Jeffrey Odham, Mayor of New Bern; Dr. Ray Staats, President of Craven Community College; Kevin Roberts, President of the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce; Melissa Riggle, Executive Director of the Craven County Tourism Development Authority (TDA); Colleen Roberts, Public Information Officer for the City of New Bern; and Foster Hughes, City Manager provide valuable perspectives on what makes New Bern unique and how the city is composed for future growth. UNIQUE ALLURE Riggle underscores New Bern’s unique appeal: “Our city boasts a distinct landscape with natural infrastructure, a stunning riverfront, and a scenic downtown.” New Bern’s beauty and historical significance make it an exceptional tourist destination, featuring landmarks such as Tryon Palace, the original seat of the colonial government, and the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. Chamber President Kevin Roberts highlights the city’s diverse amenities: “Despite being a relatively small town, New Bern offers more than most. We have an airport, a symphony, a major military installation, a community college, and an industrial park,” enabling New Bern to “punch above its weight.” As you stroll through the downtown streets of New Bern, the city has witnessed centuries of change, yet it remains dedicated to preserving its heritage while embracing modern growth. Visitors can admire the architecture of the New Bern Academy, the state’s first public school, and the historic district’s charming homes that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS In recent years, New Bern has made strides in improving its infrastructure, particularly in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. Hughes explains, “We have been working to clean out over 60 miles of drainage ditches to help with stormwater. We have also started new projects, like the Duffyfield stormwater project, a multi-milliondollar effort to improve water flow in many areas.” Additionally, New Bern is focused on enhancing its recreational facilities. “We have a $14 million 51 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 NEW BERN, NC
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