TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Dr. Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: City Manager’s Office
DATE: June 22, 2026
RE:Title
Re-Adopt Youth Protection Safety OrdinanceTitle
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Safe and Secure Community
Goal IV: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
FY26 Council Strategic Priority 1: Develop a comprehensive approach to community safety.
Executive Summary:
At its May 5, 2025, special meeting, the City Council approved the adoption of a Youth Protection Safety Ordinance. The proposed ordinance aims to protect juveniles from victimization and exposure to criminal activity by establishing a curfew for juveniles 16 years of age and under. Violators of the ordinance may be subject to criminal penalties. The proposed ordinance was introduced at the May 12, 2025, regular meeting of the City Council and adopted on May 27, 2025. At its June 23, 2025, meeting, Council approved an amendment to the ordinance, removing the penalties for juveniles.
The original Youth Protection Ordinance expired on May 27, 2026. During the June 4, 2026, Special meeting Council moved to approve the continuance of the youth protection ordinance and receive quarterly updates from the Police Department. The motion passed by a vote of 7 in favor to 2 in opposition with Council Members McMillan and Hondros voting in opposition.
Background:
In 2025, the City experienced an increase in gun violence over several months. In an effort to address this increase, Mayor Colvin called a special meeting on May 5, 2025 to discuss public safety concerns as well as options to reduce incidences of gun violence. During that meeting, Council approved the implementation of a City-wide curfew for juveniles 16 years of age and under, that mirrors the City of Charlotte’s Youth Protection Ordinance. Council approved certain amendments to the ordinance, the latest of which removes penalties for juveniles.
Issues/Analysis:
The Youth Protection Safety Ordinance expired on May 27, 2026, but the Council would like to keep the Ordinance in the Code of Ordinances.
Budget Impact:
Unknown
Options:
1. Re-adopt the Youth Protection Safety Ordinance.
2. Reject the Youth Protection Safety Ordinance
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Re-adopt the Youth Protection Safety Ordinance.
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Attachments:
Youth Protection Safety Ordinance