Economic & Community Development

First Time Homebuyer Workshop Dates Announced for Early 2026

These monthly workshops help first-time homebuyers understand the full homebuying journey—from budgeting and choosing a lender to securing a mortgage, closing, and caring for their new home. Led by Kingdom Community Development Corporation, sessions are held every fourth Saturday at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Completing a workshop fulfills the education requirement for the City’s Homebuying HERO program. To register, scan the QR code below or check out the "First Time Homebuyer Workshop" tab on our Resident Resources page.

Notice of Funding Availability for the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan

The Fayetteville Economic and Community Development Department will receive U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Opioid Settlement funds for Program Year 2026 – 2027 to assist in providing citizens with a better quality of life. The City seeks partner organizations to deliver eligible activities to City residents.

Programs selected must be consistent with the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan goals and objectives. All organizations interested in submitting a proposal for consideration may submit an application via the Neighborly participant portal.

The deadline for receiving applications is 5:00 PM, Friday, January 16, 2026.

To read the full NOFA, visit our Reports and Studies page and click "Public Notices".

Public Hearing Notice

2026-2027 Annual Action Plan Federal Funding Priorities

Please be advised that the Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, @ 2:00 PM during the regular Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission meeting.

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to gather public input on funding priorities for the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, which outlines the use of entitlement funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Fund, and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs.

Community members are invited to share feedback on which focus areas federal funding should support in the upcoming program year.

To learn how to sign up for the public hearing, go to Reports and Studies and click "Public Notices".

ECD Participates in Cape Fear Valley Resource Fair 2025

On October 14th, ECD staff joined Fayetteville Redevelopment Commissioner Dineen Morton at the Cape Fear Valley Resource Fair, provided information on department programs and available resources for residents. Staff shared information on programs like Homebuying HERO, small business assistance, and homelessness prevention. Reach out to have a member of our staff at your next resource fair by emailing EconCommDev@FayettevilleNC.gov. We look forward to working with you!

Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission Publishes Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report

The Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission is proud to present its Annual Report for 2024-2025. The Annual Report is a summarization of the Economic and Community Development Department's work over the past program year, including a fiscal and impact report. This report can be read by visiting Reports and Studies and clicking the Fiscal Year (FY) Annual Reports tab.

2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report

Each year, ECD releases the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER documents any progress the City of Fayetteville has made towards its Consolidated Plan - the five year plan that identifies priorities and strategic goals for federal funding spending. After a public comment period (ending September 25, 2025 at 9 AM), this CAPER was submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The 2024-2025 CAPER is the last report of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. To read the 2024-2025 CAPER and explore the new 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, click here.

ECD Awards Over $1.6 Million in Competitive Grants to Local Nonprofits

The Economic and Community Development Department (ECD) has awarded $1,683,509 in competitive grants to local nonprofits as part of its 2025–26 Annual Funding Cycle. 

Each program year, starting in July and ending in June, focuses on priorities identified by ECD and city council. Recent priorities included homelessness, mental health, gun violence interruption and youth development. 

“At the heart of each annual funding cycle is our belief in the strength of our community,” said Economic and Community Development Director Chris Cauley. “The city receives federal dollars, but it’s ECD’s privilege to invest them where they matter most, and that’s into organizations that help Fayetteville grow stronger, safer and more resilient.” 

To read more, click here and scroll to "Community Partnerships". 

The mission of the City of Fayetteville’s Economic and Community Development Department is to engage with neighborhoods, community partners, and the private sector to build a stronger economy and community for all residents.

ECD works to improve community wealth, increase access to essential services, and enhance resilience through neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing development, economic incentives, and the management of federal grants. Our work centers around four primary focus areas:

• Creating and sustaining affordable housing

• Supporting the development and growth of small businesses

• Partnering with community organizations to address homelessness

• Providing resources and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods

We would love to speak with your organization about the programs and resources we offer to Fayetteville residents. To learn more or schedule a presentation, please contact us at 910-433-1590 or email EconCommDev@FayettevilleNC.gov.

Chris Cauley is the Director of the City of Fayetteville’s Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department.

With over a decade of diverse experience in local government—including budget management, strategic planning, organizational excellence, and community economic development—Chris brings a well-rounded and visionary approach to his role.

Joining the ECD team in 2019 as Assistant Director, Chris quickly stepped into the Director role, where he has been a driving force in advancing innovative solutions that benefit the community. Under his leadership, the department has secured new funding opportunities, expanded the City’s capacity to utilize federal funds effectively, and fostered a collaborative, inclusive culture that feels like family.

Chris’s dedication and impact have earned him recognition as one of the Fayetteville Observer’s prestigious “40 Under 40” in 2022. Beyond his City role, he actively contributes to the community as a member of the Board of Directors for both the United Way of Cumberland County and the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care, championing initiatives that uplift those in need.

The Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department is powered by a passionate and skilled team dedicated to building a stronger Fayetteville. Our staff combines expertise in housing, economic growth, community partnerships, and federal grant management to create lasting, positive change for our residents.

The Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission (FRC) is a seven-member body appointed by City Council that serves as the primary citizen participation group for projects funded through the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs. The FRC supports ECD by advising on housing, community, and economic development issues, with a special focus on older, declining, and lower-income neighborhoods. Following annual public hearings, the Commission submits its recommendations and an annual progress report to City Council and other interested parties.

Members

• Mr. Derek Scott - Chair
• Mr. Teddy Warner - Vice Chair
• Ms. Shamike Bethea
• Ms. Dineen Morton
• Ms. Katherine Smalls
• Ms. Keshonta Williams
• Mr. Tyler Patton

Meetings

FRC meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 PM in the OD&T Training Classroom at 225 Ray Avenue, Suite 122. For more information about the City’s Boards and Commissions, including how to apply for a position, please visit the City Council’s website.