Economic & Community Development

Stronger Community. Stronger Economy. Stronger Fayetteville.

Strong communities and strong economies go hand in hand. The City of Fayetteville's Economic and Community Development Department brings the two together by investing in people, neighborhoods, businesses, and partnerships that create lasting opportunity for all residents. Through strategic programs and community collaboration, we help expand affordable housing, support business growth, strengthen neighborhoods, and address the challenges that impact quality of life.

Learn more about opportunities and partnerships below.

Utility Connection Assistance Program - Water & Sewer

Makes connecting to public water and sewer more affordable by helping eligible homeowners with assessment and connection costs.

Can-Do Economic Development Programs

Designed to support small businesses, encourage private investment, revitalize commercial corridors, and strengthen economic growth throughout the community.

Homebuying Hero Program

Your path to homeownership starts with Homebuying HERO. Eligible homebuyers can receive down payment assistance to make buying a home more affordable.

Emergency Home Repair Program

Helping low-income homeowners address urgent repairs that threaten the health or safety of their home.

Neighborhood Sign Program

Helping residents strengthen neighborhood identity, enhance community appearance, and foster a sense of pride by providing neighborhood entrance signs and landscaping improvements in established neighborhoods throughout the city.

Housing Opportunities

Explore how the City of Fayetteville supports affordable housing through strategic partnerships, community investment, and initiatives that expand access to safe, quality housing.

Economic Opportunities

Discover business resources, financing programs, and economic development opportunities that support investment, expansion, and job creation throughout Fayetteville.

Unhoused Support Services

Connecting individuals experiencing housing crises with shelter, essential resources, and pathways to stability.

Nonprofit Partnerships

The City of Fayetteville partners with local organizations to enhance residents' quality of life through grants like the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grants, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Opioid Settlement Funding programs.

Murchison Choice Neighborhood Initiative Reports & Studies Social District

What's Happening?

Annual Action Plan Notice of Funding Availability Stakeholder Engagement Sessions - Register Today!

Join the City of Fayetteville's Economic & Community Development Department for a virtual stakeholder engagement session focused on the upcoming Annual Action Plan Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

These webinars will provide an overview of anticipated funding opportunities, eligible activities, and the application process for organizations interested in partnering with the City to address community needs.

Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and help inform funding priorities ahead of the formal application process.

Nonprofit organizations, community partners, service providers, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

Click the buttons below to register for one of the stakeholder engagement sessions on Thursday, November 5, 2026!

2:00 PM Session 6:30 PM Session

Notice of Funding Availability - 26/27 Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Funding

The City of Fayetteville Economic and Community Development Department is accepting applications from qualified nonprofit organizations for Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) funding to support Emergency Shelter, Rapid Re-Housing, and Homelessness Prevention activities.

ESG funding requires a dollar-for-dollar (1:1) match. Applications open October 1, 2026, and are due by 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026. View the Notice of Funding Availability(PDF, 124KB)

A virtual Pre-Application Meeting will be held Thursday, October 8th at 10:00 a.m. to provide an overview of the ESG program and Neighborly application process. Register for the Pre-Application Meeting

Access the Neighborly Application Portal here.

ECD Meets with NC Carolina Core to Discuss Economic Opportunities for Fayetteville

The City of Fayetteville’s Economic and Community Development team recently welcomed Loren Hill, Regional Economic Development Director for NC Carolina Core, for a conversation focused on economic development opportunities across our region.

The Carolina Core is a 150+ mile economic development corridor stretching from Winston-Salem to Fayetteville and works to position Central North Carolina for continued business growth and investment.

During the meeting, staff shared updates on Fayetteville’s economic and community development programs and projects while learning more about regional resources, incentives, and opportunities for collaboration. Conversations like these help strengthen regional partnerships and ensure Fayetteville remains connected to broader economic development efforts and opportunities across North Carolina.

L to R: ECD Assistant Director Alex, Jeff, JaConna, NC Carolina Core Loren, Derrick, Chris, Jackie

Downtown Study - Take the Survey!

Help Shape the Future of Downtown Fayetteville

The City of Fayetteville is partnering with BerryDunn to take a closer look at Downtown Fayetteville and identify opportunities to support continued growth, investment, and a vibrant downtown.

Throughout the study, we’ll hear from downtown businesses, residents, community partners, and other stakeholders about what’s working, what could be improved, and what they want to see for Downtown’s future.

Share Your Perspective

Your experience matters. Take the Downtown Survey to share what you value about Downtown, where you see opportunities for improvement, and what you’d like to see in the future.

Take the Downtown Survey

Join the Conversation

We’re also creating opportunities to hear directly from the people who live, work, own businesses, invest, and spend time Downtown.

Upcoming Meetings

Downtown Business Owner Meeting
Monday, September 28th | 4-6 PM
Volta Space - 116 Person St.

Downtown Resident & Stakeholder Meeting
Tuesday, September 29th | 9-11 AM
Volta Space - 116 Person St.

What Happens Next?

Community input, research, and an assessment of current conditions will help shape recommendations and strategies for Downtown Fayetteville. Check back here for updates as the study moves forward.

ECD Staff

Chris Cauley

Chris Cauley serves as Director of the City of Fayetteville's Economic and Community Development Department. With more than a decade of local government experience, he brings expertise in strategic planning, budget management, organizational excellence, and community economic development. Chris is also a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a globally recognized credential that reflects his commitment to advancing economic development through professional excellence.

Since joining ECD in 2019 as Assistant Director, Chris has led the department in expanding funding opportunities, strengthening the City's use of federal resources, and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture.

In 2022, Chris was recognized as one of the Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40. He also serves on the board of the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care on Homelessness, supporting initiatives that improve quality of life throughout the community.

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.

Staff	Title
Baker, Alex	Economic & Community Development Assistant Director
Black, Sally	Senior Administrative Assistant
Brooker, JaConna	Management Analyst
Cauley, Chris	Economic & Community Development Director
DeJesus-McGill, Jackie	Community Relations Manager
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 - Neighborhood Engagement
Simmons, Bernadine	Community Development Specialist - Housing Programs
Soriano, Nelson	Neighborhood Engagement Manager
Williams, Chris	Economic Mobility Special Projects 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.