Cool Springs Downtown District reports Q3 gains; council discusses expanding ambassador program

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Cool Springs Downtown District presented its third‑quarter report Tuesday, detailing new businesses, active development projects and programs meant to keep downtown clean and safe. Councilmembers and staff discussed expanding the district’s safety ambassador program, which the district said now has one full‑time and one part‑time employee.

Report highlights

Ashanti Bennett, interim president and CEO of the downtown district, told council downtown welcomed five new businesses in the last quarter and has 17 new businesses in the past year. She highlighted the Emmons infill project nearing completion and the Crown Performing Arts Center construction, noting about 263,400 square feet of downtown projects representing roughly $183.1 million in private and public investments. Vacancy rates declined slightly and average asking rents rose about 2.1%.

Clean and Safe/ambassador program

The district manages a shared waste management program and operates a safety ambassador program. Bennett described the ambassadors’ responsibilities — safety escorts, public‑realm upkeep and customer service — and said the program’s two staff members have responded to a range of needs downtown. Council members praised the program’s hands‑on work.

Council discussion and motions

Councilmember Benavente asked about specific enhancements and training for ambassadors; Bennett said additional training and adding staff to reach seven‑day coverage would improve responsiveness and safety. Councilmember Benavente proposed a motion to increase the ambassador staff to three full‑time positions and add training; the motion failed to receive a second and therefore died. Council later received the Cool Springs report by formal motion and confirmed the council supports continuing to expand and train the ambassador program; staff said the city previously provided funding to convert a part‑time ambassador to full time and to purchase equipment.

Why it matters: The downtown district’s work affects economic activity, cleanliness and safety in the heart of Fayetteville. Ambassador staffing levels, training and funding affect downtown visitors, merchants and residents.

Select direct quote

"They are a real team and they managed to make sure that our downtown is as safe and as friendly and as welcoming as it can be," Ashanti Bennett, interim CEO of the Cool Springs Downtown District, said of the ambassadors.

Next steps

Council received the quarterly report; staff and district leadership will continue to pursue expanded training and staffing options and return cost estimates as part of ongoing budget and program discussions.

Provenance: Transcript excerpts from the May 27 council meeting include the Cool Springs presentation and council discussion about ambassador staffing and funding.

Ending: Councilmembers signaled support for broader ambassador coverage and training but did not immediately approve an expansion of the program’s full‑time staff.