The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) was recently recognized with a North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) Excellence in Communications Award. PWC's Communications & Community Relations Division received the award for their multi-platform public education campaign related to Fuquay-Varina’s proposed Interbasin Transfer (IBT) request in 2025.
The award recognizes PWC’s strategic approach to communicating a complex public issue through transparency, public education, community engagement and responsible stewardship of shared water resources. The campaign brought together customers, concerned citizens, community organizations, businesses, civic leaders and regional partners while providing the public with factual information and resources to participate in the state’s decision-making process.
“Good public communication is about earning trust every day, especially when the stakes are high for PWC and its customers,” said Tyler C. Patton, Chief Communications & Community Relations Officer for Fayetteville PWC in a press release. “We’re honored to be recognized by NC3C because the goal was simple: take a complex public policy issue and help customers, partners, and stakeholders understand how it affects our shared water resources and how they could participate in this important conversation.”
PWC’s outreach generated significant community engagement. Across three public hearings, 275 residents attended, with 73 speaking in opposition to the proposed transfer and none speaking in favor. By comparison, a previous IBT public hearing referenced in PWC’s campaign planning drew 24 attendees.
The campaign also reached thousands through digital outreach. In December 2025, PWC’s paid Facebook campaign generated more than 194,000 impressions and approximately 14,500 link clicks to the IBT webpage. Organic social media content received more than 50,000 views, and a special IBT e-blast reached approximately 76,000 customers.
NC3C is a professional organization that supports local government communicators through training, networking, and recognition of excellence in public-sector communications.
Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken
FirstHealth’s art therapy for cancer patients and caregivers helps attendees reduce stress through creative expression. Photo provided by Deborah Yarborough.Group therapy can provide much-needed support and comfort during difficult times, and t
Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her ar
