TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Council Member Mario Benavente, District 3
DATE: November 4, 2024
RE:
Title
Driving Equality Laws
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
ALL
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal I Safe and Secure Community
Goal VI Citizen Engagement & Partnerships
Executive Summary:
Presentation by Policy Experts and the Office of Council Member Isaiah Thomas, Majority Whip, Philadelphia City Council on the topic of Driving Equality Laws.
Background:
The issue of the City of Fayetteville disproportionately stopping and searching Black drivers has worsened since being visited by the U.S. Department of Justice. Now is the time to take action on the harms imposed by government agents against communities facing the greatest financial hardships.
Issues/Analysis:
Unequal application of the law; review successful policies from other cities that have addressed this issue.
Budget Impact:
The day we stop imposing more fines & fees on people that are struggling the most, is the day we stop being a city in a Tier 1 county.
Options:
1. Accept the Report.
2. Do not accept the Report and provide staff with further direction.
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Council’s Community Safety Committee to conduct outreach with the District Attorney’s Office and the Chief District Court Judges Office, as well as citizen outreach during their regular meetings.
Attachments:
Letter from Denver Police Chief
PowerPoint Presentation