TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Jodi Phelps, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cauley, Economic & Community Development Director
DATE: June 1, 2026
RE:Title
Opportunity Zone 2.0 Nomination PrioritiesTitle
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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.
Objective 2.1: To ensure a diverse City tax base.
Objective 2.2: To invest in community places to ensure revitalization and increase quality of life.
GOAL IV: The City of Fayetteville will be a desirable place to live, work and recreate.
Objective 4.5: To ensure a place for people to live in great neighborhoods.
Objective 4.6: To reduce poverty and homelessness.
GOAL V: The City of Fayetteville will be a financially sound city providing exemplary city services.
Objective 5.1: To ensure strong financial management with fiduciary accountability and plan for future resource sustainability by aligning resources with City priorities.
Executive Summary:
City Council is asked to provide direction on the City's Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination priorities for submission to the North Carolina Department of Commerce by the June 7, 2026, deadline. Opportunity Zones are a federal tax incentive intended to encourage long-term private investment in designated low-income census tracts and may help attract private development and redevelopment activity. Cumberland County has 31 eligible census tracts and appears to be limited to four nominations, with 25 eligible tracts wholly or partially located within Fayetteville city limits. Staff recommends using a criteria-based ranking approach aligned with State guidelines, local redevelopment priorities, housing and job creation potential, and project or site readiness.
Background:
The Opportunity Zone Program was originally created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to encourage long-term ...
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