Economic & Community Development

ECD Leaders Earn Prestigious Professional Certifications

ECD is celebrating two significant professional achievements within the department. Director Chris Cauley and Economic Development Manager Derrick McArthur have earned nationally and statewide recognized economic development certifications that further strengthen the City's ability to support business growth, redevelopment, and investment.

Chris earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council, one of the profession's most respected credentials, and Derrick recently earned the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED) designation through the North Carolina Economic Development Association.

These achievements reflect the department's ongoing commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning, ensuring Fayetteville's residents, businesses, and development partners are served by knowledgeable professionals equipped to meet the community's evolving needs.

ECD Launches New "Can Do" Economic Programs

The City of Fayetteville is committed to partnering with business leaders to build a stronger economy for all residents. Economic development efforts in the City include economic incentives, federally funded programs, and strategies that support disadvantaged business enterprises.

The City’s Can-Do Economic Development Programs are designed to support small businesses, encourage private investment, revitalize commercial corridors, and strengthen economic growth throughout the community. The program focuses on creating flexible, business-friendly tools that help businesses start, expand, improve properties, and reinvest in Fayetteville.

Together, the Can-Do programs create a coordinated economic development strategy focused on business growth, corridor revitalization, job creation, and building a stronger, more vibrant Fayetteville economy.

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.

 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.

Neighborhood Sign Program

*The Neighborhood Sign Program is currently paused and is not taking new applications. We will update this webpage when funding is available.

In an effort to invest in neighborhoods across the city, the City of Fayetteville has instituted a Neighborhood Sign Program through the use of general funds. This program provides new neighborhood entrance signs and landscaping to established neighborhoods within Fayetteville city limits. The signs must be at the entrance or main thoroughfare of the neighborhood, and each neighborhood is only eligible for one (1) sign per year, regardless of the number of entrances into the neighborhood.

Neighborhood watches and/or community groups/organizations may apply for signs. The group must have more than one (1) active member and the group must agree to be responsible for the sign and landscaping after installation. 

Renter Resources

Eviction Prevention

Legal Aid of North Carolina is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low-income residents across the state. Through its housing programs, Legal Aid helps individuals and families facing eviction, housing instability, and other landlord-tenant issues by providing legal advice, advocacy, and representation. In partnership with the City of Fayetteville, Legal Aid supports eviction prevention efforts that help residents maintain stable housing and avoid homelessness. To learn more, visit Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Fayetteville Urban Ministry's Emergency Assistance Program offers a range of services, including a well-stocked food pantry, clothing closet, and financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other critical needs (dependent on the availability of funding). To learn more, visit Fayetteville Urban Ministry.

Fair Housing

The North Carolina Fair Housing Act applies to the sale, rental and financing of residential housing. Apartments, houses, mobile homes and even vacant lots, to be used for residential real estate, are covered by the Fair Housing Act. For more information, visit Human Relations Fair Housing page.

Emergency Home Repair Program

The City of Fayetteville operates a city-wide Emergency Home Repair Program (EHRP) to preserve existing affordable housing and ensure housing quality within the city limits. The purpose of the EHRP is to stabilize the homeowner’s residence by making rapid and essential repairs by removing a threat to life, health, or safety and enabling the homeowner to maintain established support within the community. EHRP is not a comprehensive homeowner rehabilitation program. In most cases, the issue will have to have occurred within the last 72 hours to be deemed an “emergency.”

The City of Fayetteville partners with Fayetteville Urban Ministry and the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity to administer the program. To complete application process and determine eligibility, please contact Fayetteville Urban Ministry at 910-483-5944 or Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity at 910-483-0952.

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.

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.

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.

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.