Cumberland County Planning & Inspections Department Earns State Recognition for In-House Plan

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Planning & Inspections Department has been recognized by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA–NC) for its exceptional work on the North Central Area Land Use Plan. The plan received a 2025 Marvin Collins Honorable Mention in the Small Area Plan Category, a significant achievement as it was developed entirely in-house by the department’s Comprehensive Planning Division.

The North Central Area Land Use Plan was one of nearly 50 submissions from across the state considered for the prestigious Marvin Collins awards. The department will be formally recognized at the APA–NC Annual Fall Conference, which will take place in Charlotte from October 15-17, 2025.

Rawls Howard, Director of Planning and Inspections, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment. “I am immensely proud of our Comprehensive Planning staff,” he said. “Their dedication and work continue to shine. With each plan they complete, they further raise the bar. To earn this recognition for work completed internally underscores our team’s exceptional talent.”

This honor marks the first time in recent history that the department has received an award from the APA–NC for a plan developed wholly by its staff. County Manager Clarence Grier praised the team's vision and hard work. “This accomplishment reflects the hard work and vision of our planning team,” Grier stated. “The North Central Area Land Use Plan embodies thoughtful, community-centered planning that serves as a lasting blueprint for sustainable growth. We commend everyone involved and celebrate this well-deserved honor.”

Adopted on October 7, 2024, the North Central Area Land Use Plan covers a rapidly developing area of approximately 38,000 acres, including Linden, Shaw Heights, and the Carvers Creek State Park vicinity, home to an estimated 17,000 residents. The plan, which began development in 2022, was crafted with extensive community input to strike a balance between promoting growth and preserving the area's rural character, open spaces, and agricultural lands. It also aims to encourage a diverse mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses that align with long-term infrastructure capacity and the community’s vision for the future.

The Planning & Inspections Department looks forward to celebrating this achievement at the upcoming APA–NC conference. Staff expressed their gratitude to County leadership, the Planning Board, and the community for their ongoing support in guiding thoughtful and sustainable development for all residents.

For more information about Cumberland County Government, visit cumberlandcountync.gov or download the MyCCNCGov app.