Editor’s note: This story was originally published in our 2025-2026 edition of DestinationFAY magazine on June 23 before former Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis Wright retired on June 30. As of Aug. 5, the position remains vacant with a new sheriff to be announced Aug. 11.
Municipal elections are coming up quickly this fall, and some races are shaping up to be competitive.
But before heading to vote, here is a refresher about Fayetteville and its city council, and Cumberland County, with its Board of Commissioners and Board of Education.
Fayetteville
At a glance
Fayetteville is the sixth-largest city in North Carolina with a population of about 209,496 people. It is the county seat of Cumberland County.
It is home to Fort Bragg, the largest military installation by population in the nation.
In 1783, Fayetteville was named after French Gen. Marquis de Lafayette, remembered for fighting for America in the Revolutionary War.
Fayetteville City Council
The Fayetteville City Council includes nine council members and the mayor. Council members are elected to represent nine districts with two-year terms. The mayor is elected at large. All the seats are up for election in November 2025.
The mayor acts as the official head of city government and presides at city council meetings. The mayor is a voting member of the council who appoints council members to committees and liaison positions.
Every month, the Fayetteville City Council holds regular meetings every second and fourth Monday, which are open to the public. Meetings can be attended in person or watched live on FayTV, located on the city’s website and Channel 7 of Spectrum Cable.
City of Fayetteville
433 Hay St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 | Phone: 910-433-1329
fayettevillenc.gov/City-Council/City-Council-Members
Cumberland County
At a glance
Cumberland is the fifth-largest county in North Carolina, with a population of 338,430.
It is home to nine municipalities: Fayetteville, Eastover, Falcon, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman and Wade.
It was named after the Duke of Cumberland, Prince William Augustus, the British commander who defeated the Highland Scots at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Leadership
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has seven members who are elected to four-year terms. Two members are elected from District 1, three members are elected from District 2 and two members are elected at-large. The terms are staggered, and the members elect the chairman and vice chairman annually. No seats are up for re-election in 2025, though several are in 2026.
Every month, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners holds regular meetings every first and third Monday, which are open to the public. They can be attended in person or watched live on Cumberland County North Carolina TV, available on the county’s website and Channel 5 of Spectrum Cable.
Cumberland County Government
117 Dick St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 | Phone: 910-678-7771
cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/commisstoners-group/commisstoners/commissioners
Cumberland County Board of Education
At a glance
Cumberland County Schools is the fifth-largest public school district in North Carolina, with a student enrollment of 49,183.
Cumberland County Schools includes 50 elementary schools, 17 middle schools, 17 high schools and 2 virtual schools.
Leadership
The Board of Education has nine nonpartisan members. Six members are elected by district, and three are elected at large. Each member serves a four-year, staggered term. Regular board meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
Cumberland County Schools
2465 Gillespie St., Fayetteville, NC 28306 | Phone: 910-678-2300
ccs.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/meet-the-board
Read CityView Magazine‘s e-edition of the 2025-2026 issue of DestinationFAY here.