Skip to main content

2026 State of the City Update- Fayetteville, Georgia

Page 1


Our Vision

Fayetteville shall be a City of innovation, opportunity, and uniqueness that fosters a vibrant and welcoming community for all.

Our Mission

FAYETTEVILLE

Our Core Values

To provide efficient and effective municipal services to the community through a culture of transparent leadership, excellence, and teamwork.

The City’s core values are the foundation on which staff carry out their daily activities. They represent the shared behavioral norms that guide the decision-making process in the accomplishment of goals and action items.

A culture of innovation & creativity

Exceptional customer service

Servant leadership

Excellent & consistent performance

Fiscal, social & environmental

stewardship

Diversity & inclusion

Ethics, integrity & accountability

Transparency

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 2026 STATE OF THE CITY UPDATE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA

Greetings,

It is my honor to share the 2026 State of the City Update and to reflect on the progress we have made together over the past year. Fayetteville continues to be a city defined by its people, engaged residents, dedicated businesses, and committed partners who care deeply about the future of our community.

Over the past year, we have remained focused on transparency, responsible growth, and thoughtful planning that protects the character of Fayetteville while preparing us for the future. Through collaboration with City Council, staff, boards, and our community stakeholders, we have worked to ensure that every decision reflects our shared values of accountability, transparency, and service.

Public safety remains a top priority We continue to invest in our police and fire departments, ensuring they have the training, resources, and support needed to keep our community safe At the same time, we are strengthening partnerships and proactive approaches that build trust and promote a safe, welcoming environment for all.

Economic vitality is another key focus. Fayetteville’s business community plays a critical role in our success, and we are committed to supporting local entrepreneurs, attracting quality development, and maintaining a business-friendly environment. By investing in infrastructure, enhancing our downtown, and encouraging smart growth, we are working to create opportunities that benefit both residents and businesses alike.

We are also making steady progress in maintaining and improving our infrastructure, parks, and public spaces. These investments enhance quality of life, support sustainability, and ensure that Fayetteville remains a place where families, seniors, and future generations can thrive. Our commitment to fiscal responsibility allows us to make these improvements while safeguarding the City’s long-term financial health.

As we look ahead, I am optimistic about Fayetteville’s future Challenges will arise, but by working together with respect, vision, and a shared sense of purpose, we can continue to build a city that reflects the best of who we are and what we aspire to be

Thank you for your continued trust, support, and commitment to the City of Fayetteville. It is a privilege to serve as your mayor, and I look forward to the year ahead.

Sincerely,

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

2026 STATE OF THE CITY UPDATE

CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA

Dear City of Fayetteville,

It is my pleasure to share the 2026 State of the City Update for the City of Fayetteville. This booklet reflects more than a summary of projects and progress, it represents the collective efforts, values, and vision of a community that continues to move forward with purpose.

Fayetteville remains a city defined by its strong sense of community, strategic leadership, and commitment to responsible growth. Over the past year, we have focused on strengthening core services, investing in infrastructure, and planning thoughtfully for the future. Through careful stewardship of public resources, we have worked to ensure that Fayetteville remains fiscally sound while continuing to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Communication, public safety, economic vitality, and neighborhood well-being continue to be top priorities. From maintaining reliable city services to supporting local businesses and encouraging smart development, our goal is to position Fayetteville for long-term success while preserving the character that makes our city unique.

This update also highlights the importance of collaboration. The progress we have made is the result of strong partnerships between the Mayor and City Council, city staff, boards and authorities, and most importantly, our engaged residents Your participation, feedback, and pride in Fayetteville are essential to shaping the city we are building together

As we look ahead, we remain committed to transparency, innovation, and service excellence I am confident that by continuing to plan proactively and work collaboratively, Fayetteville will remain a welcoming, resilient, and forward-thinking community for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. I invite you to explore this State of the City Update and learn more about the work being done on your behalf.

Sincerely,

RayGibson,CityManager

CityofFayetteville,Georgia

City Council Meetings are regularly scheduled for the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. and Work Sessions are regularly scheduled for the fourth Thursday of every month, also at 6 p.m. City Council Meetings take place in the City Hall Council Chamber located at 210 Stonewall Avenue West, Fayetteville, GA 30214.

Watch the replays on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

www.youtube.com/@Fayetteville GA

ThroughoutFY2025,thedepartmentbalancedsoundfinancial managementwithmeaningfulcommunityinvolvement.Employees expandedtheirparticipationinvolunteerinitiativessupportingPromise Place,FayetteSamaritans,theBlessingBoxfooddrive,andBloom. Theseeffortsstrengthenedpartnershipsacrossthecommunitywhile reinforcingacultureofcompassion,teamwork,andcivicresponsibility withintheorganization.

Inadditiontocommunityservice,theCitylauncheditsfirst-ever Fayetteville101Citizens’Academy.Thisprogramofferedresidentsan insidelookatcityoperations,services,andgovernance,promoting transparencyandinformedcivicengagement.Theacademywaswell receivedandestablishedastrongfoundationforfutureeducational initiatives.

TheCityalsoreceivedprofessionalrecognitionreflectingthecaliber ofitsstaff.WhitneyHouston,CourtManager,wasfeaturedinthe GeorgiaMunicipalCourtClerks’CouncilTheClerk’sDocket newsletter,highlightingherleadershipandcontributionstothe municipalcourtprofessionstatewide.

