Fayetteville Next outlines three-phase plan, unveils 910 Future Fest dates and asks council to confirm board nominees

A representative of the Fayetteville Next advisory commission updated the Fayetteville City Council on March 9 about work during the commission's first 18 months and introduced the 910 Future Fest, a proposed multi-day cultural and workforce-focused event.

The presenter said the commission completed "Phase One" (structure, clarity and credibility), advanced "Phase Two" (relationship building and community connections), and is moving into "Phase Three," which the presenter described as "about strengthening our connection here in City Hall." The commission said it has hosted public events, partnered with local organizations and received direct outreach from residents raising infrastructure and parking concerns.

Grant Bennet, introduced as founder and president of the 2-6 Project, said the 910 Future Fest is planned for Sept. 24–26, 2026 and is intended as a cultural, creativity and workforce-development event that will partner with local organizations. The presenter and Mr. Bennet named partner organizations and several nominees for city boards and commissions.

Councilmember Haire moved to accept the slate of nominees to boards and commissions; Councilmember Jones seconded the motion and the clerk announced the vote was unanimous.

The council also approved adding the Fayetteville Next presentation to the agenda earlier in the meeting. The presentation emphasized community engagement and proposed next steps to align commission input with city operations; no formal city funding decisions for Future Fest were recorded at the meeting.