The city of Fayetteville recently hosted members of the North Carolina General Assembly Delegation, for a comprehensive State Legislation meeting aimed at strengthening partnerships, spotlighting top legislative priorities, and reinforcing a shared vision for the future.

Held at City Hall, the event brought together Mayor Mitch Colvin and City Council members along with Representatives Diane Wheatley (House 43), Charles Smith (House 44) and Frances Jackson (House 45) and Mike Colvin (House 42), in addition to Senators Tom McInnis (Senate 21) and Val Applewhite (Senate 19).  The elected leaders engaged in transparent discussions about strategic initiatives that have the potential to improve the quality of life for residents across Fayetteville and the entire region. 

Collaboration & Dialogue 

Mayor Colvin opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving citywide goals stating: “These projects and policy goals speak to the heart of what Fayetteville is all about: creating a safer, more resilient, and more prosperous community for everyone,” he said. “We are confident that this united approach with our state lawmakers will move these priorities forward.”  

All members of the Fayetteville City Council then shared updates on Fayetteville’s recent accomplishments—such as investments in public infrastructure, expansions at Fayetteville Regional Airport, and new programs to support housing and neighborhood revitalization.  

City’s 2025 Legislative Priorities 

The Council provided the legislative delegation a list of prioritized requests as outlined below: 

1. $4 million for mental health co-response, homeless support, and community-based violence interruption programs within the Office of Community Safety. 
2. $2 million Affordable and Workforce Housing Initiatives: $1 million in each year of the biennium in addition to legislative policy and actions to increase affordable and workforce housing in Fayetteville. 
3. $500,000 for a transportation connectivity study (I-685, rail and surface transportation): Outlines the economic benefits study to identify benefits of interstate connectivity linking I-95 and I-295 to the proposed I-685 through Cumberland County, expanded rail routes and other surface transportation. 
4. $5 million to support sewer and water extension: Support sewer and water infrastructure expansion that encourages increased economic development activity. 
5. $10 million for pedestrian and safety projects: Leverage state funding to expedite pedestrian safety studies and efforts. 
6. $1 million for workforce development initiatives: Expand and launch STEM and NextGen workforce growth opportunities. 
7. $3 million for planning and feasibility for regional public safety training center 
8. $2 million for Cape Fear River Park Trail Extension Phase II 
9. $2 million for Solid Waste & Transit facility modernization and improvements 

Policy priorities high on Council’s list include the following: 

1. Tax Allocation: Equitable tax distribution among local government entities. 
2. Public Safety Personnel Recruitment and Retention: Advocate for legislative changes to extend the Law Enforcement Officers Separation Allowance (LEOSA) to firefighters and advocate for the continuation of the NC Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program beyond 2025. 
3. Ghost Gun Regulation: Support legislation that prohibits and imposes strict penalties for ownership and use of ghost guns in North Carolina. 
4. Dam Infrastructure: Coordinate with state agencies to include Arran Lakes West and College Lakes dams in hazard mitigation plans. 

Path Forward 

Members of the North Carolina General Assembly Delegation voiced support for these funding and policy priorities, noting that many of Fayetteville’s goals align with broader statewide objectives. This highlights the entire group’s desire to ensure a collaborative, regional focus that drives the economy and improves the quality of life for all residents. The event closed with renewed commitments to open communication as lawmakers head into the 2025 legislative session. 

“Working together, we can amplify our needs and make sure our community continues moving forward in 2025 and beyond,” Mayor Colvin said. “Our conversation with state lawmakers reaffirmed that Fayetteville’s priorities align with many of the broader goals for North Carolina.”