TO: Mayor Colvin and Members of City Council
THRU: Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
FROM: Erin Swinney, Police Attorney
DATE: June 1, 2026
RE:Title
Review Peer Cities’ Picketing/Demonstrations Ordinances
Title
end
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal I: Safe and Secure Community
Priority 1: Continue Implementing a Comprehensive Approach to Community Safety
Executive Summary:
The City Council requested that the City Attorney’s Office provide a comparison of the picketing/demonstration ordinances from the Council approved peer cities.
Background:
The City Attorney’s Office recommended various changes to the City’s Parades, Motorcades, Special Events and Demonstrations ordinance at the January 5, 2026 work session. At that time, the matter was tabled for 60 days. At the April 27, 2026 regular meeting, the City Council directed the CAO to conduct a peer city review. The results of the comparison will be presented. Council may choose to adopt a version of one of the peer cities or select certain provisions from multiple peer cities to craft an ordinance for Fayetteville.
Issues/Analysis:
The City’s goal is to develop an ordinance that allows harassment free use of outdoor dining areas while also respecting individuals’ freedom of speech and right to peaceably assemble.
Budget Impact:
Unknown
Options:
1. Adopt the recommendations of the CAO as provided in the presentation.
2. Provide direction to staff as to which provisions should be included in the ordinance.
3. Make no changes to the current ordinance.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council provides direction to staff as to which provisions should be included in the ordinance and move to adopt those changes.
end
Attachments:
Presentation