TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM:
DATE: April 27, 2026
RE:Title
Approve Dogwood Festival Funding Support of $75,000.00
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal IV: The City of Fayetteville will be a desirable place to live, work, and recreate
Objective 4.2 - To enhance diverse recreation, leisure, and cultural opportunities.
Executive Summary:
At the April 6, 2026, City Council Work Session, Ms. Kaylynn Suarez, Executive Director of the Dogwood Festival presented the Festival's request for City support and outlined several options for assistance. Based on that presentation and subsequent discussions with Council Members, there appears to be support for a one-time grant of $75,000 to assist with the 2026 Festival. Staff also seeks Council direction to develop a proposed multi-year funding framework for FY27, FY28, and FY29 tied to defined performance measures and annual reporting.
Background:
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is a long-standing community event and one of downtown Fayetteville's most visible annual attractions. For many years, the Festival has served as a community gathering point that supports downtown activity, local business engagement, tourism, and civic pride. The 2026 Spring Festival is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026, and continues to be offered as a free community event.
The City has historically supported the Festival through both direct financial assistance and substantial in-kind services. Past City funding support was provided in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and City departments continue to assist with a range of event-related operational needs each year.
Issues/Analysis:
A one-time grant, around City Council's consensus of $75,000, is a practical way to respond to the request presented to Council on April 6, support this year's Festival and the continuing sustainability of th...
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