TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas Hewett, City Manager, ICMA-CM
FROM: Andrew Mansell, Senior Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: October 12, 2026
RE:Title
Appropriate $25,000 for E.E. Smith High School’s Participation in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Necessary DocumentsTitle
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
ALL
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
The contribution supports the City’s goal of being a desirable place to live, work and recreate by fostering youth participation in music and providing an opportunity to represent Fayetteville at a major public event.
Executive Summary:
Budget Ordinance Amendment 26-0690 appropriates $25,000 from interest earnings on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a one-time contribution toward E.E. Smith High School’s participation in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on November 26, 2026.
This item is brought forward at the direction of City Council, as provided during its October 5, 2026, work session. Council directed staff to identify up to $25,000 in funding and seek matching support from Cumberland County. Staff recommends limiting the City’s contribution to transportation, lodging, or other trip costs typically allowable under the City’s travel policies, but additional fundraising is needed for the trip to proceed.
Background:
At its October 5, 2026, work session, City Council considered Council Member Antonio Jones’s request for financial support for E.E. Smith High School’s participation in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. The request was intended to support youth programming and provide an opportunity for students to represent Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and North Carolina at a televised public event. Council reached consensus, directing staff to identify up to $25,000 in funding based on the band’s remaining financial need and to seek matching support from Cumberland County. This agenda item is brought f...
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