Fayetteville council approves agenda, accepts performance report, renames park and adopts 2026 priorities

Fayetteville City Council on an April meeting unanimously approved procedural items and several substantive administrative measures, including acceptance of the city—9s third-quarter FY25 strategic performance report, renaming a neighborhood park and adopting five council strategic priorities for FY26.

Council voted to approve the meeting agenda and later approved the consent agenda with one item removed for separate consideration. The council then received and accepted the FY25 third-quarter strategic performance report and voted to rename Woodrow Park to Haymount Park at Woodrow following a public hearing. Council also voted to adopt five strategic priorities for the coming fiscal year as presented by a facilitator from Fountainworks.

The motions were routine and passed unanimously. When the agenda was approved, the mayor noted procedural requirements and Councilmember Thompson moved to approve the consent agenda (second recorded on the transcript); the clerk recorded the consent vote as unanimous. Councilmember Benavente moved to accept the third-quarter strategic performance report; Councilmember Davis seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Green moved to rename Woodrow Park to Haymount Park at Woodrow; Councilmember Davis seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Benavente moved to accept the FY26 strategic priorities developed at the council retreat; Councilmember Davis seconded and the vote was unanimous.

The approved FY26 priorities — as presented and ratified by the council — are (1) enhance economic growth throughout the city; (2) pursue a comprehensive approach to community safety; (3) continue revitalization and address housing needs; (4) increase parks and recreation opportunities for youth engagement; and (5) evaluate and expand transportation and resident connectivity. Staff will develop action plans tied to the priorities for later council adoption.

The renaming of Woodrow Park followed a public hearing with a Friends of Haymount representative requesting the change to honor the Haymount neighborhood; the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission had earlier recommended the change. Council approved the renaming ordinance by motion.

No council member recorded a dissenting vote on the items listed above. Several items on the consent agenda (approved as a single block) were not discussed at length during the meeting and were approved as presented.

Council indicated staff will return with implementation steps for the FY26 priorities and additional supporting action plans for subsequent adoption and budget consideration.