Courtney Banks-McLaughlin

Courtney Banks-McLaughlin is a dedicated public servant, small business owner, and fierce advocate for progress who has served the Fayetteville community with purpose and heart since 2009. Elected in 2019 to represent District 8 on the Fayetteville City Council, Courtney has led with a deep commitment to inclusive growth, safer neighborhoods, youth empowerment, and economic opportunity for every resident—especially those in historically underserved areas.

With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Arkansas Baptist College and a Master's in Human Resource Management from Webster University, Courtney brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and grassroots leadership to City Hall. As a wife to a disabled veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division and a proud mother of 4, her dedication to public service is both personal and unwavering.

A Record of Real Results

✅ Champion for Public Safety & Community Healing
Advocated for and helped launch the Office of Community Safety, driving data-informed solutions to violence prevention, mental health crisis response, and stronger ties between law enforcement and local organizations.
Appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the Governor’s Crime Commission, shaping statewide public safety policy.

✅ Fighter for Housing, Affordability & Homeless Services
Spearheaded the opening of Fayetteville’s Emergency Day Resource Center to provide critical support for unhoused residents.
Led Council efforts to expand affordable housing access and improve the city’s first-time homebuyer program.
Supported development and backed the creation of a Renters Council to address affordability and tenant rights.

✅ Builder of Transportation & Infrastructure Access
Delivered three new bus routes in West Fayetteville, including the X1 Express, dramatically improving access to jobs, healthcare, and education.
Helped pass a $215 million Capital Improvement Plan (2025–2030), with major investments in roads, public safety, parks, and water/sewer upgrades

✅ Passionate Advocate for Fayetteville’s Youth
A longtime mentor and coach, Courtney has expanded city-supported youth programs and educational initiatives, including the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council, ACE Academy, and Teen CERT Academy.
Champion of mentorship and service, from Girl Scouts to basketball courts, she believes in giving every child a chance to thrive.

✅ Proven Leader in Equity & Community Engagement
Led the reimagining of the historic Market House, helping Fayetteville win the 2023 All-American City Award-for its focus on healing, unity, and inclusivity.
Recognized for transparency and excellence in managing $40.4M in ARPA funds, including innovative programs like the PROOVE violence interrupter initiative and cutting-edge public safety tech.