Title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau to Provide Tourism Enhancements Utilizing $650,000 of American Rescue Plan Act Funding
Body
LEGISLATIVE INTENT/PURPOSE:
WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington has been allocated $25.9M of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”), referred to as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds; and,
WHEREAS, City staff provided a recommended spending plan to City Council that responds to many needs of the community recovering from the pandemic, and aids in the economic recovery efforts and fiscal stability, and the City of Wilmington has actively worked with community members to aid in the economic recovery in those areas impacted by the pandemic, including loss of tourism; and,
WHEREAS, the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau (“CVB”) is requesting $650,000 from the City’s allocated ARPA funding to provide a multitude of tourism enhancements along the City’s downtown riverwalk, which is a major tourist destination; and,
WHEREAS, an eligible use of ARPA funding includes addressing negative economic impacts to businesses in the tourism industry, many of whom experienced harmful consequences of the economic disruptions resulting from or exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and,
WHEREAS, this request from the CVB will improve the tourist experience, attracting new and returning visitors to this area, which in turn provides a positive economic impact to the surrounding businesses.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT, the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the CVB for an amount up to $650,000 in ARPA funding to provide tourism enhancements to the Wilmington downtown and Riverwalk areas.