A Black man wearing a blue suit stands in front of a bookshelf
Credit: Contributed by Jamie Davis

Name as it appears on the ballot: Jamie Davis

Previous elected offices held: N/A

Age as of Election Day: 40

Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): I am a teacher. I teach business education at Gray’s Creek Middle School.

Best phone number and email for voters to reach you. Website and campaign social media:

1. Give us your elevator pitch in 200 words or less. Why are you running for this office? What makes you the most qualified candidate?

I am walking in my purpose. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” These words guide my life and my decision to run for City Council. My purpose is to serve District 1 with integrity, accountability, and vision. From my first job with Fayetteville Parks and Recreation as a scorekeeper and site supervisor, to serving as a proud 82nd Airborne Army Paratrooper, Human Resources Officer, and Noncommissioned Officer, to now teaching Business Education at the middle school level, service has always defined my path. In the Army, I was entrusted with taking care of thousands of soldiers and their families, and that same commitment to people guides me today.

I am running to strengthen our community by supporting veterans, seniors, students, families, and the city workers who keep Fayetteville thriving. I recently began volunteering with Meals on Wheels and aim to build strong partnerships with organizations that care for our seniors, veterans, and students. People will always remember how you make them feel, and I want District 1 to feel safe, inspired, confident, and strong knowing they have the tools and resources from their community and home to go as far as they choose.

2. What do you view as the three most pressing issues facing your district (if applicable) and the city as a whole? How will you address them as mayor or as a city council member?

The three most pressing challenges facing District 1 and our city are public safety, affordable housing, and infrastructure.

Public safety remains at the forefront. Families deserve timely emergency response, safer streets, and stronger neighborhood watch programs. I will fight to expand community policing, require city officials to attend every neighborhood watch meeting, and invest in violence prevention and mental health support.

Affordable housing is also a critical issue. Too many residents struggle with rising costs and limited access to safe, affordable places to live. I will work to expand housing options, ensure accountability in development, and protect residents from being priced out of their communities.

Infrastructure and economic opportunity are also essential. From roads and sidewalks to small business support, residents want visible results. I will push for investments that create jobs, strengthen schools, and improve daily life.

As your council member, I will be the people’s sounding board and anchor. I will fight for you, ensure accountability, and deliver positive change with real results. I will create direct accessibility to City Hall, giving residents both a voice and opportunities to contribute in some way, shape, or form to the development of Fayetteville’s future.

3. What’s the best or most important thing the Fayetteville City Council has done in the past year? Additionally, name a decision you believe the council should have handled differently. Please explain your answers.

One of the most important actions the Fayetteville City Council took this past year was approving the citywide curfew. While it is not a complete solution to crime or violence, it is a strong step in the right direction. The curfew reinforces family accountability, gives parents tools to guide their children, and demonstrates the council’s commitment to public safety. It shows that progress starts at home and that even small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful impact.

At the same time, I believe we must see even more transparency, visibility, and community engagement from the council. Residents deserve a voice in the decisions that affect their neighborhoods. Expanding direct access to City Hall through streaming, attending neighborhood events, and building stronger partnerships with local organizations will ensure residents have opportunities to contribute in some way, shape, or form to Fayetteville’s future.

Giving credit where it is due while pushing for accountability, accessibility, and resident engagement will build trust and strengthen our city. I will ensure that the council not only acts but that its actions are seen, understood, and felt in every neighborhood.

4. Last year, the City of Fayetteville sued a contractor for abandoning over $6 million in construction projects. The city has since hired new contractors to finish the projects. What steps will you take to ensure Fayetteville is able to successfully complete capital projects in the future?

To ensure Fayetteville successfully completes capital projects in the future, I would focus on stronger contractor vetting, clear benchmarks, and community collaboration. Contractors would be thoroughly evaluated for reliability, experience, and accountability, with a priority on engaging local talent whenever possible. Each project would have clearly defined milestones, mandatory updates, and flexibility for adjustments to keep work on track.

