TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Dr. Andrew Mansell, CMO Special Projects
DATE: March 23, 2026
RE:Title
PSA Campaign Options for Firearm Safety and Responsible Gun Storage Annexation
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
GOAL I: The City of Fayetteville will be a safe and secure community
• Objective 1.3: To ensure low incidence of property and violent crime
Goal IV: The City of Fayetteville will be a desirable place to live, work, and recreate
• Objective 4.5: To ensure a place for people to live in great neighborhoods
Executive Summary:
At the direction of City Council, staff explored options for implementing a public awareness campaign focused on firearm safety and responsible gun storage. Potential outreach opportunities include public messaging coordinated through the City’s Marketing and Communications team, community engagement events in partnership with the Fayetteville Police Department, and participation in NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week through the Office of Community Safety. These options provide multiple avenues to promote responsible firearm storage and reinforce community safety messaging. Should Council wish to proceed, staff can return with a proposed implementation plan, including campaign details, event coordination, and associated costs based on the option(s) selected.
Background:
City Council previously directed staff to research potential costs and options for implementing a public awareness campaign focused on firearm safety and responsible gun storage. The request was intended to identify opportunities to promote responsible firearm storage practices through public education, community partnerships, and existing City outreach efforts.
Issues/Analysis:
Marketing and Communications Outreach- The City’s Marketing and Communications (MarCom) team has identified several communication channels that could support a public awareness campaign promoting responsible firearm storage.
Local Radio- Through the City’s FY26 contract with Cumulus Media, messaging could be placed on the following stations: WFNC AM 640, Magic 106.9, Rock 103, and Q98. Additional stations operated by Beasley Media Group could also be considered if expanded coverage is desired.
Digital Advertising- Digital advertising opportunities could include placements through local platforms such as CityView and targeted advertisements through the City’s social media channels.
Digital Billboards- Digital billboard placements across the city could provide high-visibility messaging. Potential locations are included in the attached materials.
City Communication Channels- The City could also utilize FayTV/Spectrum Channel 7, the City Manager’s E-Newsletter, and official social media platforms. Short video messages from Council Members or community partners could also be shared through these channels to reinforce the campaign message.
Fayetteville Police Department Community Events The Fayetteville Police Department has agreed to support the campaign by incorporating firearm safety messaging into its community movie night events. These events provide an opportunity to share responsible firearm storage information with residents in a family-friendly setting while reinforcing broader community safety messaging. Staff will coordinate with the department to incorporate appropriate messaging and educational materials during these events.
Office of Community Safety - NC S.A.F.E. Week Partnership The Office of Community Safety (OCS) has identified an opportunity to expand firearm safety education by partnering with NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week. This statewide initiative, held each June, promotes responsible firearm storage and public education aimed at reducing firearm-related injuries and deaths.
By aligning with this initiative, OCS can participate in community safety events, distribute educational materials, and collaborate with community partners to increase awareness of responsible firearm storage practices. NC S.A.F.E. provides ready-made educational resources covering topics such as proper firearm storage, guidance for parents and youth, suicide prevention warning signs, and general firearm safety information.
Budget Impact:
N/A
Options:
1. Receive the report.
2. Request additional discussion at a future work session.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
For information only, no action required unless Council pulls for Work Session.
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Attachments:
FY26 Lamar Advertising Placement