Chairman deViere with his son at the 2026 State of the County Address
On March 17, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere delivered the 2026 State of the County Address, outlining a vision centered on community partnership, strategic investment and shared responsibility.
Framed as a “military mission brief,” the address emphasized progress built through collaboration between residents, government and community partners.
Clean Water & Infrastructure
Chairman deViere highlighted major progress in addressing PFAS contamination and expanding access to safe drinking water, to include:
Filtration systems installed at two Grays Creek elementary schoolsAccelerated construction of a water system in impacted areasMore than $260 million committed to water infrastructure
Education & Workforce
For the first time over 15 years, the Board fully funded the school system’s budget request, investing over $500 million in education, maintenance, and new construction. The County is also strengthening workforce pipelines through partnerships with FTCC, Fayetteville State University and Cape Fear Valley Health.
Caring for Our Unhoused Community
Cumberland County continues to expand efforts to address homelessness, including:
Expanded emergency shelter capacity, including cold-weather and permanent bedsMillions invested in nonprofit partners providing direct servicesOngoing coordination to ensure residents have access to support
Mental & Behavioral Health
Through partnerships with Alliance Health and Cape Fear Valley Health, the County is increasing access to mental health services to include:
Expanded behavioral health programsPost-Overdose Response Team fundingIntegration of mental health professionals into 911 responsePlanned Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center
Public Safety
The County is committed to moving forward with the consolidation the City and County 911 centers. That plan includes:
One coordinated system with shared costs and unified commandNo job lossesImproved response times and coordination
Military Community
Recognizing Fort Bragg as a central part of the community, the County continues to invest in military-connected initiatives like:
Soldiers-to-agriculture programChildcare and workforce partnershipsStrong collaboration with Fort Bragg leadership
Quality of Life
The County is investing in amenities that strengthen community pride and quality of life to include:
Regional aquatic centerCrown Complex improvementsExploration of a new children’s museum
Economic Growth & Innovation
Through the Innovation Corridor, the County is advancing opportunities in areas such as:
Defense technologyCybersecurityArtificial intelligenceWorkforce development
Additional efforts include economic corridors around the Fayetteville Regional Airport and Crown Complex, and an Infrastructure Summit to align regional growth.
Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency
Cumberland County reduced its tax rate to the lowest level in more than 20 years while continuing to make historic and strategic investments. Enhanced transparency efforts include:
Public financial dashboardsLivestreamed meetingsRegular press briefings
Vision 2030
Chairman deViere outlined a vision for Cumberland County to become a national model for military-connected community development by 2030, with a focus on:
Clean water accessStrong education and workforce systemsExpanded mental health servicesEconomic growth and innovation
Chairman deViere concluded by emphasizing the role of residents in shaping the County’s future: “You are the formation. And the mission has never been clearer. One mission. One community. Forward. Together, we will.”
Visit the County’s YouTube Channel to watch the full State of the County Address.