On April 29, 2025, at 6 p.m., more than 100 residents, elected officials and County staff gathered in Cumberland County's Historic Courthouse, located at 130 Gillespie St., in Fayetteville, for the 2025 State of the County Address. Led by Chairman Kirk deViere, the address highlighted the County’s progress, current priorities and goals for the future.

Chairman deViere was joined by Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones and Commissioners Henry Tyson, Jeannette Council and Pavan Patel. 

Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones opened the evening by emphasizing the Board’s recently adopted three-year strategic plan, aligning with the County’s updated mission and vision.

“Cumberland County is moving forward with purpose and unity,” said Vice Chairwoman Jones. “Your Board of Commissioners has laid a solid foundation for growth, resilience and opportunity.”

Chairman deViere’s address centered on building a stronger, more resilient Cumberland County by focusing on clean water, public safety innovation, education, health and wellness and economic vitality. He praised community advocates for their efforts and for advocating for clean, safe, regulated drinking water and discussed a county-wide clean water strategy.

“We are developing a county-wide clean water strategy that ensures every family has access to safe, regulated drinking water. Clean water isn't a luxury, it's a fundamental right for every Cumberland County resident. When contamination threatens one neighborhood, it's a threat to our entire community's health and future,” Chairman deViere stated. 

Chairman deViere also discussed plans for investing in educational infrastructure and teacher compensation, as well as expanding early childhood education and youth intervention programs. He announced the development of a unified 911 Communications Center, a response to rising public safety demands and a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration.

Recognizing the economic future of the region, Chairman deViere detailed investments in infrastructure corridors, small business growth and housing accessibility, all grounded in sound fiscal stewardship.

The Chairman's full wishlist includes:

• Competitive salaries for educators to make Cumberland County attractive to the best professionals in their field.
• Strategic investments to renovate and modernize school buildings and classrooms and work with the Cumberland County school board to support new construction where needed.
• Expand early childhood development programs, particularly those for children with special needs. 
• Confront public safety issues with sophisticated solutions. 
• Tackle critical staffing challenges in the Sheriff's Office and detention center through recruitment and retention strategies. 
• Investing in youth intervention programs. 
• Investing in accessible mental health services across the County.
• Supporting mental health access for the homeless by creating a comprehensive support center. 
• Create stronger bonds with local nonprofits. 
• Expand Fayetteville Technical Community College's hospitality training “HOPE” program. 
• Expand the County's doula program by recruiting specialized OBGYNs, and building comprehensive support networks. 
• Build an international farmers market that connects families with locally grown food sources. 
• Strengthen Cumberland County's small businesses and family farms with support, training and direct market access. 
• Leverage the County’s major highways—I-95, I-295 and future I-685—into economic engines connecting Cumberland County to markets across North Carolina and the entire East Coast and more. 

“By strengthening economic corridors that unite Fort Bragg, Hwy 401, Northern Cumberland County, Business 95/Hwy 301 and our regional airport, we'll create new opportunities for business growth and family-supporting jobs throughout our community,” said Chairman deVire.

Chairman deViere closed the address by reaffirming the importance of community collaboration and civic engagement in achieving long-term goals.

“As we pursue these goals, we must remain grounded in sound financial stewardship. Your tax dollars represent trust—a family's hard work, a business owner's risk, a community's shared future. We're working to lower the county tax rate while funding what matters most,” said deViere. 

The event did not include an update on the uncertain future of the Crown Event Center. 

The full State of the County Address is available on the County’s YouTube Channel here. A transcript can also be viewed by clicking here.