Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin says he won't seek reelection: 'This chapter closes'
The city of Fayetteville's mayor won't run for reelection this year, but he isn't ruling out returning to politics in the future.
'I believe life has seasons. I've been fortunate to be able to do some incredible things over the last eight years and serving a total of 12 years,' Mayor Mitch Colvin told The Fayetteville Observer on June 12. 'I just think that maybe this chapter closes, and I want to spend some additional time with my family and my business.'
Colvin, who is in his fourth term as mayor, has served as Fayetteville's leader since 2017 and is the city's longest-serving Black mayor.
Before his 2017 election, Colvin served two consecutive terms on the City Council. Colvin first represented District 3 and later was mayor pro tem.
Even though he is leaving the office, Colvin gave the next mayor advice on their approach to the position.
'I think it's critical that the city continues to think forward and make decisions that are strategic and placing the city in a good position down the road,' he said. 'Where do we want to be as a community in 2050? I hope the new mayor will have had that vision and that mindset.'
Those who have announced their intention to run in the mayoral election include Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen; City Council member Mario Benavente, who represents District 3; and business owner and previous mayoral candidate Freddie de la Cruz.
The filing period for Fayetteville's nonpartisan mayoral race is from noon July 7 to noon July 18. The primary election is set for Oct. 7 and the general election is Nov. 4.
The mayor said after his term is over, he will look forward to assisting the Fayetteville community in a new way.
'Right now, my plan is just to spend time with my beautiful wife and family. To work on my business and to continue to make this community a better place in whatever capacity that is, whether it's civic or otherwise,' he said. 'I'm still in the fight, I just think that this particular chapter is closing, and I'm going to work hard through the end of this term.'
Colvin said when it comes to future political aspirations, 'Never say never.'
'I don't have any immediate plans, but I'm not closing the door to any future opportunities.'
As mayor, Colvin focused on economic development, jobs and infrastructure led to a number of important efforts to better the city, according to a news release.
Some of Colvin's achievements while in office include:
Bringing more than $1.4 billion in new investments and over 5,000 new jobs to the city.
The completion of Segra Stadium and the introduction of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
Introducing the $5 million 'Can Do Performance Finance Program' to help entrepreneurs scale and grow their businesses, with more than $400,000 already awarded.
Initiating plans for Fayetteville's new innovation districts to help develop and build small and minority-owned businesses in the area.
Securing a $97 million bond package to fund projects in public safety, public infrastructure and housing.
Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin says he won't run for reelection
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