Report Prepared by: Amanda Williams, Economic Development Associate
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of an Agreement Between the City of Merced and the Merced Business Tourism Improvement District to Administer the Assessment Tax and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the agreement between the City of Merced and the Merced Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) to administer the Assessment Tax and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the agreement between the City of Merced and the Merced Tourism Business Improvement District to administer the Assessment Tax; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Continue to a future meeting; or
3. Deny
AUTHORITY
Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994 (Streets and Highways Code Section 36600, et seq.)
City Council Resolution No. 2024-92.
DISCUSSION
What is a TBID:
A TBID is a mechanism for funding tourism and destination activities designed to increase revenues for the assessed businesses.
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.
TBID F...
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