Antonio Jones

What are your top three priorities for enhancing economic growth opportunities throughout the city?

Economic growth in Fayetteville must be intentional, strategic, and inclusive. To truly move our city forward, we must
leverage our strengths, build the right partnerships, and focus on sustainable opportunities that benefit residents across
all neighborhoods. My top three priorities for enhancing economic growth center on workforce development, small
business support, and strategic partnerships that bring high-paying jobs to Fayetteville.

1. Leverage Our Military Advantage to Attract and Retain Business Fayetteville has a unique asset in Fort Liberty, one of
the largest military installations in the world. Each year, thousands of service members transition out of the military,
many with highly valuable skills. My goal is to foster stronger relationships with Fort Liberty and the plethora of defense
contract companies operating in our region. By creating targeted incentives and highlighting Fayetteville as a prime
location for these companies to expand, we can keep both the businesses and our talented veterans in the area. To
achieve this, I will work with organizations such as Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Technical Community
College, and workforce development partners to create specialized training programs. These programs will align with
the needs of incoming companies, ensuring a ready pipeline of skilled workers and opening the door to higher-wage jobs
for our residents.

2. Support and Scale Local Small Businesses Small businesses are the backbone of Fayetteville’s economy. To help
them grow, I support continuing and expanding small business grants, low-interest loan products, and technical
assistance programs that are specific to our region’s needs. We must work closely with organizations like the Greater
Fayetteville Chamber and the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation to identify challenges small
businesses face and provide solutions to help them thrive. I envision creating a “Business Resource Hub” where
entrepreneurs can access training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking all in one place. This one-stop
approach would streamline support, making it easier for small businesses to start, scale, and succeed right here in
Fayetteville.

3. Build Strong Partnerships for Economic Development True economic growth requires collaboration across city,
county, state, and private sectors. No single entity will have all the answers, but together, we can bring fresh ideas and
the resources needed to drive economic opportunity forward. I will advocate for stronger partnerships with regional and
state economic development agencies to attract diverse industries — from technology and logistics to healthcare and
manufacturing.

Additionally, I believe enhancing the overall quality of life is essential to economic growth. Affordable housing, vibrant
community programs, and improved infrastructure will make Fayetteville not just a place to work but a place to stay, live,
and raise a family.

With these three priorities, we can create a thriving, inclusive economy that benefits all Fayetteville residents.

What are the most pressing issues facing the City of Fayetteville? How will you work to solve them?

Fayetteville faces several pressing challenges, but three stand out as the most urgent: homelessness, public safety, and
the economic stability that connects them both. These issues impact families, neighborhoods, and the overall quality of
life across our city.

First, homelessness and the challenges of our unsheltered population continue to grow. Rising housing costs outpacing
wages, coupled with a lack of a true emergency shelter, leave too many families without options. Addressing this crisis
requires both compassion and long-term planning. Shelter alone will not solve homelessness. We must pair housing with
financial literacy, job training, and access to wraparound services so individuals can transition to stability and
independence. My plan begins with immediate action: establishing a designated white flag emergency shelter and
exploring short-term housing solutions through partnerships with existing agencies. I believe revisiting the former
Salvation Army site offers a real opportunity for renewed collaboration. Long-term, we need to expand transitional
housing options such as mini-homes or cottage communities and ensure supportive services like counseling, healthcare,
and workforce training are in place. These steps will help families rebuild and prevent homelessness from recurring.

Second, public safety is critical to Fayetteville’s future. A safe community is one where residents feel secure, businesses
can thrive, and families can enjoy their neighborhoods without fear. Addressing public safety means more than law
enforcement alone — it includes reducing gun violence, preventing youth crime, supporting first responders, and
investing in safer infrastructure. We must work to get illegal guns off the streets, hold adults accountable, and offer
youth alternatives to crime through mentorship programs, conflict resolution training, and expanded recreational
opportunities. Infrastructure improvements like better lighting, pedestrian crosswalks, flood mitigation, and traffic
calming measures will strengthen neighborhoods and make them safer for everyone. Fully supporting our fire
departments and first responders ensures they have the tools and staffing needed to protect the public effectively.

Finally, economic stability ties directly to both homelessness and public safety. To break cycles of poverty and reduce
instability, we must attract employers offering higher-paying jobs while preparing a skilled workforce to meet those
needs. Partnerships with Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and local organizations
will be key in building this workforce and giving residents the opportunity to thrive. These challenges are interconnected,
and no single solution will work in isolation. By combining immediate action with long-term planning, leveraging
community partnerships, and holding ourselves accountable for measurable progress, we can make Fayetteville safer,
stronger, and more inclusive for all residents.

What makes you the best candidate to represent the City of Fayetteville?

I am running for City Council not for titles or recognition, but because I truly believe in our community.
Operating in servant leadership, I’m here to serve, not to be seen. I’m not chasing power — I’m pursuing
purpose: the purpose of uplifting our city, strengthening our neighborhoods, restoring hope, and
building a stronger future for District 3.

I care deeply about our families, our communities, and the challenges we face every day. I see what
you see — the neglected areas that deserve attention, overlooked opportunities that could bring new
life to our city, and the untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. But most of all, I see hope. With the
right leadership, that hope can turn into real, lasting progress.

What makes me the best candidate for District 3 is a proven commitment to this community, even
before my name was ever on a sign or a ballot. I have volunteered, shown up, served, and delivered
results. My only agenda is the people I represent. I believe in listening first, acting with transparency,
and keeping our neighborhoods informed because when communities have a voice, they have power.

I bring a unique combination of skills, experience, and passion that distinctly set me apart. As a
Certified Public Manager (CPM) and Certified Master Black Belt (CMBB) in Lean and Change
Management, I understand organizational leadership, efficiency, and how to create sustainable
solutions that actually work. I know how government operates — and how to make it work better for the
people it serves.

My approach is built on four pillars:

• Servant Leadership: I lead with humility, always focused on the needs of the community rather than
  personal recognition.

• Proven Commitment: My record shows I’ve been here putting in work long before running for office,
  consistently showing up and going above and beyond.

• Community First: Decisions I make will be guided by what benefits our city, neighborhoods,
  families, and future the most.

• Competence and Consistency: With the right skills, experience, and dedication, I will bring action,
  not just talk, to the council.

I have served in various capacities across the community, and my professional background gives me
the tools to address issues effectively — whether it’s public safety, economic growth, youth programs,
or better infrastructure. My experience means I can hit the ground running on day one and start
delivering results that matter.

District 3 deserves a leader who listens, who acts, and who gets things done. I firmly believe that leader
is me. With new councilmembers and the possibility of a new Mayor, I can help build consensus, bridge
divides, and turn hope into progress while transforming challenges into real opportunities — together.
For more information, visit antoniojonesjonesfornc.com.