Fletcher Mayor Preston Blakely is one of 22 leaders chosen to join NewDEAL, a national network of elected local and state  Democratic leaders that works to expand opportunity and spur economic growth.

NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), a selective center-left network of state and local elected leaders, scours the country to lift up the best and brightest elected officials who are pragmatic and get results — including city council members, county commissioners, mayors, state legislators and statewide leaders below the level of governor. Through virtual and in-person meetings, NewDEAL brings leaders together to exchange lessons learned and ideas and to  issue-area experts from non-profits, the private and philanthropic sectors and the federal government.

The only leader chosen from North Carolina, Blakely was selected to join NewDEAL in part because of his dedication to transparency, criminal justice reform, zoning reform, economic revitalization and voting rights, the organization said in a news release. The town’s mayor since 2021, he has focused on guiding the mixed-use development of the town’s center, known as the Heart of Fletcher.

As part of the project, Blakely focused on zoning reforms to create pedestrian-friendly guidelines, encourage mixed-use integration of buildings (retail, commercial, and residential), and design aesthetics to create a welcoming environment. In addition, he focused on improving the parks and recreation areas throughout the city. He has also played a key role in western North Carolina’s recovery following Hurricane Helene. Blakely has received the North Carolina Public Administration Award for Early Career Public Service and the National League of Cities Centennial Under 40 Impact Award.

“Now is the time for state and local leaders to lead the efforts on the cost of living crisis so we can ensure economic security and provide every person the opportunity to thrive,” Blakely said. “I’m eager to engage on topics ranging from housing affordability to expanding access to voting, and I look forward to sharing lessons with and learning from other leaders who are setting the standard for effective governance. I am excited to be part of NewDEAL’s efforts to expand opportunities for Americans in communities nationwide.