Fayetteville mayor notes state of city

Fayetteville Mayor Ed Johnson gave his State of the City address on Thursday night, noting milestones in 2016 and goals for 2017. Johnson said the “increasingly diverse city” must press forward to attract new business, reduce crime and support education.

The city hired five police officers last year, making the department fully staffed for the first time since 2006; a new police chief will be announced soon. Plans for this year include a new city website and more social media engagement, as well as a new comprehensive plan, downtown master plan and incentive programs for companies that can provide more local jobs.