Fayetteville campaign backs city’s $375 million bond issue

A new campaign — One Cent. One City. One Purpose. — has launched in Fayetteville to encourage voters to support a $375.5 million bond issue that will be on the March 3 primary ballot.

Build Fayetteville’s Future 2026 launched the campaign in support of all nine items in the bond proposal. If approved, the money will be used for city infrastructure, including water, sewer, streets, and fire protection, and community assets that support health, safety, and quality of life.

“Together, these projects reflect a range of community priorities and form a balanced plan to keep Fayetteville functioning well today and positioned for the future,” said Jeff Koenig, co-chair of Build Fayetteville’s Future 2026. “Based on my experience with past bonds in this city, these are strong projects, and they are necessary investments that will serve Fayetteville well for decades.”

Koenig is a retired business leader who supported previous successful bond efforts in Fayetteville.

The city’s existing 1-cent sales tax will be used to pay for the bond proposal. According to a news release, aging infrastructure affects housing availability, economic growth, public safety and daily reliability. Delaying the repair of aging infrastructure would increase long-term costs.

Mayor Molly Rawn announced a $320 million bond issue in September. In October, the Fayetteville City Council approved sending a $375.5 million bond proposal to a vote. The amount was increased after discussions with underwriters, residents and staff. The bond issue includes all the previously announced infrastructure improvements and amenity projects, and also includes paying off existing bonds and the bond issuance costs. The total investment, excluding the cost of paying off the existing bonds, is about $335 million, according to the city website.

Rawn highlighted the importance of community engagement and leadership in supporting the bond proposal.

“This bond package reflects years of planning, public input and careful evaluation of Fayetteville’s needs by city staff,” Rawn said. “Residents have been engaged throughout the process. This effort represents a forward-looking approach to investing in the systems and services that keep our city connected and moving. This bond will do so many things to strengthen our community and quality of life — all without raising taxes.”

Build Fayetteville’s Future 2026 has raised more than $60,000 to support voter education and outreach. The campaign’s supporters include area residents and businesses that want to ensure the city continues to invest responsibly, the release shows.

The committee’s steering group includes leaders from across the city’s civic, nonprofit, education, and business communities.

“What stands out about this effort is the willingness of people to look beyond individual priorities and support a comprehensive plan,” said George Shelton, co-chair of the campaign. “These investments work together. Roads connect to housing, water, and sewer support growth, fire protection ensures safety, and community facilities contribute to livability. This bond recognizes that reality.”

Early voting runs from Feb. 17 to March 2. Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 3.