The Town of Hope Mills is poised for the future with several initiatives designed to ensure that growth is thoughtful, well-planned and aligned with the community’s values. The following updates were made with the goal of driving the town’s growth in a way that strengthens residents’ quality of life while preserving the small-town character that defines Hope Mills.

Zoning Ordinance Update:

The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners approved a comprehensive update to the zoning ordinance on Aug. 18, 2025. This rewrite brings greater clarity, alignment, and consistency while adapting to current development trends. Key updates include:

• Landscaping requirements doubled.
• Existing Ordinance for sidewalks required on both sides of all new streets incorporated.
• Adopted overlay ordinance regulating smoke shops, auto body repair and vehicle sales incorporated.
• Updated sign ordinance applying uniform standards, including allowable sizes for campaign signs. 

These changes will elevate the quality of new development and help regulate uses that have grown rapidly in recent years.

Strategic Plan Update:

Launched in December 2024 with Sans Anderson PC, the Strategic Plan provides a long-term vision for Hope Mills. It helps us prioritize resources and plan for where we want to be in 5, 10 or 20 years. At the Aug 18, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Strategic Plan “Community Report Card” highlighted feedback from residents:

• Positive feedback on Parks & Recreation programs.
• Strong support for emergency services and special events.
• Desire for downtown revitalization (Trade Street).
• Calls for more infrastructure improvements and expanded recreation opportunities.

Implementation will focus on aligning strategic priorities with operational goals, engaging stakeholders and maintaining flexibility to adapt as the town grows.

Land Use Plan Update:

The SW Cumberland Land Use Plan has been rebranded as the Hope Mills Area Land Use

Plan—a key tool to guide long-term growth. The kickoff meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28,

2025, and will include significant community engagement. The kickoff will begin a lengthy process of community engagement led by the Cumberland County Planning Department that will include a dedicated website created to serve as the source of updates throughout the process.

Subdivision Ordinance Update:

This update focuses on enhancing quality of life by adding requirements for usable open space

and greenways with the street acceptance process strengthened to ensure infrastructure

readiness. The amendment received a recommendation of approval from the Cumberland

County Planning Board on August 19, 2025, and is scheduled for final adoption by the Hope

Mills Board of Commissioners on September 15, 2025.

These are long-term goals, and their success will depend on the collective efforts of leadership, staff and citizens. By working hand in hand, Hope Mills leaders intend to ensure that growth is managed responsibly.