Department of the City Manager
Reference: Brighton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Recommendations
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Philip Rodriguez, City Manager
Prepared By: Alisha Janes, Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Date Prepared: November 9, 2018
PURPOSE
Per City Code Section 3-40-170(b), the Brighton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (BLTAC) “shall study, investigate and advise City Council as to the development and promulgation of policies for the implementation, support and use of revenues from the lodging tax for economic development, special events, cultural arts facilities, advertising and marketing, promotion of tourism and other activities related thereto.” In particular, the Committee will advise the City Council on allocation, budgeting and appropriation of funds from the Lodging Tax Fund consistent with the provisions of Section 3-40-50, “Use of tax.”
BLTAC is presenting their recommendations for the BLTAC Regular Grant awards and allocations for projects to be completed in 2019.
BACKGROUND
In August, the City Council was presented the idea of a pilot program that modified the annual lodging tax grant process for 2019 to incorporate allocating 40% of anticipated grant dollars to the Brighton Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and 40% to the Brighton Cultural Arts Commission (BCAC). Council subsequently confirmed initial support for such a program, as recommended by the BLTAC, in the form of a pilot program. Next, grant applications received by the Committee in the areas of economic development and cultural arts were also referred to the EDC and BCAC, respectively. BLTAC then interviewed applicants that had not been referred to either EDC or BCAC and recommended grant allocations in a similar fashion to previous grant-cycle years. As a result of that process, the attached resolution allocates $120,000 to both EDC and BCAC and does not include grant rewards for the applications that have been referred to those two organizations. Both the EDC and BCAC will present their recommendations to the BLTAC in January. The grant agreements with EDC and BCAC will still require reimbursement for programming expenses.
Eleven grant requests were received, totaling $286,245. The BLTAC is recommending allocating $70,000 in addition to the $120,000 allocated to both EDC and BCAC for a total allocation of $310,000. Minimal, existing Fund Balance will be utilized to complete the funding allocations, in addition to expected revenues in 2019.
On October 3, 2018, the BLTAC met to interview grant applicants and consider the grants to be referred to the EDC and BCAC. The Committee used the following evaluation criteria and associated “points available”:
Criteria maximum score points - 100
|
1. Organization qualifications and relevant experience/projects (comprehensive experience in promoting the city and specific community venues and events that result in an increase in visitors to the community) |
15 points |
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2. Clear documentation of budget request and use of funds including a detailed budget narrative, budget justification and demonstration of ability to leverage and/or match other sources of funds |
50 points |
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3. Concept Proposal (adherence to Ordinance 2121 - use of tax to promote lodging and positive economic impact to the community) |
35 points |
Based on the presentations and scored points, the Committee made the following recommendations:
1. Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center “Discover Brighton”: Establishes marketing materials including: social media, independent advertising, and a website to bring new visitors to the Brighton area. BLTAC Funding Recommendation: $40,000
2. Office of Youth Services “Image Summit”: Funds a two-day youth summit that focuses on building leadership and confidence skills. Attendees participate from across the state and boost sales for local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
BLTAC Funding Recommendation: $20,000
3. Brighton Youth Commission “SPEAK Week”: Activities include a 5K walk and school-based presentations to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. The programming provides the community and visitors with education about mental illness and information about invaluable, life-saving resources.
BLTAC Funding Recommendation: $7,500
4. District Plan Wayfinding: promotes the City’s agricultural heritage and agritourism opportunities to the region, the state, and beyond by creating a recognizable brand and logo and developing a wayfinding program to guide people to the area.
BLTAC Funding Recommendation: $2,500
Total BLTAC Grant Allocation: $70,000
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A. Brighton Economic Development Corporation $120,000
B. Brighton Cultural Arts Commission $120,000
C. Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center $40,000
D. Office of Youth Services “Image Summit” $20,000
E. Brighton Youth Commission “SPEAK Week” $7,500
F. District Plan Wayfinding $2,500
Total Allocation: $310,000
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approval of BLTAC Allocations and Grant Awards totaling $310,000.
ATTACHMENTS
? Resolution