REALTOR® Voice in Action: Advocacy in the Rooms Where Decisions Are Made in May 2026
Advocacy remained active throughout May as Longleaf Pine REALTORS® continued to stay engaged in local meetings where redevelopment, infrastructure, economic development, land use, utilities, and community growth were being discussed. By showing up consistently, our Government Affairs team helps ensure LPR stays informed on the issues shaping the communities our members serve and the real estate industry across our region.
Tracking Economic Development and Redevelopment Priorities
May began with important conversations at the Fayetteville City Council meeting on May 4, where Council approved new economic modernization and priority redevelopment incentives. These types of tools can influence future investment, business growth, redevelopment opportunities, and the overall strength of the local real estate market.
The May 4 meeting also included discussion of a feasibility study for a potential downtown convention center. As Fayetteville continues evaluating ways to support downtown activity, tourism, business development, and community investment, LPR’s continued awareness of these conversations helps keep members informed about long-term planning efforts that may affect commercial and residential real estate.
Monitoring Infrastructure, Utilities, and Development Conditions
Infrastructure remained a major focus in May. At the May 11 Fayetteville City Council meeting, a Public Works Commission assessment was approved for Phase 5 annexation water and sewer improvements. Water and sewer access directly affect housing growth, development timelines, property use, and future investment opportunities, making these discussions especially relevant to REALTORS® and the clients they serve.
Later in the month, LPR also met with Public Works Commission representatives on May 28 to discuss flat-rate sewer bills. Utility policies and billing structures can affect property owners, housing affordability, and development conditions, so these conversations are an important part of LPR’s ongoing government affairs monitoring.
Following Land Use, Property Impact, and Local Policy Decisions
At the May 11 Fayetteville City Council meeting, Council also tabled a special use permit request related to the proposed expansion of a junkyard located at 610 E. Russell Street. Land use decisions like these can affect surrounding properties, neighborhood conditions, commercial activity, and future redevelopment opportunities.
By monitoring zoning, special use permits, and local development discussions, LPR helps ensure the REALTOR® perspective remains connected to decisions that may influence property values, community planning, and quality of life.
Staying Engaged with County-Level Growth Conversations
County-level redevelopment was also part of May’s Government Affairs activity. At the May 18 Cumberland County Commission meeting, Commissioners discussed the Gillespie Street lot hotel and mixed-use development. Projects like this are tied to broader conversations about downtown investment, economic growth, tourism, commercial development, and community revitalization.
LPR’s engagement in these discussions helps the association stay aware of projects that may shape future opportunities across Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the surrounding region.
Why This Matters to REALTORS®
Every meeting attended is an opportunity to:
- Stay informed on decisions affecting housing and development
- Build relationships with elected officials and community leaders
- Monitor infrastructure and policy issues that impact the market
- Keep REALTOR® voices represented before decisions are finalized
- Support smart growth and strong property rights across the region
When REALTORS® are present in these local rooms, they are better positioned to understand change, anticipate impact, and help shape the conversations that matter most. LPR remains committed to showing up, staying engaged, and ensuring the REALTOR® voice continues to be part of the decisions influencing our communities.e where decisions are made—so your voice is always part of the conversation.
