Politics

Fletcher mayor chosen for Exceptional American Leaders organization

By Bill Moss, Published: July 16, 2026

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.”

Members of the NewDEAL network have been chosen from more than 2,200 nominations over NewDEAL’s 15 years, and are united by their work to enact pro-growth and pragmatic solutions across their diverse array of communities. As part of NewDEAL, they receive support in developing smart policy, governing effectively, and advancing in their public service careers, while being recognized for their forward-thinking approach and commitment to making government work better. Alumni include U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who joined as a mayor, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who joined as a County Commissioner, and Congresswoman Sarah McBride, who joined as a state senator.

Current members include fellow North Carolina leaders, including Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, and Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers.
Blakely joins the group at a critical moment in our nation’s history as hardworking Americans face rising costs for everything from housing to childcare to energy and when innovative policy solutions are more important than ever to bring real relief to families and small businesses.
Leaders like Blakely are focused on addressing kitchen table issues like community safety, bringing down the cost of living, and investing in small businesses. They join other NewDEALers who are focused on keeping America true to the ideals of freedom, liberty, and opportunity.
Through in-person and virtual convenings, Blakely will work with colleagues across the country to bring forth a better, more prosperous future for all Americans. To accomplish these goals, NewDEAL Leaders aid in the implementation of recommendations made by its sister organization, the NewDEAL Forum, through the Caring For Families Task Force, Housing Task Force, Democracy Working Group, AI Task Force, Education Policy Group, and Climate Solutions Working Group.
Dozens of NewDEAL Leaders will gather at the NewDEAL Annual Conference Nov. 18-20 in Washington, D.C. The event will provide a forum to reflect on lessons from the election and to share policy ideas on: addressing the cost of living crisis; expanding economic opportunity and making government work better; and exploring leadership strategies for governing successfully in challenging political environments.

The new class of NewDEAL Leaders includes:
Alaska: Fairbanks Mayor Mindy O’Neall
Arizona: Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar
Colorado: Routt County Commissioner Angelica Salinas
Connecticut: State Treasurer Erick Russell
Delaware: Sen. Tizzy Lockman
Georgia: Rep. Omari Crawford
Illinois: Sen. Mike Halpin
Indiana: Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
Kentucky: Rep. Adam Moore
Missouri: Rep. Ashley Aune
Nebraska: Sen. Dunixi Guereca
New Hampshire: Portsmouth Assistant Mayor JoAnna Kelley
New Mexico: Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta
New York: New York City Councilmember Virginia Maloney
New York: Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin
North Carolina: Fletcher Mayor Preston Blakely
Ohio: Rep. Dani Isaacsohn
Pennsylvania: Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor
South Carolina: Columbia City Councilmember Sam Johnson
Vermont: State Treasurer Mike Pieciak
Virginia: Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins