One, Cumberland County residents participated in a public meeting, invited focus groups, and individual interviews. And two, a broadly representative planning committee provided the citizens' point of view to library planners. Committee members, listed below, met with consultant facilitators during the late winter and early spring of 2000, providing valuable insights into community needs and how the library can focus its resources to work toward meeting many of those needs. The Economy Everyone in the county thrives in a healthy economic environment, with access to good jobs and an overall higher standard of living than at present. Counseling and training are available to people who are economically disadvantaged, including persons who are homeless, to ensure their access to better jobs.
Minority groups own a wide variety of businesses and are leaders in economic development.
The whole community has access to a wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Participation in and enjoyment of the creative and performing arts, parks, organized sports and recreational activities are readily available. Residents have access to and appreciation of the unique contributions of the various ethnic groups that make up the Cumberland County community. Civic Pride and Stewardship Civic pride is reflected in a bustling, vital downtown Fayetteville with a variety of businesses and services. Visitors and residents alike value the community.