Cumberland County State of the County Address Highlights Progress and Vision for 2030
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – On March 17, 2026, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere delivered the State of the County Address at the Historic Courthouse, outlining a vision centered on community partnership, strategic investment, and shared responsibility.
Framed as a “military mission brief,” the Address emphasized progress built through collaboration between residents, government, and community partners.
“Tonight, I am presenting your mission brief. Not mine. Not the Board’s. Yours. Due to the fact that the mission ahead belongs to all of us,” stated Chairman deViere.
Clean Water & Infrastructure
Chairman deViere highlighted major progress in addressing PFAS contamination and expanding access to safe drinking water, including:
- Filtration systems installed at two Grays Creek elementary schools
- Accelerated construction of a water system in impacted areas
- More than $260 million committed to water infrastructure
“Clean water is not a luxury. It is a right, and we will deliver it,” deViere affirmed.
Education & Workforce
For the first time in over 15 years, the Board fully funded the school system’s budget request, investing over $500 million in education, maintenance, and new construction. The County is also strengthening workforce pipelines through partnerships with Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), Fayetteville State University, and Cape Fear Valley Health.
“A diploma is not the finish line. It is the starting line,” deViere emphasized.
Caring for Our Unhoused Community
Cumberland County continues to expand efforts to address homelessness, including:
- Expanded emergency shelter capacity, including cold-weather and permanent beds
- Millions invested in nonprofit partners providing direct services
- Ongoing coordination to ensure residents have access to support
“We are no longer just talking about homelessness. We are doing something about it,” deViere stated.
Mental & Behavioral Health
Through partnerships with Alliance Health and Cape Fear Valley Health, the County is increasing access to mental health services, including:
- Expanded behavioral health programs
- Post-Overdose Response Team funding
- Integration of mental health professionals into 911 response
- Planned Behavioral Health Urgent Care center
“When someone calls in crisis, a trained professional will be there. Help, not handcuffs,” deViere said.
Public Safety
The County is committed to moving forward with the consolidation of the City and County 911 centers, aiming for “One system with one mission; faster, smarter protection for you and your family.”
Military Community
Recognizing Fort Bragg as a central part of the community, the County continues to invest in military-connected initiatives like:
- Soldiers-to-agriculture program
- Childcare and workforce partnerships
- Strong collaboration with Fort Bragg leadership
“Supporting our military community is not a talking point. It is a daily obligation,” deViere noted.
Quality of Life
The County is investing in amenities that strengthen community pride and quality of life.
“A great community invests in the places where families gather and memories are made.”
Economic Growth & Innovation
Through the Innovation Corridor, the County is advancing opportunities in areas such as defense technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and workforce development. Additional efforts include economic corridors around the Fayetteville Regional Airport and Crown Complex, and an Infrastructure Summit to align regional growth.
Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency
Cumberland County reduced its tax rate to the lowest level in more than 20 years while continuing to craft historic and strategic investments. Enhanced transparency efforts are also underway.
“That is not a political achievement. It is a community achievement,” deViere stated.
Vision 2030
Chairman deViere outlined a vision for Cumberland County to become a national model for military-connected community development by 2030, with a focus on:
- Clean water access
- Strong education and workforce systems
- Expanded mental health services
- Economic growth and innovation
“That is not a dream. That is a plan.”
Telling Our Story
“For too long, other people have told our story for us. They have tried to define us by our challenges instead of our character. By what we lack instead of what we build. Tonight, we are telling our own story. And our story is this: We are a community that fights for its water, funds its schools, takes care of its veterans, shows up for its neighbors in crisis, invests in its children, and still finds a way to keep money in your pocket. This is Cumberland County. And it is time the rest of this state heard it.”
Closing Message
Chairman deViere concluded by emphasizing the role of residents in shaping the County’s future.
“You are the formation. And the mission has never been clearer. One mission. One community. Forward. Together, we will.”
For more information about Cumberland County Government, visit cumberlandcountync.gov.