The Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission presented its 2024–2025 annual report to the Fayetteville City Council, outlining a year of progress in affordable housing, small-business support, neighborhood revitalization and community partnerships.

Over the past year, City programs supported by these resources helped bring more than 150 new affordable housing units online and completed 28 emergency and critical home repairs for existing homeowners. Economic development efforts assisted more than 50 small businesses, helping create 67 new jobs and retain 117 positions in Fayetteville’s local economy.

Neighborhood and community partnerships also expanded. More than 3,000 residents were connected to services through local partners and the Way2Real Community Center, while City staff and partners participated in more than 100 community engagement efforts.

“Fayetteville’s Redevelopment Commission is helping turn our Can-Do spirit into real results for families and neighborhoods,” Mayor Mitch Colvin said in a press release. “From expanding affordable housing to supporting small businesses and community-led projects, this work is creating opportunity, stabilizing neighborhoods and building the kind of city where every resident has a fair shot to thrive.”

Among the highlighted initiatives was the Empowering Community Safety Micro-Grant Program, a low-barrier funding opportunity that supports resident-led projects focused on crime prevention, conflict resolution, youth engagement and upward mobility. During the 2024–2025 program year, the City awarded 48 micro-grants totaling $100,000.

The report also noted ongoing success in the City’s Homebuying HERO Program, a cornerstone of Fayetteville’s affordable housing strategy. In 2024–2025, 17 homebuyers received a combined $423,804 in assistance to achieve homeownership.

“The numbers in this report represent real families, real business owners and real neighborhoods that are stronger because of these investments,” said Fayetteville City Manager Douglas J. Hewett in a press release. “Our role is to make sure federal and local dollars are used wisely and equitably, and we’re proud of the impact these programs are having across Fayetteville.”

On the small-business side, the Commercial Exterior Grant Program helped support façade and site improvements, including a $25,000 grant to Kraken Customs for sidewalk and pavement upgrades that contributed to the creation of 11 new jobs.

Looking ahead, the Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission’s recommendations to City Council include guiding development of the 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan, expanding the Homebuying HERO Program, awarding new single-family housing development projects and shaping the City’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan.

Commissioners also outlined priorities to:

·      Guide oversight and administration of current and future investments;

·      Expand economic development tools and incentives

·      Increase housing opportunities and preserve affordability

·      Transform key corridors through strategic improvements

·      Unlock strategic redevelopment in priority areas

For more information about the Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission and the City’s economic and community development programs, visit FayettevilleNC.gov.