LeadershipexcellencewasfurtherrecognizedwhenCarleetha Character,AssistantDirectorofFinance,receivedtheInaugural BraveheartsAwardforPublicServicefromtheFayetteChamberof Commerce.Thishonoracknowledgesoutstandingdedicationtopublic service,leadership,andcommunityimpact,andreflectsthestrengthof theCity’sworkforce.

Fromafinancialoversightperspective,theCitycontinuedits longstandingrecordofexcellence.InFY2025,Fayettevillereceiveda cleanaudit,earnedtheDistinguishedBudgetAwardforthe19th consecutiveyear,andwasawardedtheCertificateofAchievementfor ExcellenceinFinancialReportingforthe29thconsecutiveyear, underscoringitscommitmenttotransparencyandaccountability.

Left to Right: Assistant Director of Finance Carleetha Character, Bravehearts Award recipient; First-ever Fayetteville 101 Academy graduates.

Highlights:

lanning & oning Department

CodeEnforcementinvestigatedandclosed1,004 complaintinvestigations.

ThePlanningandZoningDepartmentcompleted285 planreviewsandpresented49majorprojectstothe PlanningandZoningCommissionand/orCity Council

TheBuildingDepartmentIssuedatotalof1,316 permitswithaconstructionvalueof $10,510,941,367.77andconductedatotalof5,059 inspections.

388newbusinesslicenseswereissuedin2025.

AwardsandGrants:

MajorProjectsandInitiatives:

OpenedTrilithLIVE,a530,000square-foot entertainmentcomplexandtheater. QTSreceivedCO’sforDC1andDC2buildings. PromenadeParkwayCommerceCenter,a state-of-the-artwarehousefacility,isnow hometotwonationalindustryleaders: GraybarandA1American. CoolRunningsInternationalopened. Severalprominentrestaurantsopened.

TAPGRANT:GDOTawardedtheCityof FayettevillefundingfortheWoodlandLink portionoftheHighPriorityTrail-Safe RoutestoSchoolproject.

LCIGRANT:Awarded$160,000Livable CentersInitiative(LCI)Grantfromthe AtlantaRegionalCommission(ARC)for DowntownFayettevilleCreative PlacemakingPlan.

ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE

The City of Fayetteville Fire Department is dedicated to protecting life and property while preserving the community’s safety and quality of life.

EPRFleetManagementSystemImplementation

TrilithLiveIncidentActionPlan(IAP)

Facility,Staffing,andOrganizationalEnhancements

MentalHealth&WellnessExpansion

BuildingaHighlyTrained, AdvancedEMSandFire Workforce DepartmentHighlights

StrengtheningEmergency ResponseCapabilities

AdvancingLifeSafety, Prevention,and CommunityRiskReduction

DataTransparency&CommunicationsImprovements

Grant-FundedEquipmentandProgramEnhancements

MajorProjectsorInitiativesCompleted Awards,Recognitions,andAchievements

CommunityEngagementandEvents

UpgradedtoAdvancedLifeSupportEMSLicense 100% completion and certification rate for 12 grant-fundedparamedics

SmokeAlarmInstallationCampaigns

SpecializedTraining&CommunityPartnerships

First fire department in the nation to receive AldridgeElectricconfinedspacetraining Ongoing progress supporting the department’s ISOClass2ratingandaccreditation

CITYOFFAYETTEVILLE POLICE

The City of Fayetteville Police Department is a state-certified and nationally-accredited agency dedicated to reducing crime and helping preserve the community’s exceptional quality of life.

DEPARTMENT

HIGHLIGHTS DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

StateAccreditation

Recertification

AdditionalStaffingand CreationoftheTrafficUnit

Life-SavingAwards

Recognitions,and Achievements

SignificantCommunity EngagementorEvents

AcademyGraduates

In 2025, the police department added six uncertifiedpoliceofficerstoitsranks Thesesix completed the newly expanded and rigorous 19-weekpoliceacademycurriculumaspartof the inaugural and second graduating classes oftheBasicLawEnforcementTrainingprogram at the Fayette County Regional Academy TrainingAcademy

MajorProjectsorInitiatives

The police department added five electric offroad vehicles for patrol and community engagement The vehicles, known as The Ultimate Off-Road Electric Vehicles (TUORE-V), expand the department's capabilities by introducing easily transportable, vehicles that cannavigatenon-pavedareas,thatarenotas easilyaccessibletotraditionalpatrolcars.

CommunityEngagement Events

In 2025, the police department hosted four Coffee with a Cop community conversations, two Citizens Police Academies, one Junior Police Academy, and two nineweek youth development programs. Additionally, the department participated in multiple fall festivals, the annual Christmas parade, and Touch-A-Truck programs at various schools. The department concluded the year with its largest event, Christmas with the Police. During the event, officers took 25 of our community’s youth and theirfamiliesshoppingforChristmas.

Out and About OutandAbout

CUPID’S QUEST CUPID’S QUEST

Brightr digital passport/business promotion

HOA/POA EVENT HOA/POA EVENT

Meet with City Officials and discuss community needs & resources

SPRING SHRED EVENT SPRING SHRED EVENT

Free Paper Shredding & Recycling

GLOW NIGHT PD BRONCO FEST

GLOW NIGHT PD BRONCO FEST

Bring your family for a fun day with food, games, and activities

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook