Mayor Jeffrey Odham

Mayor Jeffrey Odham This is the official page for elected official, Mayor Jeffrey T. Odham Jeffrey is the son of B.T. and Joan Odham and a lifelong resident of New Bern.

Jeffrey Odham was elected to serve as Alderman of the Sixth Ward in November of 2013. He married New Bern native Jeannie Haye Odham in June 2002. They have one son, Gavin Jeffrey. On August 15, 2022, Jeffrey was sworn into office as Mayor for the City of New Bern. Mayor Odham is a graduate of both New Bern High School & Craven Community College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in B

usiness Administration - Marketing & Retailing. Mayor Odham joined Glidden Paint Company in 1997 where he has spent his entire professional career (Glidden is now part of PPG Industries). Throughout his tenure, Jeffrey has held numerous positions in both sales and operations. Currently, he is a Division Manager for NC, SC and parts of GA. In 2002, Jeffrey & his wife became local entrepreneurs when they started a tanning salon known as Sunless Expressions, LLC. Mayor Odham ran his campaign based on the platform of bringing financial accountability and commercial growth to New Bern. He was quoted as saying, "I will bring a common sense, business-minded approach to City Hall. It's time for elected officials to look past the next election cycle and do what is right for the long-term health of New Bern."

Tourism is important! Here are the numbers:
09/01/2026

Tourism is important! Here are the numbers:

08/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

HAPPY HARBOR BOWLING CENTER

New Bern, NC – Recent public statements concerning the proposed Happy Harbor Bowling Center have created an inaccurate impression about the City of New Bern’s involvement and why the project did not move forward here. The public deserves an accurate account.

Bill Prevatt met with the New Bern city manager and me on two occasions to discuss his concept for opening a bowling center in New Bern. We listened to his proposal, discussed the project with him and treated the concept seriously. As per his request, he was given letters of support from myself and other city staff.

After our initial meeting, I became growingly concerned with some of the claims and statements being made by Mr. Prevatt. He did not have site control, yet stated the bowling center would be open by the end of the year. Facebook posts requesting public input on carpet colors, sharing mockups of branded apparel, and several other items exacerbated my concerns that this was not a legitimate project.

During our second meeting, which I requested, I asked Mr. Prevatt if he had completed a feasibility study, something that would almost certainly be required by any lending institution or investor. He claimed he did, but what he produced was a data page that is commonly provided when a commercial parcel is listed. This document contained market demographics, traffic counts, etc. but had absolutely nothing to do with a bowling center. I noticed his updated package he shared with us stated he was seeking $5.3MM in funding; this was around a third of what it would realistically cost. Knowing the proposed size and average construction costs in today’s market, my suspicions were confirmed. Happy Harbor Bowling Center was an idea that was shared which garnered strong community support, but no real resources behind it.

Based on community feedback over the years, the City of New Bern spent approximately $17,000 on an independent feasibility study to determine what type and size of entertainment facility this market could realistically support. That study was intended to provide reliable information that could benefit anyone seriously considering such a development. It was a sign to the industry that the city wants to partner and support private investment.

To date, Mr. Prevatt has not requested a copy of the City’s feasibility study, claiming publicly that he has conducted or obtained his own analysis.

At no point did the City prevent Mr. Prevatt from opening a bowling center in New Bern. The City was not the project’s developer, investor, lender, or property owner. It was Mr. Prevatt’s responsibility to establish a viable business plan, secure a suitable location, obtain financing and provide the private investment necessary to move the project forward, all of which he failed to do.

The materials presented to us did not demonstrate that those essential pieces were in place. While the City is willing to work with credible developers and business owners, taxpayers cannot be expected to assume the financial risk of a privately promoted venture.

Mr. Prevatt has apparently decided to pursue a similar concept in Morehead City. That is his decision, and I sincerely hope any project pursued there is successful. However, it is inaccurate and unfair for him to blame anyone associated with the City of New Bern for his proposal not advancing here.

New Bern remains interested in additional family-entertainment opportunities, including a bowling center. We will continue working constructively with serious operators and investors who can present a financially viable proposal supported by adequate capital, market research, and a realistic development plan. As evident throughout recent projects throughout New Bern, such as the New Bern Marketplace, West New Bern, and various residential developments, city leadership and staff stand ready to work with the development community.

Mr. Prevatt was given the opportunity to present his concept and was never denied a meeting by city officials. The City took the proactive step of investing in professional market research. The facts do not support any suggestion that New Bern, or its leadership, caused his project to fail.

For any interested parties that would like to invest in family entertainment in the city of New Bern, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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🏈 Congratulations to the New Bern Bears who (once again) beat the Havelock Rams! 🐻 > 🐏
08/29/2026

🏈 Congratulations to the New Bern Bears who (once again) beat the Havelock Rams! 🐻 > 🐏

It was an honor to be present when former alderman and NC State House of Representative Barbara Lee was awarded the Orde...
08/29/2026

It was an honor to be present when former alderman and NC State House of Representative Barbara Lee was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine by Governor Josh Stein presented by Congressman Don Davis last Sunday. Mrs. Barbara was New Bern’s first black woman elected to the Board of Aldermen and has worked with the youth in our community for decades through her afterschool program.

08/12/2026

We received confirmation last night of exactly what type, size, etc. of family entertainment our community can support. Now, it’s time for the private-sector to step up. You know how to reach me 😃 📞 📧 🤝

We are pleased to announce that the City of New Bern has received strong credit ratings from both major bond rating agen...
07/31/2026

We are pleased to announce that the City of New Bern has received strong credit ratings from both major bond rating agencies.

Moody’s Ratings has assigned the City a Aa2 rating on the City’s $13 million General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2026. S&P Global Ratings assigned the bonds a AA rating with a stable outlook.

For perspective:
Moody’s long-term ratings are:
Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1,A2,A3, Baa1, Baa2, and Baa3.
S&P Global Ratings are:
AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, A+ ,A, A-, BBB+, BBB, and BBB-

Both rating agencies identified several important strengths supporting the City’s ratings:
- A healthy financial position with strong reserves and liquidity
- A history of positive financial performance and proactive management
- Formal financial, reserve, debt, and investment policies
- Long-term capital planning and disciplined debt management
- Steady tax-base growth, increasing property values, and positive population and development trends
- Long-term liabilities that remain manageable relative to revenues

Moody’s specifically recognized the City’s fund balance and liquidity levels, steady tax-base expansion, very low long-term liabilities, formal policies, and history of healthy financial operations. S&P similarly highlighted the City’s growing economy, elevated reserves, consistent financial performance, proactive management, and regularly updated capital improvement planning.

The reports also identified areas that we must continue to monitor, including resident income levels that remain below national averages, economic growth that trails the nation, and significant future capital needs—particularly within the utility systems. Both agencies emphasized the importance of maintaining strong reserves and carefully managing future debt.

S&P’s stable outlook reflects its expectation that the City’s consistent financial performance will continue as New Bern absorbs additional residential and commercial growth.

These ratings provide meaningful independent confirmation of the City’s strong financial condition and reflect the Board’s continued commitment to responsible financial management, sound policies, long-term planning, and maintaining adequate reserves. They also position the City well as we move forward with the sale of the bonds and implementation of these important projects.

After much anticipation, some flat tires and bent rims, Simmons Street is being repaved. Construction started Monday and...
07/16/2026

After much anticipation, some flat tires and bent rims, Simmons Street is being repaved. Construction started Monday and should be completed in a few weeks. As a reminder, this road is owned and maintained (I use that term loosely) by NCDOT and not the City of New Bern.

07/11/2026

After reading some of the comments on Facebook regarding the redevelopment of a corner parcel in our commercial corridor, I felt compelled to reshare this reel we created a while back. The information is still relevant. As always, please don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions.

The inaugural July 4th parade, hosted by the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce and Swiss Bear, was a resounding success!...
07/05/2026

The inaugural July 4th parade, hosted by the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce and Swiss Bear, was a resounding success! The city showed up in large numbers to brave the heat and demonstrate their patriotism.

Photo credit: Roberta Hand/New Bern Live

Happy 4th of July, New Bern! 🇺🇸Today, we proudly celebrate America’s 250th anniversary — a milestone 250 years since the...
07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July, New Bern! 🇺🇸

Today, we proudly celebrate America’s 250th anniversary — a milestone 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we honor our nation’s enduring spirit of freedom, independence, and unity, let’s come together as a community to reflect on our shared history and bright future.

Here’s what’s happening today across our city:

• Morning at Tryon Palace (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Start your day with the Glorious 4th celebration! Enjoy a performance by the Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps, an interpretive reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a volley from the NC Continental Line. The grounds and gardens will be open to the public with no admission charge until noon. The Fife and Drum Corps will then lead the parade.

• New Bern Independence Day Parade (10:30 AM): Join the festive procession through downtown New Bern, hosted by Swiss Bear, the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of New Bern. It’s a wonderful hometown tradition filled with patriotism, music, and community pride!

• Stop the Violence Unity Weekend Community Cookout (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Join this free family-friendly event at Craven Terrace Big Field (601 Round Tree Street). Featuring food, entertainment, community resources, youth activities, giveaways, vendors, guest speakers, and more — all to promote unity, peace, and positive community engagement. Hosted by Tee Elite Productions.

• New Bern Southpaws Baseball vs. Carolina Yankees (5:00 PM): Catch some exciting collegiate summer baseball at Historic Kafer Park (603 George Street)! Come out and support the Southpaws in this great family-friendly night at the ballpark.

• Evening Celebration at Lawson Creek Park (starting at 5:30 PM): Head to Lawson Creek Park (1309 Country Club Road) for an unforgettable night of family fun! Enjoy live music by Petty Rewind (starting at 6:30 PM), food trucks, vendors, adult beverages, inflatables, games, crafts, magic shows, a foam party, and more. The spectacular fireworks show is scheduled for approximately 9:15 PM.
Parking note for Lawson Creek Park: Limited parking at the park — use the free shuttle from Temple Church (1500 Kingdom Way) starting at 5:00 PM.

Thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, first responders, and everyone working to make this day special. Stay safe, celebrate responsibly, and have a wonderful time with family and friends.

God Bless America and God Bless New Bern!

— Mayor Jeffrey T. Odham

Address

Pollock Street
New Bern, NC
28560

Telephone

+12526364000

Website

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