Report Prepared by: Amanda Williams, Economic Development Associate
Title
SUBJECT: Request by the Tourism Business Improvement District Steering Committee to the City Council to Adopt the Slate of the Board of Directors for the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the request from the Tourism Business Improvement District Steering Committee to adopt the slate of recommended hoteliers to the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Board of Directors. The appointed board members and officers will be able to proceed conducting the business of the TBID.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Appointing the following TBID Board Members; Robin Donovan, Chair, Sean Williams, Vice Chair, Tiffany Gomes, Secretary, Nitin Kumar, Treasurer; Vacant, Board Member; and,
B. Appointing a City Official to the TBID Board; and,
C. Directing the City Clerk to provide the Certified Minute Action to the TBID Board.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by City Council; or,
3. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by the City Council; or,
4. Defer action until a specific date; or,
5. Deny the request.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
FY 2025/2026 Budget, Economic Development, Objectives, (6) Continue coordinating efforts to create a Tourism Based Improvement District with key partners.
BACKGROUND
The City of Merced Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) was developed by interested lodging businesses in efforts of vitalizing the hospitality industry, increasing overnight stays, and promoting these properties as destinations for tourism, events, and commerce. Merced is often referred to as “The Gateway to Yosemite”, and the local lodging industry would like to increase its prominence and capture the tourists that not only come to visit Yosemite, but also the growing regional agricultural industry, festivals, events, and UC Merced programs. Through the TBID, both day visitors and overnight visitors contribute to Merced’s vitality through purchases at activity providers, restaurants, and retailers.
DISCUSSION
The formation process included petitions from the local hoteliers, a resolution to establish, and a public comment and hearing. The TBID was officially formed on December 2, 2024, through approved Resolution 2024-92.
Now, a Board of Directors needs to be appointed by Council to oversee and manage the Tourism Business Improvement District.
The TBID Steering Committee requests the City Council appoint the following identified persons below to serve as the Board of Directors:
Chair: Robin Donovan
Vice Chair: Sean Williams
Secretary: Tiffany Gomes
Treasurer: Nitin Kumar
Board Member: Vacant
The City of Merced may elect to appoint a staff member to the TBID board and fill the remaining vacant seat. For example, Public Works Director Ken Elwin serves on the PBID Board of Directors. The option to appoint a staff member to the TBID board is not mandatory. Council may consider either directly appointing a staff member, authorizing the City Manager to appoint the staff member, or decline having a staff member serve on the TBID Board of Directors. If the Council considers appointing a staff member, the individual should not be in a major decision making role such as a Charter Officer including the City Manager, City Attorney, or Finance Officer.
The Board will be responsible for making requests to the City to adopt the TBID by-laws and other necessary agreements between the TBID and the City.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Board of Directors Letter Request