
The City of Fayetteville recently received a $245,040 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. In addition to this grant, the Department of Energy has approved the placement of a fully-funded EECBG Community Energy Fellow assigned to support Fayetteville’s planning efforts.
Kameryn Sessoms, Fayetteville’s EECBG Community Energy Fellow and Southeast North Carolina Native, joined Fayetteville in August to help the city move forward in energy efficient and sustainability efforts.
The EECBG Program helps communities pursue place-based projects that reduce climate pollution, enhance energy efficiency and conserve energy. This fully-funded DOE initiative pairs recent graduates and mid-career clean energy professionals with selected local and Tribal governments for 18 months, providing fresh perspectives and hands-on support.
In this role, Sessoms will collaborate with city leadership to establish local, state and regional partnerships to better understand clean energy and sustainability. She will also engage with the Fayetteville community to educate residents on how they can contribute to the city’s efforts in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.
"This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to support Fayetteville's vision of a more energy efficient and sustainable future,” Sessoms shared in a press release. “I look forward to identifying the gaps and helping improve the quality of life for local residents by promoting long-term environmental benefits and reducing the city's carbon footprint.”
There will be public engagement opportunities to gather feedback from residents as the city moves forward with creating sustainable and energy-efficient goals and defining what success looks like in these areas.
A community online survey is available for community members to provide feedback to assist in developing the city’s Sustainability Action Plan.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo