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Board asks staff to review event safety plan after recent incidents elsewhere
Summary
Board members asked staff and the street department to re‑examine the city’s event safety guidelines and hardening measures for street‑closed festivals, citing recent vehicle attacks elsewhere and the need for stronger perimeter protections.
Board members said the city should re‑examine its event safety plan and consider additional physical hardening and operational steps for street‑closed festivals ahead of the 2025 season.
The mayor said the city has made strides placing responsibility on event organizers to submit event safety plans but that recent incidents elsewhere — including vehicular attacks at large gatherings — warrant a renewed review. "We need to kinda press the pause button as we roll into the 2025 festival season and give another consideration. Are we doing enough, and what could be done in order to make these events safer?" the mayor said.
Board members asked that the street department be included in the conversations because it places barricades and other traffic control devices, and they discussed movable steel bollards and removable barriers used in larger cities. Staff noted cost and logistical challenges, particularly because downtown frequently hosts events with differing footprints and because placing heavy barriers can require leaving them in place for extended periods. The board asked the chief, Hannah (event staff), the street department and event organizers to provide recommendations on additional tactics, costs and operational changes and to return with suggested amendments to the event safety guidelines.
