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...
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