Economic & Community Development


What's Happening?

Neighborhood Resource and Improvement Survey is LIVE!

We're excited to bring more resources, programs, and improvements directly into neighborhoods. Your input is important in helping us understand what your community needs and to connect those needs to City services and partners. This survey aims to capture your thoughts and preferences, ensuring that we are providing effective and meaningful programs and services. Thank you for taking the time to contribute to our goal of building a stronger community for all residents! Click the link here, or scan the QR code below.

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Public Hearing Notice for the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan

Please be advised that the Fayetteville City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:30 PM during the regular City Council Meeting. 

The purpose of the Public Hearing is:

Obtain public feedback and comments concerning the City’s 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan (AAP) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 2026 Annual Action Plan is the second annual implementation under the City of Fayetteville’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for housing and community development.

The PY 2026 AAP outlines proposed projects and activities by the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs to address the identified priority goals and needs of the Consolidated Plan.

HUD has announced PY 2026 allocations for CDBG, HOME, and ESG. The City will receive $1,676,474 in CDBG, $851,942.38 in HOME, and $153,649 in ESG funding from HUD for PY 26, which begins on July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027.

For those desiring to participate in this public hearing, please register with the City Clerk’s Office online at www.FayettevilleNC.gov, at City Hall, by phone at 910-433-1989, or via email at CityClerk@FayettevilleNC.gov by 5 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026.  


Announcing Empowering Community Safety Micro-Grant Cycle 8 Awardees

ECD, in partnership with the Office of Community Safety, is pleased to announce the awardees for Cycle 8 of the Empowering Community Safety Micro-Grant program. The City has awarded a total of $115,500 in micro-grant funding to boost community-led crime and violence prevention activities and programs. 22 micro-grants were awarded, ranging from $1,500 to the maximum amount of $10,000.

Learn more about the awardees here.  


84 New Affordable Units Coming to Fayetteville as Part of $25 Million Development

The City of Fayetteville is turning 6.32 acres of City-owned vacant property at the southern end of Murchison Road into 84 attainable apartment units.

The new $25 million development will be called Central Park Villas. 

“Attainable in our opinion means the people in the community that live there will not have to find a new place to live because they can’t afford it. And this will bring more options and a new project into an area that’s affordable and attainable quite frankly. gentrification was important to us, and we want to make sure that the growth and progress is measured,” said Fayetteville’s Mayor Mitch Colvin. 

To read the news article about Central Park Villas, click here. 

About Our Director

Chris Cauley

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

With more than a decade of experience in local government, Chris brings a strategic and well-rounded approach to his work, with expertise spanning budget management, strategic planning, organizational excellence, and community economic development.

Since joining ECD in 2019 as Assistant Director, Chris quickly advanced to Director, where he has led the department in implementing innovative, community-focused solutions. Under his leadership, ECD has expanded access to funding opportunities, strengthened the City's ability to effectively leverage federal resources, and fostered a collaborative, team-oriented culture.

Chris’s leadership and impact were recognized in 2022 when he was named to the Fayetteville Observer's "40 Under 40." He remains deeply engaged in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Cumberland County and the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care, where he supports initiatives that improve quality of life for residents across Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

About Us

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.

Our work is centered on creating opportunity - growing community wealth, expanding access to essential services, and strengthening long-term resilience. From revitalizing neighborhoods and developing affordable housing to leveraging economic incentives and managing federal investments, we are committed to meaningful, lasting impact:

Our work is guided by four key focus areas:

  • Creating and sustaining affordable housing

  • Supporting the economic development and growth of businesses

  • Partnering with community organizations to address homelessness

  • Providing resources and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods

Connect with us to learn more about the programs and resources available to Fayetteville residents. To schedule a presentation or start the conversation, call 910-433-1590 or email EconCommDev@FayettevilleNC.gov.

 

ECD Staff

At the Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department, our work is powered by a dedicated team committed to strengthening Fayetteville. With expertise in housing, economic development, community partnerships, and federal grant management, we work collaboratively to create lasting, positive change for our residents.

ECD staff at offices

 

Staff Title
Abbott, Jackie Community Relations Manager
Baker, Alex Economic and Community Development Assistant Director
Black, Sally Senior Administrative Assistant
Cauley, Chris Economic & Community Development Director
Haire, Michelle Business Manager
Hall, Matthew Senior Housing Program Specialist
Johnson, Keishaun Office Assistant II
McArthur, Derrick Economic Development Manager
Morin, Jeffrey Housing Program Manager
Rogers, Antwan Community Development Specialist
Simmons, Bernadine Community Development Specialist
 Slywka, Terence Economic Mobility Special Projects Manager - City Manager's Office
Soriano, Nelson Neighborhood Engagement Manager

Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission

The Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission (FRC) is a seven-member board appointed by City Council that serves as the primary citizen participation body for projects funded through the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnership programs.

The FRC works in partnership with the Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department to provide guidance on housing, community, and economic development priorities, with a focus on supporting older, declining, and low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.

Following annual public hearings, the Commission submits its recommendations and an annual progress report to City Council and other stakeholders.


Members

  • Mr. Derek Scott - Chair
  • Mr. Teddy Warner - Vice Chair
  • Ms. Brittany McLaurin
  • 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.