On March 17, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere delivered the 2026 State of the County Address, outlining a vision centered on community partnership, strategic investment and shared responsibility.

Framed as a “military mission brief,” the address emphasized progress built through collaboration between residents, government and community partners.

Clean Water & Infrastructure

Chairman deViere highlighted major progress in addressing PFAS contamination and expanding access to safe drinking water, to include:

• Filtration systems installed at two Grays Creek elementary schools
• Accelerated construction of a water system in impacted areas
• More than $260 million committed to water infrastructure

Education & Workforce

For the first time over 15 years, the Board fully funded the school system’s budget request, investing over $500 million in education, maintenance, and new construction. The County is also strengthening workforce pipelines through partnerships with FTCC, Fayetteville State University and Cape Fear Valley Health.

Caring for Our Unhoused Community

Cumberland County continues to expand efforts to address homelessness, including:

• Expanded emergency shelter capacity, including cold-weather and permanent beds
• Millions invested in nonprofit partners providing direct services
• Ongoing coordination to ensure residents have access to support

Mental & Behavioral Health

Through partnerships with Alliance Health and Cape Fear Valley Health, the County is increasing access to mental health services to include:

• Expanded behavioral health programs
• Post-Overdose Response Team funding
• Integration of mental health professionals into 911 response
• Planned Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center

Public Safety

The County is committed to moving forward with the consolidation the City and County 911 centers. That plan includes:

• One coordinated system with shared costs and unified command
• No job losses
• Improved response times and coordination

Military Community

Recognizing Fort Bragg as a central part of the community, the County continues to invest in military-connected initiatives like:

• Soldiers-to-agriculture program
• Childcare and workforce partnerships
• Strong collaboration with Fort Bragg leadership

Quality of Life

The County is investing in amenities that strengthen community pride and quality of life to include:

• Regional aquatic center
• Crown Complex improvements
• Exploration of a new children’s museum

Economic Growth & Innovation

Through the Innovation Corridor, the County is advancing opportunities in areas such as:

• Defense technology
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence
• Workforce development

Additional efforts include economic corridors around the Fayetteville Regional Airport and Crown Complex, and an Infrastructure Summit to align regional growth.

Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency

Cumberland County reduced its tax rate to the lowest level in more than 20 years while continuing to make historic and strategic investments. Enhanced transparency efforts include:

• Public financial dashboards
• Livestreamed meetings
• Regular press briefings

Vision 2030

Chairman deViere outlined a vision for Cumberland County to become a national model for military-connected community development by 2030, with a focus on:

• Clean water access
• Strong education and workforce systems
• Expanded mental health services
• Economic growth and innovation

Chairman deViere concluded by emphasizing the role of residents in shaping the County’s future: “You are the formation. And the mission has never been clearer. One mission. One community. Forward. Together, we will.”

Visit the County’s YouTube Channel to watch the full State of the County Address.