Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere and Commissioner Henry Tyson joined regional partners, infrastructure leaders and economic development stakeholders on Thursday, March 26 for an Economic Development Infrastructure Summit hosted by the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC).

The summit brought together representatives from transportation, utilities, and local governments to align priorities and identify coordinated strategies to support future growth across Cumberland County and the region.

Chairman deViere emphasized that the summit marks a shift from discussion to action, focused on ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with economic opportunity.

“We have real growth coming, but in too many areas, the infrastructure is not keeping pace,” said Chairman deViere in a press release. “This summit is about alignment. It brings our partners together to connect every road, water line, and investment to a shared vision for growing this community.”

Discussions centered on key economic corridors, including I-95 and Highways 401, 24, and 87, as well as the critical role of water, sewer, energy, and transportation infrastructure in supporting job creation and long-term development.

Chairman deViere highlighted that gaps in infrastructure capacity are already impacting the County’s ability to attract and retain economic opportunities.

“Water and sewer capacity gaps are costing us deals, costing us jobs, and limiting access to clean water for families,” he said in a press release. “No single entity solves this alone, but together, we can move faster and deliver results.”

The summit builds on priorities outlined in the Chairman’s 2026 State of the County Address, which emphasized a coordinated, corridor-based approach to infrastructure investment and a commitment to expanding access to clean, safe, regulated drinking water across the community.

County leaders and partners focused on identifying specific opportunities for collaboration, with the goal of leaving the summit with clear next steps and shared commitments.

“The opportunity in front of us is real,” deViere concluded. “The question is whether we choose to move forward together. Today is about making that decision and turning it into action.”