TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Jodi W. Phelps, Assistant City Manager
DATE: February 9, 2026
RE:Title
Adopt the 2026 Federal Action Plan
Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
This item supports all adopted City Council strategic goals and objectives.
Executive Summary:
The City of Fayetteville engages with the federal legislators and government agencies to support policy and funding opportunities that align with Council’s identified priorities and objectives. These efforts ensure the protection and preservation of essential community assets and resources, expansion of critical services and infrastructure supporting resident, and initiatives that allow the City to thrive.
Background:
The City’s federal advocacy team, Strategics Consulting, helps shape and define Fayetteville’s priorities while facilitating communication and coordination at the federal level among elected officials and agency representatives. The City has a long-standing and successful relationship with Strategics Consulting having won support for and secured federal funding and directed spending for a variety of projects and needs, most recently a $4.85 million congressionally Directed Funding project for stormwater infrastructure improvements in the Sessoms Street and Locks Creek areas.
The federal advocacy agenda is developed annually as a result of input from staff and Council and closely aligned with interests and priorities of legislators and agencies.
With all input incorporated, the document will be formally adopted by Council and shared with federal representatives during office visits and conversations with our elected officials and federal agencies and offices.
Issues/Analysis:
The City’s federal advocacy goals include the following:
• Develop and pursue a federal advocacy agenda unique to the City of Fayetteville which leads to consistent, high-quality results.
• Identify and pursue federal investments to achieve the long-term goals of the City.
• Build and maintain regular communications with the Congressional delegation, federal agencies, Council, staff, residents, and stakeholders.
The proposed Federal Action Agenda addresses those items the City will focus advocacy on in the year ahead supporting workforce growth and economic independence, advancing housing opportunity and community infrastructure, ensuring high-quality community-based veteran and military supports, providing sufficient mental health and community safety resources to meet needs, all of which affect the quality of life for our residents.
Budget Impact:
N/A
Options:
1. Adopt the 2026 Federal Action Agenda
2. Do not adopt the 2026 Federal Action Agenda and provide additional direction for staff.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Adopt the 2026 Federal Action Agenda.
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Attachments:
COF 2026 Federal Action Agenda