For Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, service is a core part of her identity. From a young age, the 42-year-old has felt an instinctive drive to give back to her community.
“Serving out of love means not expecting anything in return.” she shared. “It’s always been in me.”
This guiding principle has shaped her joumey as a volunteer, mentor, and public servant, reinforcing her belief in the importance of community engagement.
Building Roots in Fayetteville
When Banks-McLaughlin moved to Fayetteville nearly 20 years ago from Little Rock, Arkansas, she immersed herself in community affairs. She volunteered at her church, attended city affair meetings, and supported local events, often including her family as a way to stay engaged in the community and leading by example. Her love for the community laid the foundation for her to invest in city government.
Inspired by her increasing community involvement, she decided to take her commitment a step further and ran for the Fayetteville City Council in 2019. Her strong grassroots campaign led her to defeat Ted Mohn who had held the seat for three terms and served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Her hands-on approach to leadership and servant attitude quickly eared the trust of her constituents, reassuring them of her genuine dedication to serving her community.
“Im a citizen first. The decisions on a local level also affect me as a citizen,” she explained to The Exclusive Press (EP).
This belief led her to make positive and influential decisions that have shaped the future of Fayetteville, the sixth-largest city in North Carolina.
From Volunteer to Public Leader
Since taking office, Banks-McLaughlin has channeled her passion for volunteerism into meaningful policies and programs that have made a tangible difference in the lives of Fayetteville residents. Her advocacy for the homeless community played a key role in launching the city’s Emergency Day Resource Center, which fittingly opened on her 40th birthday in 2023 She also championed the development of splash pads in the Lake Rim area, affordable housing initiatives, and programs aimed at helping first-time homebuyers, understanding that a stable home is foundational for personal security and growth.
In public safety, Banks-McLaughlin worked to create the Office of Community Safety. which serves as a crucial link between local law enforcement and the community. Her influence extends beyond the city as well—-in April 2023. Governor Roy Cooper appointed her to the Governor’s Crime Commission. where she has advocated for strategies to reduce crime, prevent violence, and push for meaningful reforms in the criminal justice system. This work holds deep personal significance for her after the tragic loss of her teenage daughter to gun violence.
L-R: Banks-McLaughlin pictured North Carolina Governor, Josh Stein, followed by Maryland Governor, Wes Moore (2nd picture); Banks-McLaughlin visit to Fayetteville, NC sister city, Saint-Avold, France; Courtesy of Courtney Banks-McLaughlin
In the realm of transportation and infrastructure, she helped secure new routes for the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) and supported a historic $215 million Capital Improvement Plan, ensuring the city’s future growth is met with accessible and sustainable infrastructure
Banks-McLaughlin’s dedication to youth mentorship has also been a major focus of her work.
She has been instrumental in creating initiatives like the Teen CERT Academy, ACE Academy, and Youth Council and has personally mentored students across schools and nonprofit organizations.
Servitude Beyond City Hall
Beyond her official duties. Banks-McLaughlin remains deeply involved in the community. As an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Order of the Eastern Star, she has continued her volunteer work across multiple generations. She also started an endowment in memory of her late daughter, Corvonna Young, to benefit a Seventy-First High School Junior ROTC student, and dedicates her time to working with both youth and senior citizens.
“I enjoy working with the youth and senior citizens,” she shared. “There’s so much to offer our youth, and so much wisdom to be gained from our elders.”
Her broad engagement underscores her belief that true leadership extends far beyond city hall walls-into neighborhoods, schools, churches, mentoring programs, and more.
Looking Ahead
Now, Banks-McLaughlin is ready to take the next step in her journey by running for mayor of Fayetteville. The Detroit native has the chance to make history by becoming the first African American female mayor. This move is driven by her desire to strengthen community partnerships, promote transparency, and foster unity in the city. Her unwavering commitment to helping others continues to inspire those around her.
“My vision is to continue my work as a public servant.” she said. “I want to be an example for my children, my grandchildren, and future generations.”
Her story is one of consistent service showing up. giving back, and deeply investing in the community she calls home. Whether through volunteerism, mentorship, or public office, Banks-McLaughlin remains committed to building a better, stronger Fayetteville. And there’s no signs of her slowing down anytime soon.
