Mayor Colvin to not seek re-election; A look back at the city’s growth under his leadership

By Staff Report, posted Jun 13, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin has announced he will not seek re-election this fall. Colvin, a Fayetteville native and businessman, has served as a mayor of “America’s Can- Do City” since 2017 and is now in his fourth term.

“While we’ve accomplished and grown the city so much during my time as Mayor, for everything there is a season,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin in a press release. “As I look to the future, I plan to continue working to make Fayetteville a better place by contributing to the community, but I’m also looking forward to spending time with my family and working in my business. I’m so grateful to my wife, Tamara; my children – especially my daughters Porscha, Ashley and Mya – who I’ve seen grow into leaders during this process, and my bonus sons, Jackson and Dajon. I would also like to thank my mother, Elva Colvin; my brother, Michael Colvin; and the Fayetteville community for their support. It has truly been the honor of my life to serve as mayor of this wonderful city, and I’m incredibly grateful for your support over the years.”

Prior to being elected in 2017, the democrat served two consecutive terms on the Fayetteville City Council from 2013 - 2017, first representing District 3 and later as Mayor Pro Term.

“It’s crucial for our community to keep making strategic decisions and investments that secure the bright future we all envision for Fayetteville,” added Mayor Colvin in a press release. “I will continue to be a champion for Innovation Districts and positioning our community for the future, including investing in infrastructure to grow the city, reducing poverty and homelessness, increasing housing affordability and investing in our streets, sidewalks and stormwater systems.”

As mayor, Colvin focused on economic development, jobs and infrastructure. Notable accomplishments during his tenure include:

Facilitated more than $1.4 billion in new investments and over 5,000 new jobs with employers such as Amazon and American Titanium Company.
Completed the $41 million Segra Stadium and welcomed Minor League Baseball team, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
Led the passage of the $35 million Parks and Recreation Bond which increased investment by over 40% with five new pools, seven splash pads, two state-of-the art senior centers, new tennis and pickle ball courts and state of the art soccer facilities in collaboration with Methodist University.
Strategic Funding Partner with Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business Hub via a historic partnership with Fayetteville State University.
Introduced the $5 million “Can Do Performance Finance Program” to help entrepreneurs scale and grow their businesses, with more than $400,000 already awarded.
Initiated plans for Fayetteville’s New Innovation districts helping to develop and build small and minority-owned businesses in the area.
Championed new sports complex and municipal services in collaboration with Fort Bragg.
Mayor’s Home ownership initiative- to create 300 New Homeowners in the city- Championed and created City and Local Government Down Payment Assistance Program for city, county and local government employees.
Created Millennial Council now Fayetteville Next to retain and attract young adults and unprecedented investments in local youth and related programs.
Secured a historic $97 million bond package to fund projects in public safety, public infrastructure and housing, including:
- $12 million in affordable and workforce housing.
- $25 million for infrastructure which included street resurfacing, sidewalks, bike lanes and intersection improvements.
- $60 million in public safety, to include five new fire stations and budget for a new 911 center.
Funding for renovation and modernization of the Fayetteville Airport and TSA Designation.
Historic improvements to the City’s aging storm water system after the flooding of hurricanes Florence and Matthew.
City Awarded 4th All-American City Award.

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