Fayetteville council adds $500,000 to FY2026 budget for sidewalks; staff to return with funding plan

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville City Council on Thursday moved to add $500,000 in one-time funding for sidewalks to the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and asked staff to return with specifics on how to pay for it before the council’s scheduled adoption meeting.

The council’s discussion during a June 5 budget work session centered on how to accelerate sidewalk construction identified in the city’s pedestrian plan and a separate supplemental school-focused pedestrian plan. Staff told the council the budget currently programs $1,221,696 for sidewalks in FY26 and $500,000 annually from FY27 through FY31; the council directed staff to identify sources to add the one-time $500,000 while holding the city’s fund balance near its 12% goal.

Council members said the additional money is meant to demonstrate an immediate, tangible commitment to walkability — for example, funding at least one near-term priority project from the supplemental school plan — while longer-term decisions about recurring funding or bonds are…