Fayetteville A&P Commission approves five‑year MOU with NWA Equality for Pride Week at $30,000 annually

The Fayetteville Advertising & Promotions Commission voted Jan. 26 to authorize the organization’s chief executive to sign a five‑year memorandum of understanding with Northwest Arkansas Equality to support Pride Week, at a budgeted annual cost of $30,000.

The commission discussed the proposed contract during its regular meeting and moved to approve the agreement as presented by the commission’s attorney. Ryan, the commission’s CEO, said the multi‑year MOU aligns with the destination master plan and with larger sponsor commitments. "This contract aligns with some larger sponsors as well," he said.

Commissioner Bob Stafford announced a recusal before the vote, saying he did not want the appearance of a conflict of interest because NWA Equality and NWA Pride are current clients. The chair then moved to authorize the CEO to sign the presented five‑year agreement; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor with no opposed voices recorded.

The action will commit the commission to an annual $30,000 expenditure that staff said is already budgeted. The CEO said he would execute the agreement under the terms prepared by the commission’s attorney.

The commission did not provide a roll‑call tally in the meeting packet; the minutes record the recusal and that the motion passed.