The City of Fayetteville is a finalist for the All-America City Award, an honor that is bestowed annually by the National Civic League. Fayetteville is one of 20 finalists in the competition, which recognizes civic activists and community problem-solvers. 

The 2023 awards event will be June 9-11 in Denver where 10 winners will be announced. During the three-day competition, a delegation from each community will present its challenges and

solutions to a jury of national experts from across the United States. 

“What [with] all the great things taking place throughout Fayetteville, it’s no wonder that we are one of the only 20 finalists in the entire country,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin in a press release. “I am proud we will be represented by our professional City staff in June.” 

The City’s application displayed civic engagement and collaboration, a community-wide effort for inclusiveness and creative leveraging of resources to complete projects that have dramatic impact in the community. 

“I was thrilled to hear our application made it through the process and we were a finalist. Especially given this year's focus on youth who is such a critical part of our community,” said

City Manager Douglas J. Hewett in a press release. 

Specifically highlighted was the commitment to engaging youth through the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council. The FCYC community outreach efforts included in the application detailed the council’s passion for and desire to serve their community in a meaningful way, which is a part of the council’s mission. Additionally, the application included Market House Repurposing efforts and Education, Mentorship and Empowerment

Programs. 

“The engaging conversations around the Market House, painful at times, is also a reason why our recognition as a finalist has been so exciting,” added Hewett in a press release.  

Efforts to develop a community-wide branding platform and cohesive identity creating a unified approach to communicating the city’s strengths, assets, diversity, vision and potential allowed the City of Fayetteville to become America’s “Can Do” City. 

With this “Can Do” spirit in mind, the City successfully organized a general obligation bond education campaign resulting in the overwhelming support for three bonds totaling $97 million on the November 2022 ballot. The GO bond supports projects in public safety, public infrastructure and housing opportunities.  

“We know we are moving the community forward and it is gratifying to share our progress with other communities who may be facing similar challenges,” added Hewett in a press release. “I was here when we were selected in 2011 and I’m looking forward to bringing home the award again for our great City.” 

Fayetteville is a three-time All-America City Award winner, earning the honor in 1984-1985, 2001 and most recently 2011.