TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Strickland, Assistant City Manager
Jeffrey Yates, ICMA-CM, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cauley, MPA, Director of Economic and Community Development
DATE: January 12, 2026
RE:Title
Adoption of Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance 2026-12 to Appropriate the ICMA Economic Mobility and Opportunity Special Assistants Program Grant Award Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
GOAL II: The City of Fayetteville will have a Responsive City Government supporting a diverse and viable economy.
2.1: To ensure a diverse City tax base.
2.2: To invest in community places to ensure revitalization and increase quality of life.
2.3: To leverage partnerships for job creation and retention, with a focus on the local and regional workforce to increase per capita income.
2.4: To sustain a favorable development climate to encourage business growth.
Executive Summary:
City Council is asked to adopt Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance 2026-12 to appropriate $354,000 for the Economic Mobility and Opportunity Special Assistants (EMO SA) Program grant.
The City will receive $250,000 in salary support over 30 months, as well as $104,000 in supplemental program and engagement resources. The grant would support the creation of a senior-level Special Projects Manager who will lead, coordinate, and accelerate cross-departmental and cross-sector strategies that advance economic mobility for Fayetteville residents.
Background:
This competitive grant program, funded by the Gates Foundation and administered by ICMA, aims to support local governments in hiring senior-level professionals who will champion holistic and sustained economic mobility strategies. The EMO SA will work across departments and in partnership with the community to co-design implementation plans that address workforce development, housing affordability, household financial security, and other key determinants of upward mobility. The position must report directly to executive leadership and will receive technical assistance, professional development, and coaching facilitated by ICMA as part of a nationwide cohort.
Issues/Analysis:
Fayetteville has made significant strides in improving community and economic development outcomes, but persistent challenges-including concentrated poverty, housing cost burdens, and limited intergenerational economic mobility-remain. The EMO SA program offers a rare opportunity to dedicate focused leadership capacity toward overcoming these challenges in a coordinated and equitable manner. The grant will allow the City to temporarily create a new role within the Economic and Community Development Department-to serve as a dedicated EMO lead, reporting to the Assistant City Manager. This investment aligns with both internal priorities and external partnerships focused on improving resident outcomes.
Budget Impact:
The grant will provide $250,000 in salary support over 30 months and an additional $104,000 for program activities, technical assistance, and engagement processes. The City will be responsible for providing a standard employee benefits package and, if necessary, supplementing salary to align with senior-level compensation ranges.
Options:
• Adopt Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance 2026-12 to appropriate budget for the ICMA EMO Special Assistants Grant.
• Do not adopt Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance 2026-12 and give guidance to staff.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council move to adopt Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance 2026-12 to appropriate budget for the ICMA EMO Special Assistants Grant.
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Attachments:
SRO 2026-12
ICMA EMO Program Fact Sheet
ICMA EMO Special Assistants Grant Agreement