the awards ceremony.

Funds raised at the awards reception will go towards the Human Relations scholarship, created for Cumberland County high school students pursuing college degrees.

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Tune into our latest Fayetteville City Council Meeting: City Council Regular Meeting - Jan. 12, 2026

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