Fayetteville is in the middle of a shift. You can feel it. The energy, the conversations, the movement. Over the past decade, our city has seen incredible growth and transformation that many of us didn’t see coming. But if you ask me, this is just the beginning.
Since 2017, four-term Mayor Mitch Colvin has helped guide Fayetteville through some of the city’s most defining moments. He’s led during a global pandemic, times of national racial and political tension and countless community challenges. Under his leadership, we’ve seen major progress: new job opportunities, a successful minor league baseball stadium and serious investments in our city’s infrastructure including the downtown area and long-overlooked Murchison Road.
Now, for the first time in nearly a decade, Fayetteville will elect a new mayor. Mayor Colvin has announced that he will not seek reelection this season. This came as a shock to some, with community members asking why he’s leaving the role after successfully leading the city. Mayor Colvin shared that he will now continue working in his business, Colvin Funeral Home and Crematory as well as spending time with his family. He plans to still contribute to the community and the growth of Fayetteville.
That leaves three candidates vying to lead the city forward: Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Keefe Jensen, City Council Member Mario “Be” Benavente and repeat candidate Freddie de la Cruz.
Kathy Keefe Jensen is no stranger to Fayetteville. She’s served on the City Council since 2013 and has lived here her entire life. A proud Pine Forest High School graduate, Kathy went on to study business at East Carolina University and Methodist College. After supporting her husband’s military career around the world, she returned to her roots to raise her family and open her own business, An Affair to Remember Bridal and Formal Wear on Ramsey Street.
More importantly, Jensen has worked directly alongside Mayor Colvin for years, giving her the most experience of any candidate in the race. She has helped shape many of the city’s major decisions from the inside and understands the current priorities, partnerships and projects already underway.
Her track record includes involvement with many boards and commissions. In her own words, “Fayetteville is a growing city on the verge of economic wealth. With over 1.4 billion dollars invested in our city, we’ve made our mark. Companies are noticing us. Jobs and workforce development are going to make Fayetteville thrive.”
Jensen is set to officially launch her mayoral campaign at her business, An Affair to Remember, in Fayetteville North Carolina on Monday June 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Council Member Mario “Be” Benavente, in his second term representing District 3, is running on a platform rooted in equity and prevention. The E.E. Smith High School graduate believes that tackling the root causes of crime such as mental health, affordable housing and job access is key to building a stronger Fayetteville. He formally announced his candidacy earlier this year in front of City Hall.
Benavente has been known for his community advocacy and boots on the ground approach to tackling issues within the city and beyond. He also holds experience currently sitting on Fayetteville City Council and is in touch with the city’s current needs.
Freddie de la Cruz, a familiar face in the political arena, is making another run after unsuccessful bids for mayor and a state house seat. His campaign promises his own vision for the city’s future.
Change isn’t just happening at city hall. Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis W. Wright announced he will retire on June 30 after years of dedicated service. He has recommended Maj. Jonathan T. Morgan as his successor, while Chief Deputy C. Jack Broadus will serve as acting sheriff in the interim. Fayetteville Police Chief Kem Braden also retired earlier this year after nearly three decades with the department. His replacement, Chief Roberto Bryan, has been appointed as the city’s next Chief of Police and will officially begin his duties with Fayetteville Police Department on July 7. Until then, he will finish his current role as Chief of Police and Associate Vice Chancellor at Fayetteville State University. Assistant Police Chief C. Todd Joyce is currently serving as interim chief.
City Council has also approved a new curfew for youth 16 and under, requiring them to be off the streets by 11 p.m. The decision is part of a larger effort to address the recent rise in gun violence. While some see this as a necessary step toward safety, others fear it may have unintended consequences for youth already at risk.
Here at The L3 Brand and through our nonprofit L3 Brand Community Alliance, we believe in Fayetteville. We believe in the power of its people, its leaders and its ability to rise through any challenge. We’ve watched our city evolve and we’ve been here through every milestone.
Whether you’re passionate about public safety, economic growth or improving quality of life, one thing is clear. Fayetteville is stepping into a new chapter. And we’ll be right here connected, engaged and keeping you informed every step of the way.
Stay tuned. The story of Fayetteville is far from over.