The Harnett County Board of Commissioners made significant strides in juvenile crime prevention funding during their work session on July 29, 2025. Kimberly Whitted, chairperson of the Harnett County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), presented a pivotal change in their funding strategy, proposing a shift from annual to biennial funding for programs aimed at reducing juvenile crime.

This new approach allows programs to secure funding for two years, eliminating the need for annual requests for proposals. Whitted emphasized that this change not only streamlines the funding process but also provides stability for program planning and budgeting. "This helps with ensuring for their budget purposes what they can expect from the state for the next two years," she stated.

The board approved funding for several key programs, including $138,485 for the Harnett County juvenile restitution community service and team court programs, and $108,310 for the Dunne Powell School Kids Empower and career readiness programs. These funds are earmarked for essential expenses such as staff salaries and educational materials, ensuring that the programs can effectively serve the youth in the community.

In addition to the funding discussions, the meeting also featured an economic development update from Steven Barrington. He reported a remarkable 50% increase in project submissions over the past year, highlighting the county's growing appeal for business development. Barrington noted that the county is now successfully submitting four out of every ten project inquiries, a significant improvement from two submissions a year ago.

The decisions made during this meeting are expected to enhance the support for at-risk youth in Harnett County while also fostering economic growth, marking a proactive step towards community development and safety.