I would also create platforms for residents, city officials, and project managers to collaborate, ensuring transparency and giving the community a voice in how projects are executed. Leadership would be grounded in stewardship, with full visibility of funding, timelines, and progress.

Additionally, service-learning partnerships with local universities could provide academic insight, workforce training, and additional oversight. These opportunities would not only strengthen project outcomes but also create jobs, develop local talent, and ensure projects benefit residents directly.

By combining accountability, transparency, community engagement, and education-driven collaboration, Fayetteville can complete capital projects efficiently and responsibly, reinforcing its reputation as a “can-do” city that delivers results for all residents.

5. While overall crime in Fayetteville has decreased by around 13% this year, the number of homicides and incidents of juvenile crime have increased. The Fayetteville City Council recently enacted a youth curfew ordinance. Would you have voted in favor of it? How will you work to improve public safety and reduce crime in the city?

I am in favor of the youth curfew as part of a comprehensive plan to address youth crime. True safety starts at home, and when families, schools, and community leaders work together, youth have the support and guidance they need to thrive. Local schools should partner with parents, law enforcement, judges, and even lawyers to build stronger relationships and create structured, positive environments.

As a Fayetteville native, veteran, parent, and middle school educator currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching at NC State with a concentration in Information Technology, I deal directly with youth every day and have strategies to help align their skills and potential with meaningful opportunities. I will collaborate with the new police chief, mental health providers, family support programs, and Parks and Recreation staff to expand services, programs, and operating hours. By incorporating strong military and technical career pathways, workforce opportunities, and mentorship, we can show youth that they are not at risk, they are at promise.

We must equip parents with social and mental health support, encourage “see something, say something,” and foster community unity so all youth, seniors, students, and veterans thrive safely.

6. How will you work to attract and retain new businesses and other development to Fayetteville? Name another municipality you believe has made smart decisions about sustainable growth and development, and describe what it has done that could be implemented in Fayetteville.

To attract and retain new businesses and development in Fayetteville, I will bring a perspective shaped by my experience as a veteran, middle school educator, parent, and small business owner in photography and graphic design. Supporting veteran-owned businesses and local entrepreneurs is a priority. I will establish monthly roundtables to connect employers with talent, expedite hiring, and share resources while creating service-learning and workforce pipelines with Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Tech, and Methodist University. Their programs in health, business, and technology provide powerful opportunities to align skills and potential with local industry needs.

We can look to Raleigh as a model for sustainable growth. Raleigh has successfully combined economic development with education and workforce planning, creating a thriving environment for businesses and residents alike. Fayetteville can adopt similar strategies by fostering innovation hubs, supporting small businesses, and ensuring developers and city leaders collaborate with the community to meet housing, infrastructure, and workforce needs.

By connecting businesses, students, veterans, and residents, Fayetteville can grow sustainably, create meaningful jobs, and become a city where opportunity, innovation, and community thrive together.

7. The county and city have often struggled to determine who is responsible for addressing homelessness. How would you work with the Cumberland County government and other community partners to decrease homelessness in the city?

Addressing homelessness is a shared responsibility, and Fayetteville cannot solve it alone. I will work closely with Cumberland County government, local nonprofits, churches, social services, and veteran services to establish a city-wide network focused on housing, support programs, and long-term solutions. Churches and faith-based organizations are critical partners in providing shelter, food, and guidance, and I will help coordinate efforts so resources are used efficiently and no one falls through the cracks.

We must focus not only on immediate needs but also on sustainable solutions, including affordable housing, job training, mental health support, and pathways for veterans, youth, and families to regain stability. One way we can impact our veterans directly is by creating an off-base soldier support center near Fort Bragg that caters to their needs and provides resources, guidance, and community connection.

As a veteran, parent, teacher, and small business owner, I understand the value of community, collaboration, and service. I will ensure Fayetteville leads with compassion and practical solutions, giving residents the tools and resources they need to address homelessness while fostering dignity, opportunity, and stability for all.