FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – On March 19, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners hosted members of the State Legislative Delegation to discuss the County’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) State Legislative Agenda. The County’s agenda focused on key policy priorities, strategic partnerships, and targeted funding opportunities that support long-term community outcomes.
While the Board briefly reviewed recurring funding requests, the primary focus centered on policy initiatives and agency-level partnerships that will shape the County’s future.
“We want to ensure that Cumberland County’s voice is clearly reflected in state policy discussions,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “Conversations like these are about more than funding. They help build a framework that allows our community to grow responsibly while supporting our residents and sustaining the services they rely on every day.”
POLICY PRIORITIES
The County’s legislative agenda emphasizes several critical policy areas, including:
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Preserving Local Fiscal Authority: Maintaining local property tax authority to support essential services such as public safety, public health, education, and infrastructure.
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Health and Human Services Sustainability: Addressing increased administrative costs related to SNAP and Medicaid, and supporting continued Medicaid Expansion.
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Education Support: Advocating for adjustments to the state’s teacher supplement funding formula to better reflect the needs of large counties like Cumberland.
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Infrastructure and Regional Growth: Supporting key initiatives such as water and sewer regionalization, transportation planning, and passenger rail expansion.
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Public Safety Measures: Preparing for implementation impacts related to new state legislation, including Iryna’s Law.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
The Board shared an overview of its recurring funding requests, which align with the County’s strategic priorities, including investments in water infrastructure, school facilities, mental health services, recreation, and emergency response capabilities.
These requests build on previous successful partnerships with the State, including funding for Rhodes Pond improvements, water infrastructure projects, and the Unhoused Support Center.
PARTNERSHIP PRIORITIES
A key focus of the discussion was identifying opportunities for collaboration with state agencies to secure competitive grant funding and advance ongoing initiatives. Priority areas include:
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Environmental and Infrastructure Projects: Advocacy for Rhodes Pond improvements, including coordination with the Office of State Budget Management, NCDOT, and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
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Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety: Grant opportunities through the NC Department of Public Safety to strengthen hazardous materials response and local emergency planning efforts.
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Justice Services: Continued support through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to expand DWI treatment court services.
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Water and Sewer Regionalization: Collaboration with NCDEQ on feasibility and infrastructure planning grants to support regional water systems.
“These partnerships are critical,” deViere added. “They allow us to leverage state resources, strengthen our regional approach, and deliver meaningful results for our residents.”
NEXT STEPS
Cumberland County will continue working closely with the legislative delegation, state agencies, and regional partners to advance policies and investments that support growth, enhance quality of life, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The Board of Commissioners emphasized its commitment to a collaborative, solutions-focused approach as Cumberland County continues to grow as a community of choice in the state and a regional leader in innovation.
Visit the County’s YouTube Channel to watch the meeting.
For more information about Cumberland County Government, visit cumberlandcountync.gov, download the MyCCNCGov app or follow CCNCGOV on social media.