FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – On Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, Cumberland County officials hosted the City-County Liaison Committee meeting in Room 564 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. The County welcomed leaders from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County Schools, and several community organizations to discuss key issues and foster collaboration.
The regular City-County Liaison Committee meetings provide an opportunity for local leaders to provide updates, share insights, and discuss topics of mutual interest. The committee is comprised of three elected officials from both the County and City of Fayetteville, including the chair and vice-chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, and the mayor and mayor pro tem from the City of Fayetteville. Committee members for 2025 include Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones, who chairs the Committee, Chairman Kirk deViere and Commissioner Pavan Patel, along with Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, and Council Member Courtney Banks-McLaughlin. Also present were Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly and other Board of Education members.
Key topics of discussion included:
- 2025 Theme: Enhancing Quality of Life for a Healthy City, County, and Community: The meeting kicked off with a discussion on the 2025 theme, which focuses on different aspects of community wellness and their significance.
- Health and Wellness Stakeholder Input: Dr. Jennifer Green, Director of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, and Health Educator Leah Rhone provided an update on the 2024 Community Health Assessment, which included surveys, listening sessions, and partnerships with Cape Fear Valley Health. The full report is available on the Cumberland County Board of Health webpage.
- Public Safety Stakeholder Input: Community leaders discussed public safety initiatives surrounding mental health and considered ways to strengthen collaborations across the County and City.
- Economic Development Stakeholder Input: The discussion touched on generational needs, such as childcare and housing, and how to address these challenges within the community.
- Other Business: Topics related to emotional wellness and youth support were highlighted. Leaders recognized the need to support teens facing loneliness and mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces and fostering open dialogue in schools. Cumberland County Schools have introduced the Alongside app to aid middle and high school students, along with “Harmony Corners” to provide calming spaces for students in need.
The Committee unanimously approved a motion to explore new ideas for enhancing childcare services and youth-focused initiatives across the community.
Committee members also discussed including a discussion of homeless and related community challenges at a future meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2025 in room 564 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.
For more information about Cumberland County and upcoming meetings, visit
cumberlandcountync.gov or follow the County on social media at CCNCGov.