Welcome to CityView Today! There’s still time to join the CityView team tonight at our event continuing my introduction to Fayetteville. The free event, which starts at 6 p.m., takes places at the new ArtsXL in downtown. Check out the details and register.

In today’s newsletter: The debate over data centers and their impact continues, with the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners discussing a proposed data center ordinance today and a public forum set for March 23. Also, Mayor Mitch Colvin gave his State of the City address on Tuesday, delivering an optimistic vision for Fayetteville’s future.

Thanks for reading,
Matt Hennie
Editor-in-Chief

Credit: City of Fayetteville

Colvin Bullish on Fayetteville’s Future: ‘State of Our City Is Strong’

Mayor Mitch Colvin’s State of the City address declared Fayetteville “strong” and laid out a vision driven by regional partnerships, infrastructure investment, and AI‑focused workforce development.

Credit: rawpixel

Cumberland Commissioners to Hold Public Forum on Data Centers

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners plans to review its proposed ordinance for data centers on Thursday, and then hold a public forum on data centers later in March.

Obituaries

Jackie Hammonds

Jackie Hammonds passed away on Wednesday, March 11.

Princess Ky’aire Jacoby Lytch

Princess Ky’aire Jacoby Lytch passed away on Saturday, March 7.

Theodoshia McDonald

Theodoshia McDonald, 65, passed away on Saturday, March 7.

Find complete listings here.

Until tomorrow!

💰 Fayetteville wrapped up fiscal year 2025, which ended in June, on solid financial footing, according to City Manager Doug Hewett. The general fund grew by $3.3 million, bringing the balance to almost $27 million—about a 4% increase from last year. Spending came in 9.4% under budget, while total general fund revenue reached $220.2 million. “This strong financial position allows us to keep the City’s property tax rate at its lowest level in 30 years,” Hewett said in the weekly City Manager’s Report newsletter. “It also means we can maintain infrastructure, support public safety, and fund community programs.”

~ Rachel Heimann Mercader