News and Press Releases

(Fayetteville, N.C.) – The City of Fayetteville is a finalist for the All-America City Award, a prestigious honor that is bestowed annually by the National Civic League (NCL). Fayetteville is one of 20 finalists in the competition, which recognizes civic activists and community problem-solvers. 

“I’m excited that our wonderful City is recognized again as a finalist for the All-America City Award,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin. 

The 2023 awards event will be June 9-11 in Denver where 10 winners will be announced. During the three-day competition, a delegation from each community will present its challenges and solutions to a jury of national experts from across the United States. 

“What all the great things taking place throughout Fayetteville, it’s no wonder that we are one of the only 20 finalists in the entire country,” Colvin said. “I am proud we will be represented by our professional City staff in June.” 

The City’s application displayed civic engagement and collaboration, a community-wide effort for inclusiveness and creative leveraging of resources to complete projects that have dramatic impact in the community. 

“I was thrilled to hear our application made it through the process and we were a finalist. Especially given this year's focus on youth who is such a critical part of our community,” said City Manager Douglas J. Hewett. 

Specifically highlighted was the commitment to engaging youth through the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council (FCYC). The FCYC community outreach efforts included in the application detailed the council’s passion for and desire to serve their community in a meaningful way, which is a part of the council’s mission.  

The City continued to build on youth focused initiatives as key criteria for this year’s award included building the civic capacity of young people, promoting youth participation in voting and policymaking and providing leadership opportunities for youth through the efforts of the Fayetteville Next Commission. Additionally, the application included Market House Repurposing efforts and Education, Mentorship and Empowerment Programs. 

“The engaging conversations around the Market House, painful at times, is also a reason why our recognition as a finalist has been so exciting,” added Hewett.  

Woven throughout the application is how invaluable collaboration is to City leadership and the community. One example is partnering with Cumberland County and nine other organizations to develop a community-wide branding platform and cohesive identity creating a unified approach to communicating our strengths, assets, diversity, vision and potential. From 2020 to 2022, in concert with the branding collaborative as “Can Do Carolina,” the City of Fayetteville became America’s “Can Do” City. 

With this “Can Do” spirit in mind, the City successfully organized a general obligation (GO) bond education campaign resulting in the overwhelming support for three bonds totaling $97 million on the November 2022 ballot. The GO bond supports projects in public safety, public infrastructure and housing opportunity.  

“We know we are moving the community forward and it is gratifying to share our progress with other communities who may be facing similar challenges,” added Hewett. “I was here when we were selected in 2011 and I'm looking forward to bringing home the award again for our great City.” 

Fayetteville is a three-time All-America City Award winner, earning the honor in 1984-1985, 2001 and most recently 2011. 

For more information on the award, log onto http://www.allamericacityaward.com/.