TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Jodi Phelps, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Chris Williams, Management Analyst
Brook Redding, Senior Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: April 28, 2025
RE:
Title
Adoption of the City of Fayetteville Sustainability Action Plan (SAP)
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
All
Executive Summary:
The Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) provides a strategic framework to guide Fayetteville toward a more resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible future. Developed through cross-departmental collaboration and informed by extensive community engagement, the SAP outlines targeted actions across energy, transportation, infrastructure, and conservation. The plan aligns with both state-level climate goals and local priorities, identifying measurable strategies that enhance quality of life, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote long-term operational savings. Staff recommends City Council adoption of the SAP to formalize Fayetteville’s commitment to sustainability and to support implementation of near- and long-term actions.
Background:
In March 2024, the Fayetteville City Council launched a new effort to develop a comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan aimed at improving ensuring long-term environmental stewardship. This initiative builds on previous city efforts to address growing challenges related to energy use, climate resilience, and infrastructure.
Fayetteville’s last sustainability plan was adopted in 2009. Since then, the city has faced major environmental stressors, including flooding from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence impacts of PFAS contamination. Recognizing the need for a modernized, actionable plan, the City partnered with Blue Strike Environmental to lead the planning process.
The SAP has been developed through a multi-phase process that includes greenhouse gas inventories, community engagement, interdepartmental coordination, and best practice research. It focuses on four core categories: Energy & Building Efficiency, Transportation & Mobility, Resilient Community & Green Infrastructure, and Resource Conservation. Each category includes strategies and actions that will guide Fayetteville toward a more resilient, low-carbon, and sustainable future.
The finalized version of this plan reflects feedback from public surveys, neighborhood meetings, and city leadership. It also positions Fayetteville to pursue funding, meet state-aligned climate goals, and implement sustainability improvements for the foreseeable future
Issues/Analysis:
none
Budget Impact:
n/a
Options:
n/a
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council move to receive the Sustainability Action Plan and allow staff to proceed with implementation planning based on the Plan’s recommendations
Attachments:
SAP Presentation for Council, Final SAP, SAP Appendices