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As your City Manager, I want to personally invite you and your family to Festival Park this Saturday for Fayetteville’s Juneteenth Jubilee: Sovereign—a celebration that speaks to the very soul of who we are as a community. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day of reflection, education, and joy—and a chance for all of us, together, to honor our past while shaping a more just and inclusive future. This year’s Jubilee will feature inspiring performances, historical exhibits, local vendors, and storytelling that will leave you uplifted and connected. Whether you come to dance, to learn, or simply to be part of something bigger than yourself, I encourage you to stand with your neighbors and celebrate freedom, culture, and community. Let’s show the world what unity looks like in America’s Can Do City.
It's with great pride that I share the adoption of the FY26 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. This milestone is the result of months of collaborative planning, careful analysis, and meaningful engagement with the community and City Council. The adopted budget reflects our values and our vision for Fayetteville’s future. A responsible, balanced $315.2 million operating budget and a $91.8 million capital plan that preserves essential services and advances bold investments in public safety, infrastructure, youth engagement, and neighborhood revitalization has been delivered for residents. This budget underscores our deep commitment to service, stewardship, and inclusive progress with the lowest property tax rate in 30 years, no fee increases, and continued investments in our workforce and community. I am grateful to the Mayor and City Council for their leadership, to our staff for their unwavering dedication, and to the residents of Fayetteville for their continued trust.
Finally, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable tenure of Mayor Mitch Colvin, who announced he will not seek re-election this fall. Mayor Colvin's instrumental leadership has propelled Fayetteville forward during his time in office. From economic development initiatives to significant infrastructure investments, his dedication has transformed our city's landscape and bolstered its reputation as "America's Can-Do City."
Working alongside Mayor Colvin has been a rewarding experience personally and professionally. His vision for Fayetteville has been ambitious yet grounded in a deep commitment to community welfare and progress. Together, we've achieved milestones that have reshaped our city, from attracting major investments and creating thousands of jobs to enhancing our parks, recreation facilities, and public safety infrastructure.
As Mayor Colvin embarks on a new chapter focused on family and business, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his tireless service and leadership. His impact will continue to resonate in the years to come. Please join me in thanking Mayor Colvin for his unwavering dedication and wishing him the very best in all his future endeavors.
Enjoy your weekend, be kind and look out for one-another.
Best,
Dr. Douglas J. Hewett
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